Shocks gone or not?

danielj · 10-07-2010, 23:41

Anyone know how to tell if shock absorbers are going or gone?

ocelot · 11-07-2010, 09:18

Hi daniel,

if the unit has gone completely, and its oil, you may see a trickle of oil down the metal tube, the best way tho is to make the suspension work where you can see it, push down on the wing of the car and if the car returns to the right height and doesn't look uneven, its ok, if not, then further investigations are needed

hope this helps

rustic · 11-07-2010, 10:55

A traditional test is to push down on the appropriate corner, release and see it return, it should rise up once and then go down to it's normal position, if it continues to oscillate the shock is ....... no good.

I check mine by pushing down in the centre of the bumper and the vehicle should respond the same on both sides, if it rocks, there could be a faulty shock.
Hope this helps.
Rustic

danielj · 11-07-2010, 22:59

Thanks for replies. While on the truck and pushing up and down the shocks seem to move up and down ok. No sign of any leaks at seals. I had a set of rear shocks off because the covers had rusted and were scraping off the side of the shock on compression. Cut the offending rusty pieces off and while I had them off the shocks seemed a bit rough on full extention. Probably going to change them anyway but was wondering if I could get away with them for a while.

10-07-2010, 23:41	#1
danielj Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ireland Vehicle: Terrano 2.7TDI 03 LWB Posts: 695	Shocks gone or not? Anyone know how to tell if shock absorbers are going or gone?

11-07-2010, 10:55	#3
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	A traditional test is to push down on the appropriate corner, release and see it return, it should rise up once and then go down to it's normal position, if it continues to oscillate the shock is ....... no good. I check mine by pushing down in the centre of the bumper and the vehicle should respond the same on both sides, if it rocks, there could be a faulty shock. Hope this helps. Rustic __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

11-07-2010, 09:18	#2
ocelot Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: merseyside Vehicle: Nissan Terrano 2.7 Posts: 242	Hi daniel, if the unit has gone completely, and its oil, you may see a trickle of oil down the metal tube, the best way tho is to make the suspension work where you can see it, push down on the wing of the car and if the car returns to the right height and doesn't look uneven, its ok, if not, then further investigations are needed hope this helps

11-07-2010, 22:59	#4
danielj Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ireland Vehicle: Terrano 2.7TDI 03 LWB Posts: 695	Thanks for replies. While on the truck and pushing up and down the shocks seem to move up and down ok. No sign of any leaks at seals. I had a set of rear shocks off because the covers had rusted and were scraping off the side of the shock on compression. Cut the offending rusty pieces off and while I had them off the shocks seemed a bit rough on full extention. Probably going to change them anyway but was wondering if I could get away with them for a while.