Strut Damper and/or Coil Spring Check

Reference: STRUT DAMPER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION 

Reference: COIL SPRING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION 

1. Inspect strut for oil leakage. If strut is found faulty, replace it as an assembly unit, because it can not be disassembled.
2. Strut function check

   Check and adjust tire pressures as specified.

   Bounce body three or four times continuously by pushing front end on the side with strut to be checked.

   Apply the same amount of force at each push and note strut resistance both when pushed and rebounding.

   Also, note how many times vehicle body rebounds before coming to stop after hands are off. Do the same for strut on the other side.

   Compare strut resistance and number of rebound on the right with those on the left.

   And they must be equal in both. With proper strut, body should come to stop the moment hands are off or after only one or two small rebounds. If struts are suspected, compare them with known good vehicle or strut.

3. Inspect for damage or deformation.
4. Inspect strut boot (1) for damage or crack.
5. Inspect for cracks or deformation in spring seat (2).
6. Inspect for deterioration of bump stopper (3).
7. Inspect strut mount (4) for wear, cracks or deformation.
   Fig 1: Identifying Strut Boot, Strut Mount, Bump Stopper & Spring Seat

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Replace any parts found defective in Steps  2 -  7.