Shock Absorber Leakage

Shock absorbers, checking

Shock absorber leakage

Shock absorbers are often replaced on the basis of complaints about leakage. Test bench and on-the-vehicle studies have revealed that in the majority of cases the complaints received did not justify this action.


The emergence of slight traces of oil ("sweating") at the piston rod seal does not represent grounds for shock absorber replacement. Such oil presence on the shock absorber is acceptable in the following cases:

^ Oil emerging is visible (shaded area in illustration), but is dull and matte and possibly also dry and dust-coated

^ Emergence of oil is only observed in the range between upper shock absorber seal (piston rod oil seal) and lower spring plate (arrow).

Note:
The emergence of a small quantity of oil is beneflcia4 as it lubricates the piston rod oil seal and thus extends the service life. This applies to front and rear axle shock absorbers.