Checking the removed shock absorber

Set the shock absorber to the vertical position

Check the condition of the shock absorber by moving the piston by the rod along the entire stroke.

If jamming or lack of resistance is found throughout the piston stroke, and obvious traces of fluid leakage through the stuffing box are visible, replace the shock absorber.

- Cause of malfunction

Remedy

Liquid leakage from shock absorber:

- Reservoir nut loosening

Tighten the nut

- Wear of the stem seal

Replace oil seal

- Nicks or risks on the stem, wear of the stem before the chrome layer comes off

Replace Stem

The absence of a chrome layer is checked by the reddening of the stem when it is wetted with a solution of copper sulfate

Unsatisfactory operation of the shock absorber (frequent "breakdowns", vehicle sway):

- Insufficient amount of fluid in the shock absorber

Remove the shock absorber from the car, disassemble, replace the faulty parts and add fluid

Insufficient force on the rebound stroke (when the shock absorber is stretched):

- Piston liner wear

Replace bushing

- Nadir on piston or cylinder

Replace damaged parts

- Loose overlap of the bypass valve

Disassemble and wash the shock absorber. If necessary, replace the valve and its parts

Insufficient force (or "dips") in the compression stroke:

- Leaky closing of the compression valve due to the ingress of foreign particles

Rinse shock absorber parts, fill with fresh fluid

Knocks and squeaks during shock absorber operation:

- Loose or worn bushings of the upper and lower shock absorber lugs

Tighten loose nuts. Replace damaged bushings

- Excessive amount of fluid in the shock absorber

Pour fluid into the shock absorber in a strictly defined amount

- Self-loosening of the recoil valve fastening nut

Tighten the nut