Shock absorbers oil level.

[Jeepster]

I was looking to check the oil level in my shock absorbers.

Can I just unscrew the centre bolt on the top to check the level? Or do I have to take the weight off the shocks first by jacking up the car off the wheels?

 

[Keoke]

I was looking to check the oil level in my shock absorbers.

Can I just unscrew the centre bolt on the top to check the level?

Yes, However if the level is very low it is advisable to exercise the shock while filling to insure air is expelled and it is properly filled.



Or do I have to take the weight off the shocks first by jacking up the car off the wheels?

 

[Ed_K]

This topic reminded me of question I had about the oil level in the shocks....

How full should you top off the shocks ?

I think I may have overfilled mine and there was nowhere for the fluid to go when they get hot other than out through the seals.

Ed

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I asked this question of Peter Caldwell of Worldwide Auto Parts (Armstrong shock expert) a while ago. His reply:

"... at least the length of the filler screw.... half inch or a little more."

 

[TimK]

Do you mean to the bottom of the filler screw (so no oil would show on filler screw)?

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I know, it's a little vague, but I quoted Peter's reply exactly. IIRC, the filler screw is longer than the depth of the filler hole so, yes, fill so that the fluid would be at the bottom of the screw, or even a tad lower (half-inch or so from the top edge of the filler hole). Apparently, you do need some head space for the fluid, which probably expands some when warmed-up, plus it probably rises and falls some with the piston/valve action in the shock.

 

[Ed_K]

I know, it's a little vague, but I quoted Peter's reply exactly. IIRC, the filler screw is longer than the depth of the filler hole so, yes, fill so that the fluid would be at the bottom of the screw, or even a tad lower (half-inch or so from the top edge of the filler hole). Apparently, you do need some head space for the fluid, which probably expands some when warmed-up, plus it probably rises and falls some with the piston/valve action in the shock.

Thanks for that information !

Ed