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How to test shocks?

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christophe said:
How can i test the shocks to determine whether or not they should be rebuilt?

Thanks
Click to expand...

One method to test dampening is they should present a good drag force { Resistance } when moved up and down.
You must insure that the shock is full of fluid before you make this test
 
In my experience, they'll start leaking before they're worn out. There isn't a whole lot inside them--couple pistons, valves and levers (I presume)--and they're bathed in oil so unless run dry the internals should stay in good nick. If they're leaking it's time for a rebuild (unless you want to keep topping them up every hundred miles or so and don't mind an(other) oily mess under the car). I recommend WorldWide Auto Parts in Madison, WI. If you have one on the bench try to move the lever--if it offers 'reasonable' resistance it's probably OK.
 
Thanks for the replies. I removed the front suspension yesterday, but i have not removed the shocks from the king pins yet. I noticed the passenger side was a little low on oil, so i will fill and test after removing.

Just to be clear, they should have drag, but should not return to any set point, correct?
 
christophe said:
Just to be clear, they should have drag, but should not return to any set point, correct?
Click to expand...

Correct, they do not support weight. The faster you try to move them, the more they should resist. They should not have a "hitch" that you can feel when reversing direction. Moving them to the full extent of their travel may feel different when you reverse motion, but on the car, the pistons never travel that far due to suspension stops, so at the limit of travel, you could be in a wear ridge.

Overfilling them can cause them to leak in use, as there needs to be some room for expansion of oil during use. Just below the threads should do.... be sure there is some space. The oil doesn't get consumed, it can only have leaked if it's low.

Peter C
 
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