Checking While Removed From Vehicle

Shock absorbers, checking while removed from vehicle
Malfunctioning shock absorbers are noticeable during driving due to loud rattling noises - caused by wheel bouncing - particularly on rough driving surfaces. They can also be externally identified by large oil loss.

Note: Shock absorbers are maintenance-free, shock absorber oil cannot be refilled.

A shock absorber that has been removed from the vehicle can be checked by hand as follows:
^ Press shock absorber together by hand.
^ Piston rod must move with even resistance throughout entire stroke and without jerking.
^ Release piston rod.
^ For shock absorbers with sufficient gas pressure, piston rod returns to initial position on its own.

Note:
^ If this does not occur, the shock absorber must not necessarily be replaced. As long as oil loss is not large, the effectiveness represents that of a conventional shock absorber.
^ The damping function is completely available even without gas pressure as long as there is not a large fluid loss. But the noisiness may worsen.