Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Testing and Inspection

- Check that any load in the cargo area or trunk is evenly distributed. Remove any heavy items that could affect measurements.
- Lift rear of car so that the rear suspension and wheels hang free for approximately one minute. This is to ensure that the shock absorbers are not pumped up from the start of the operation.
- Lower car and allow to stand on a level surface. Measure distance A between the lowest point of the rim and the highest point on the wheel arch edge. Measure both sides. Take a copy of page 3 of this service bulletin and fill in the measurements. If the springs are in good condition and the self-leveling shock absorbers are operating correctly, the difference between left and right sides should be maximum 15 mm (19/32").
- Load 150 kg. (330 lbs.) into the cargo area or trunk, evenly distributed on both sides. If no weights are available, three adults can sit in the rear seat. The distance A should now be less.
- Drive the car 1-2 miles on an uneven road with weight in place.
- Immediately measure the distance A again. The load of 150 kg (330 lbs.) or three adults should be in the car. The measurement should be the same as that obtained before adding the load. Add the measurements to the form and work out the difference. The difference is OK if it is: between -20 mm and +8 mm (- 25/32" + 5/16") from the original unloaded measurement. The difference between right and left may be maximum 15 mm (19/32").
- If the measurements show a deviation from the values obtained, then the shock absorber must be replaced. The method for replacing a shock absorber is described in Replacing rear spring/shock absorber.
A test form for self-leveling shock absorbers can be found under: Self-leveling shock absorbers - Test Form, Volvo 854/855.

Self-leveling shock absorbers - Test Form. Volvo 854/855
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Testing Chart