Checking/scrapping the shock absorber

The following driving characteristics indicate defective shock absorbers:

• Body continues to oscillate for a long time after road bumps.

• Body bounces increasingly over successive road bumps.

• Wheels bounce even on normal road surfaces.

• Vehicle swerves when braking (may also have other causes).

• Poor cornering stability due to inadequate tracking, vehicle skidding.

• Knocking noises while driving.

• Abnormal tyre wear with flat spots (cupping) on the tyre tread.

The shock absorber can be checked by hand. However, a precise check of shock absorber performance is only possible with a shock tester (shock absorber installed) or a shock absorber test machine.

• Remove the shock absorber.

• Hold the shock absorber in its installed position and extend and compress it at least 3 times.

  The shock absorber must move smoothly and evenly over its full stroke with consistent resistance, and no unusual noises may occur.

• Fully push in the piston rod, then release it.

  The piston rod must extend back out at a steady speed.

• If the shock absorber functions correctly, slight traces of shock absorber oil are not a reason for replacement.

• Replace the shock absorber if there is significant oil loss.

• Install the shock absorber.

• Shock absorbers contain oil. Do not dispose of them in household waste; take them to a recycling centre or hazardous waste collection point.

• In the workshop, the shock absorbers are drained before scrapping as follows.

• Clamp the shock absorber vertically in a vice with the piston rod facing down.

• Drill a 3 mm hole (Ø 3 mm) in the damper tube approximately 20 mm below the top end to allow the gas to escape. The escaping gas is colourless, odourless and non-toxic.

• Drill another hole approximately 60 mm below the top end with aØ 5 mm drill for the oil.




• Pump out the damper oil by repeatedly moving the piston rod up and down and collect it.