Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Testing and Inspection

Shock Absorbers, Checking on Shock Tester

Shock absorbers can be checked while installed using the shock tester (shock absorber testing device). The damping effect can be evaluated based on the dial reading or printout.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Boge shock absorber tester

• or

• Sachs shock absorber tester (VAG 1975)

• or

• Maha shock absorber tester (VAS 1990)

Test Prerequisites

• Temperature +10 to 40° C (50 to 104° F).

• Driver in vehicle.

• Tire pressure OK.

• Drive vehicle straight onto center of wheel contact plates.

• Front wheels in straight position.

• Parking brake not engaged, foot brake not activated.

Threshold

Shock absorber condition can only be judged as follows:

• Sufficient damping effect

or

• Insufficient damping effect

• Intermediate values for reduced damping performance cannot be read out.

• A prognosis on service life is not permitted.

• Measured values that come about from involvement of suspension travel end stops are incorrect.

The following values apply only to the test stands named above. If the specified values are exceeded, the shock absorber is no longer effective and must be replaced.

Example





Threshold = 70

• a = greater than 70 - insufficient damping effect

• a = less than 70 - sufficient damping effect

The shock absorber combination installed in the vehicle is indicated by the corresponding Product Relevant (PR) number on the vehicle data plate.

Explanation of weight and PR number. Refer to => [ PR Number Explanations ] Application and ID.