Shock absorbers are a key element of the suspension, on which not only comfort, but also driving safety depends. For off-road vehicles and special equipment operating in off-road or rough terrain conditions,shock absorber strutsis a consumable with a limited service life. However, it is not always necessary to immediately spend on new spare parts.

In this article, Vnedorognik experts will tell you how to check shock absorber racks, detect signs of wear, and in which cases it is possible to restore shock absorbers with your own hands.

How to check shock absorber struts: 3 reliable ways

A faulty suspension increases the braking distance and worsens road grip. In order to notice the problem in time, use the following diagnostic methods:

1. Visual inspection (without disassembly)

The easiest way to determine the malfunction of the rack. Pay attention to:

• Oil leaks: the housing must be dry. The presence of liquid indicates the loss of tightness of the oil seal.
• Condition of the stem: the mirror surface should be perfectly smooth, with no signs of corrosion or burrs.
• Integrity of elements: check anthers and bumpers, as well as the absence of cracks onspringspendants

2. Checking shock absorbers "in operation"

Try to sharply press on the corner of the car body. If, after removing the load, the machine makes more than one and a half "wobbles" or does not return to its original position for a long time, the damping properties of the rack are lost. Also, while driving, problems are signaled by knocks, creaks and excessive rolliness in turns.

3. How to check the removed shock absorber rack?

If the part is already dismantled, install it vertically (with the stem up). Try to fully submerge the rod and then pull it out.

• A working part: the rod moves with a uniform felt resistance.
• Faulty part: A dip in movement, jerks or too light a stroke indicates that there is air left inside or that the shock oil has leaked.

The main causes of breakdowns and diagnostics

Before repairing shock absorbers, it is important to understand the nature of the damage:

• Clogging of the valve: manifested by the lack of resistance during compression. It is often solved by flushing the mechanism.
• Wear of seals and gaskets: leads to pressure leakage. The rack repair kit needs to be replaced.
• Stem deformation: in this case, repair is impractical, it is safer to buy new shock absorbers.

Pressure recovery and rack pumping

Repair of collapsible racks is possible if the design provides for the presence of a nut in the upper part of the case. The following procedures are often used to restore working capacity:

• Gas injection (nitrogen or air): with the help of a special fitting and a compressor, pressure is pumped into the system, which restores the rigidity of the rack and prevents the oil from foaming.
• Oil change: the old fluid is drained, the insides are flushed, and new hydraulic oil is poured. It is important to pump the rack until the air bubbles completely disappear.
• Defecting of internal components: replacement of valves, distance washers and piston rings.

Advice from Vnedorognik: when repairing, observe surgical cleanliness. Even a microscopic grain of sand that gets inside will instantly destroy the stem mirror and the new oil seal.

Is it worth repairing or is it better to buy new ones?

If the rack is not collapsible ("rolled"), any intervention in its structure reduces safety. In such cases, we recommend not to take risks and order shock absorbers from proven brands.

The Vnedorognik catalog offers a wide selection: from standard models to reinforced series for heavy off-road vehicles and expedition vehicles. We also have springs, silent blocks and other suspension elements at the best prices.