Shock absorbers play a crucial role in providing comfort and safety during vehicle movement. Through regular use, they undergo intense stress, leading to wear and a decrease in their effectiveness. An unnoticed pothole or speed bump can easily damage a shock absorber. Even a slight change in one shock absorber's characteristics can result in deteriorated vehicle behavior on the road, making rides less comfortable and more dangerous.
Methods for Checking Car Shock Absorbers:
1. Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the shock absorber for oil stains or signs of leakage, as well as the condition of bushings and fasteners. A faulty shock absorber can be easily identified through visual inspection.
2. Press and Release Test: If you sharply press down on the front or rear of the car and it returns to its initial position smoothly, the shock absorbers are likely in good condition. If the car continues to rock several times after your action, there may be a shock absorber malfunction.
3. Road Testing: An experienced mechanic at an auto repair shop can accurately assess the condition of shock absorbers and other suspension components during a short test drive.
4. Testing on a Stand: While the most accurate, this method involves removing each shock absorber from the vehicle and placing it on a specialized stand. However, it is time-consuming and costly compared to other methods. If there are doubts, it might be more practical to replace the shock absorbers right away for continued comfort and safety.
It's essential to remember that shock absorbers are replaced in pairs, and not all vehicles can benefit from this. For instance, vehicles with pneumatic suspension, offering unparalleled comfort and manageability, might require replacing the entire strut assembly if a shock absorber fails. In such cases, opting for shock absorber repair becomes a more rational choice.
How to Repair a Shock Absorber?
The first step in a successful shock absorber repair is an accurate diagnosis of its condition. This diagnosis can be conducted using the MS1000+ shock absorber test bench, which allows for various operations on passenger car shock absorbers:
- Leakage Testing
- Determining Rod Displacement Force and Smooth Movement of Moving Parts
- Monitoring Noise Levels during Shock Absorber Operation
- Recording Operating Diagrams in Valve and Throttle Modes
The MS1000+ Test bench can store diagnostic results for later evaluation after repair. With its large touchscreen display, it's convenient to manage the stand's functions and review measurement results.
If the diagnosis reveals deviations, the next step is shock absorber repair, involving disassembly and replacement of faulty components. The most common culprit is often the seal. Despite modern shock absorbers being non-disassemblable, this repair is straightforward. The seal is replaced, new oil is added, and the shock absorber is filled with gas. While other damages can be fixed, they are generally more expensive and labor-intensive. The quality of repair depends on the expertise of the mechanic and the quality of the replacement parts. To ensure the repair's quality, a final check on the stand is necessary.
For advice on the MS1000+ shock absorber diagnostic stand, please write to messenger or call +38 073 529 64 26, +48 833 13 19 70, +48 886 89 30 56 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram).
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