Details of the upper part of the shock absorber strut
1 – top nut; 2 – conical washer; 3 – support bearing holder; 4 – intermediate sleeve; 5 – pressure washer; 6 – support bearing; 7 – upper spring plate; 8 – stop buffer; 9 – protective cap; 10 – top nut; 11 – cone washer; 12 – support; 13 – centering ring; 14 – lower fastening nut; 15 – pressure washer; 16 – support bearing; 17 – upper spring plate
Removal
1. Remove the shock absorber strut.
2. Place a spring compressor on a vice, insert the strut spring into it and slowly compress the spring until the spring load is removed from the upper strut cup.
3. Unscrew the nut securing the upper support bearing of the shock absorber strut. This operation is performed differently in cars of different years of production. When unscrewing the nut, hold the shock absorber rod from turning.
Cars before 05.1983.
4. Unscrew the nut securing the upper support bearing of the shock absorber strut and sequentially remove the support bearing, the upper spring cup and the spring.
Cars from 05.1983.
5. Remove the washer, support bearing, centering ring from the shock absorber rod, unscrew the mounting nut and remove the upper spring cup, thrust buffer and spring.
6. Remove the shock absorber from the spring.
7. When replacing the spring, slowly release the tool and release the spring.
Installation
1. Check the shock absorber before installation.
2. If a new spring is being installed, compress it.
3. Install the shock absorber into the spring, ensuring that the spring fits correctly against the shock absorber support cup.
4. Install the removed parts onto the rod in the reverse order of removal.
5. While holding the rod from turning, screw on the nut.
6. Slowly release the spring, ensuring that the ends of the spring are precisely positioned in the recesses of the spring cups.
7. Install the shock absorber strut on the vehicle.
Checking the shock absorber
A precise check of the shock absorber parameters is performed on a test bench. The condition of the shock absorber can be determined approximately by manually compressing or stretching the shock absorber removed from the car. In a serviceable shock absorber, the rod should move evenly, with the same force from stop to stop.
Signs of a faulty shock absorber
A shock absorber that has failed is determined by the following signs:
- strong, prolonged vibrations or rocking of the car body when driving over uneven roads;
- wheels bounce and the car body vibrates even on a smooth road;
- deterioration of stability and skidding of the vehicle on turns.