Shock Absorbers, Checking When Removed
Defective shock absorbers are noticeable when driving due to loud rumbling noises - a result of wheel hopping - especially on poor stretches of road. Also, faulty shock absorbers are recognizable by severe external oil loss.
Shock absorbers are maintenance-free, shock absorber oil cannot be filled.
A removed shock absorber can be checked by hand as follows:
-- Push the shock absorber together by hand.
- The piston rod must move with even resistance throughout the entire stroke and without jerking.
-- Release the piston rod.
- For shock absorbers with sufficient gas pressure, the piston rod returns automatically to its starting position.
If this is not the case, the shock absorber must be replaced. As long as there is not a large loss of oil, the effectiveness corresponds to that of a standard shock absorber.
The damping function is also completely available without gas pressure, as long as there is no large loss of oil. However, this can increase the noise level.