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