In a word 'poppycock'. At 100K your friends used Peugeot shocks are
probably way better than the new Gabriels and in a year would be twice
as good as the used Gabriels. The only shock I have used with success other
than Peugeot is Koni plain hydraulics. I have never seen a shock seal leak
that was
properly installed. Your friend might be better off buying new rebounders
from Brian Holm rather than pay the dealer $50 plus per hour to try and
wrestle off the old ones. Likewise with the swivel bearings if they are
on the way out. According to Peugeot the owner must pay the dealer to
install the new swivels so I get the new ones put in a good shock, usually
new ball joints, new rebounders, new bearings, tops and springs, install
the hubs and rotors then take in the car with the ready to install struts
in the trunk. The last time I did this the dealer charged me less than $140 CD
including a 4 wheel alignment I needed for a safety.
Recently I have been resurfacing the valves in the shocks this has been
working out very well giving worn shocks new aplomb . I use PSA shock
oil at about $30 CD for 2 liters from the dealer.
Bob Bruce
each shock takes about 300 cc or 11oz.