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 print-out.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Boge shock absorber tester
or
Sachs shock absorber tester V.A.G 1975
or

Maha shock absorber tester VAS 1990

Test Prerequisites

Temperature 10 to 40°C.
Driver in vehicle.
Tire pressure OK.
Drive vehicle straight onto center of wheel contact plates.

Front wheels in straight position.
Parking not engaged, brake pedal not activated.

Threshold

Shock absorber condition can only be judged as follows:

Sufficient damping effect

Insufficient damping effect

NOTE:

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:

Fig 1: Damping Effect Measurement

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

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 PR number on the vehicle data plate.

Explanation of weight and production relevant numbers (PR no.) → PR Number Explanations .