A simple test of the rear shock absorber
It is necessary to check the performance of shock absorbers immediately after a long trip, while the working fluid in the shock absorbers has not cooled down
Swing vigorously the rear of the car body in a vertical direction.
If, due to inertia, the body continues to oscillate (more than two up and down) after it has stopped swinging, then one or both shock absorbers are faulty.
To identify a faulty shock absorber, we repeat the test, applying force first from one side of the car, and then from the other side.
This test only detects faulty shock absorbers. You can check the effectiveness of vibration damping by shock absorbers only on a special stand
We inspect the suspension shock absorbers - leakage of fluid from the shock absorbers is not allowed
If this simple check reveals defective shock absorbers, we replace them
Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs, even if only one is faulty
Replacement of rear shock absorbers
Preparing the car for the task
Remove the wheel
Before unscrewing the necessary nuts and bolts, apply a penetrating lubricant to them
We install an adjustable stop (jack) under the lower arm and raise it a little
Using a 12mm high socket, unscrew the two nuts of the upper shock absorber mount
With a head of 17, unscrew and remove the bolt of the lower shock absorber mount
Compress the rod and remove the rear suspension shock absorber assembly with the upper support
We clamp the shock absorber rod and unscrew the rod nut with a 13 wrench
Remove the upper support, compression buffer and protective cover from the shock absorber rod
We inspect the removed parts, if necessary, disconnect the support, buffer and protective cover
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the rubber-metal hinge of the upper support
We replace damaged parts
Inspecting the removed shock absorber for fluid leakage
Fully extending and sinking the shock absorber rod, we check its performance.
If dips, jerks or extraneous sounds are heard when moving the rod, replace the shock absorber
Install the shock absorber in reverse order
In the same way, we check and replace the second shock absorber
