Shock Absorbers, Checking After Removal

Shock absorbers, checking after removal
Defective shock absorbers become apparent through loud knocking noises while driving, particularly on a poor road surface, on account of the wheel "jumping". A further sign is a severe loss of oil on the outside.

Note: Shock absorbers are maintenance-free; the shock absorber oil cannot be topped off.

Following removal, a shock absorber can be checked as follows by hand:
- Squeeze shock absorber together.
^ Piston rod must move evenly and smoothly over entire stroke
- Release piston rod.
^ Piston rod returns automatically to initial position if there is sufficient gas pressure in shock absorber

Note:
^ If the above is not the case, the shock absorber need not necessarily be replaced. Provided no major loss of oil has occurred, the mode of operation corresponds to that of a conventional shock absorber.
^ The full damping function is retained even without gas pressure, provided there has been no major loss of oil. There may however be a negative effect on noise level.