Bump Stops with Fitting Position Front Axle, Rear Axle for HSV MALOO Z SERIES

4WD bump stops limit how far the suspension can compress and cushion the final part of that travel, so the axle or control arm does not slam metal-to-metal into the chassis. On a lifted or heavily loaded 4WD, the point where the bump stop engages often needs to change. A lift can let tyres, shocks or other components reach their limits before the bump stop makes contact, while heavy loads use up suspension travel and bring the bump stop into play more often. Use the vehicle search to find bump stops to suit your Z SERIES MALOO.

What Do Bump Stops Do on Your Z SERIES MALOO?

Every suspension system has a limit to how far it can compress. The bump stop marks that limit. It is a block of rubber or polyurethane mounted on the chassis or the axle, positioned so that it makes contact just before the suspension reaches a point where something would be damaged.

When the suspension compresses hard, such as hitting a deep pothole, landing off a ledge or crossing a washout at speed, the bump stop takes the last of the impact. Because it compresses progressively, it slows the suspension over a short distance rather than stopping it instantly. That helps protect the shock absorbers from bottoming out internally, keeps the springs from being overcompressed, and stops the axle or arms striking the chassis.

Bump stops also prevent the tyres contacting the body or guards at full compression, which is particularly important when larger tyres are fitted.

Z SERIES MALOO Bump Stops and Shock Absorbers

Bump stops and shock absorbers work together at the limit of suspension travel. A shock absorber has its own maximum compressed length. If the suspension compresses further than that length, the shock bottoms out, which can damage its internal components, bend the shaft or break its mounts.

For that reason, the bump stop should be set so it engages before the shock reaches the end of its stroke. When a lift kit uses longer shocks, or when shocks of a different length are fitted, the relationship between shock length and bump stop position changes. Checking that the bump stop still engages before the shock bottoms out is part of setting up any suspension change correctly.

Do You Need Bump Stop Extensions After a Z SERIES MALOO Lift?

Often, yes. A lift raises the body relative to the axle, which can increase the distance the suspension can compress before the bump stop makes contact. That extra travel can be useful, but only if everything else can cope with it. With the original bump stops, the suspension may now compress far enough for the tyres to hit the guards, the shocks to bottom out, or the CV joints, steering or driveline to reach the edge of their range.

Bump stop extensions, also called bump stop spacers, lower the point where the bump stop engages, bringing it back to a suitable position for the lifted setup. The right amount of extension depends on the lift height, the shock length, the tyre size and the vehicle's suspension design. Requirements vary, so check the lift kit's specification for your vehicle, or have a suspension technician cycle the suspension through its travel to confirm where the bump stop needs to engage.

Z SERIES MALOO Bump Stops and Larger Tyres

Larger tyres are one of the main reasons bump stops need attention on a modified 4WD. A taller, wider tyre takes up more room in the wheel arch, and at full compression it can contact the guard liners, body panels or chassis. On the front of a 4WD, the tyre also moves as the steering turns, so contact is most likely at full compression combined with full steering lock.

Extending the bump stops limits up-travel so the tyre stops short of the bodywork. This is often a balance between keeping as much suspension travel as possible and preventing tyre contact. Some owners trim guard liners or bodywork to allow more travel, but the bump stops still need to be set so the tyre cannot reach anything at the limit of compression.

What Types of Bump Stops Suit Your Z SERIES MALOO?

Bump stops come in several forms, and the right one depends on the vehicle and what needs correcting.

Z SERIES MALOO Vehicle-Specific Bump Stop Kits

Vehicle-specific kits are designed to fit the factory bump stop mounting points on a particular vehicle. They replace worn original bump stops, or provide an alternative in a different material or firmness. Some kits cover the front and rear, while others are for one end only.

Universal Bump Stops

Universal bump stops are made in a range of sizes, shapes and firmness levels, so they can be used where a vehicle-specific part is not available or a custom setup is needed. Choosing a universal bump stop means matching its height, diameter, mounting method and firmness to the application.

Bump Stop Spacers

Bump stop spacers fit between the bump stop and its mount to lower the point where it engages. They are the most common way to adjust bump stop position after a lift.

Droop Stops

Droop stops work at the opposite end of the travel. They limit how far the suspension can extend when a wheel drops into a hole or hangs over a ledge, helping protect shock absorbers from being overextended and CV joints from running at excessive angles.

Why Does a Z SERIES MALOO Bottom Out?

A 4WD that bottoms out frequently is using up all of its suspension travel. The most common causes are springs that are too soft for the load the vehicle carries, sagging springs that have lost their height, and worn shock absorbers that no longer control how fast the suspension compresses.

Overloading is a frequent contributor. Accessories, touring gear and tow ball download add weight that compresses the springs, leaving less travel before the bump stop. Driving style and terrain play a part too, since hitting obstacles at speed compresses the suspension faster and further. Bump stops soften the end of travel, but they do not fix the underlying cause. If a vehicle bottoms out often, have the springs, shocks and load checked as well.

How Do You Know When Z SERIES MALOO Bump Stops Need Replacing?

Inspect the bump stops when the vehicle is on a hoist. Common signs of wear include cracks, splits, flattened or crumbling material, pieces missing and bump stops that have come loose from their mounts. Shiny or polished marks on the chassis or axle where the bump stop contacts show it is being used regularly.

On the road, worn or missing bump stops can show up as a harsh bang or metallic knock over large bumps, when the suspension reaches the end of its travel. Similar noises can come from worn shocks, loose shock mounts, broken springs or worn bushes, so a full suspension inspection is recommended.

Polyurethane or Rubber Z SERIES MALOO Bump Stops?

Original bump stops are usually rubber, which cushions well but can crack and break down with age, heat and exposure to oil and road grime. Polyurethane bump stop makers generally state that polyurethane resists wear and tearing better than rubber.

Firmness, measured as durometer, affects how a bump stop feels. A softer bump stop engages more gently but compresses further, while a firmer one stops the suspension in a shorter distance and feels harder when it engages. Many bump stops are shaped to be progressive, starting soft and becoming firmer as they compress. Choose firmness to suit the vehicle's weight and how often the bump stops are likely to be used.

Fitting Z SERIES MALOO Bump Stops: An Overview

Bump stops are usually bolted or pressed into existing mounts. When fitting spacers or extensions, the suspension should be cycled through its travel, often with the springs removed or the vehicle supported so the axle can be raised, to confirm the bump stop engages before the shocks bottom out and the tyres reach the bodywork, including at full steering lock. Fasteners must be tightened to the specified torque. Because this check involves supporting the vehicle and moving the suspension through its range, it should be carried out by a qualified suspension technician.

Get the Right Z SERIES MALOO Bump Stops with Formula 4x4

Bump stops take the hit when a loaded 4WD bottoms out, and you'll find them in the Formula 4x4 suspension parts range.

Start by confirming whether you need replacements for worn bump stops, extensions to suit a lift or larger tyres, or droop stops to protect components at full extension. Note your lift height, shock length and tyre size. Search by your Z SERIES MALOO to find 4WD bump stops to suit it. If you are unsure what your Z SERIES MALOO needs, contact the Formula 4x4 team.