FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Leaking Shock Absorbers



Leaking shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are often replaced because of externally visible leakage. Inspections on the test rig and in the vehicle have shown that in the majority of cases this replacement is not justified.

Slight loss of fluid ("sweating") at the piston rod seal is not a reason for replacing a shock absorber. A shock absorber with slight fluid leakage can be accepted as "OK" under the following conditions:





^ Fluid seepage (shaded part of the illustration) is visible, but the fluid is dull and possibly dried by dust
^ The fluid seepage extends only from the top shock absorber seal (piston rod oil seal) down to the bottom spring plate - arrow -.

Note: Slight fluid leakage is actually beneficial, as it lubricates the piston rod oil seal and thus extends the life of the shock absorber. This applies to shock absorbers on both the front and rear axles.