Contents: Manual check ↳ Disposal of shock absorbers ↳
The following deficiencies during movement indicate a faulty shock absorber:
- Long periods of vehicle rocking when driving on uneven roads.
- Increasing vibrations of a vehicle when driving on a road with alternating uneven surfaces.
- Wheel oscillation when driving on a normal road.
- The car pulls away when braking (may also be caused by other reasons).
- Car skidding when turning due to insufficient road holding.
- Knocking sound when the car is moving.
- Abnormal wear of the tire tread with smoothing of the tread profile.
The shock absorber's performance can be checked manually. More precisely, the shock absorber can be checked on a test bench or with a special tester (the shock absorber is installed).
Manual check
Remove the shock absorber.
Hold the shock absorber in the position of its installation on the car and move the rod three times from one extreme position to another. In this case, the rod should be pulled out with a uniform large force and recessed without a certain force, in addition, there should be no extraneous noise when moving the rod.
Pull the rod out completely and release it. The rod should descend at a uniform speed to the bottom position.
If the shock absorber is functioning perfectly, small traces of shock absorber oil are not a reason for replacement.
If there is a large loss of shock absorber oil, replace the shock absorber.
Install the shock absorber.
Disposal of shock absorbers
The shock absorber is filled with oil. Therefore, it must be disposed of or left in special waste collection areas; the shock absorber must not be left in household waste.
In workshops, oil is drained from the shock absorber in the following order.
Place the shock absorber vertically with the rod down and press the rod until it stops.
At a distance of about 20 mm below the bottom of the shock absorber pipe, drill a hole with a diameter of 3 mm and release the gas. The outgoing gas is odorless and colorless, non-toxic.
Drill a 5mm diameter hole approximately 60mm below the bottom of the shock absorber pipe.
While moving the shock absorber rod, drain the oil through the hole into a suitable container.
Warning! Do not pour drained oil on the ground or into household garbage. Mineral shock absorber oil can be disposed of together with engine oil according to the rules.