How to check the shock absorbers on your car

Shock absorbers are special devices that smooth out the vibrations of the car body when driving. Shock absorbers are needed to convert mechanical energy into thermal energy. Shock absorber struts are connected to and work together with leaf springs, springs, torsion bar shafts and other chassis components.

How to check shock absorbers is something every motorist should know. If the shock absorbers fail and the driver does not take immediate action, the associated chassis components may also be damaged. Faulty shock absorbers lead to accelerated tyre wear and problems with the braking system, which can lead to accidents.

At the first sign of failure, it's much cheaper to simply replace the struts than to have to deal with undercarriage and brake system repairs.

Diagnosing shock absorbers yourself

If there is even a slight suspicion of a breakdown – an urgent diagnosis of shock absorbers is required. Every driver can check the shock absorbers on his own. There are several variants of diagnostics. The most elementary and well-known way of testing the rack – rocking the car. But independent diagnostics may not determine the wear of shock absorbers. Such a check will be uninformative, because, if the struts are weakened, rocking will show that there is no breakage, but it is not so.

A sign that there are problems with shock absorbers, will be the appearance of extraneous noise, knocking in the area of the suspension of the car. If the tyre tread is worn unevenly, this can also be a sign that shock absorbers need to be replaced. If the tyre tread is wearing unevenly, this could also be a sign that the shock absorbers need replacing.

Causes of shock absorber failure:

• Loss of control;
• Extended braking distance;
• Decreased stability;
• Decreased load capacity.

Checking shock absorbers on the stand

Doubt if your shock absorbers are in good working order? Contact a car service that specialises in diagnosing shock absorber struts. After checking the units on the stand, you'll get a professional expert opinion and accurate input for further repairs. It is necessary to address to a proven car service, equipped with modern equipment and tools. Experienced specialists at service stations always check camber and tyre pressure before carrying out diagnostics on the stand.

Testing shock absorber struts – a complex process that requires experience and knowledge. The workshop technician must take into account all factors that affect the outcome of the diagnosis.

The test should be carried out on a stand.

The best indicator that the diagnosis is being carried out correctly is the availability of specialised equipment in the shock absorber repair shop. The MS1000+ bench will allow to carry out qualitative testing of shock absorbers of all kinds. The use of the stand determines the need for repair, will allow you to carry out diagnostics before and after the completion of repair work. The diagnostics will show the results, according to which a list of further repair measures is drawn up. Diagnostics on the stand gives the opportunity to save the test results after the test. The duration of the test is only a few minutes. After the repair work is completed, the shock absorber is retested on the test bench.

Remember, modern cars have a complex suspension design. Checking the shock absorber by your own efforts does not allow you to draw the correct conclusion about their condition.

After the repair work is completed, the shock absorber is tested again.