Shock Absorber Leaks
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Shock absorbers are frequently rejected and exchanged because of leaks. Examinations on the test stand and on the vehicle have shown that the replacement of a large number of rejected shock absorbers was not justified.
Slight leaking of oil ("sweating") at piston rod seal is no reason to replace a shock absorber. A shock absorber damp with oil is OK under the following circumstances:
NOTE:
Minor oil excretion is advantageous since piston rod oil seal gets lubricated, which increases service life. This is true for front and rear shock absorbers.
- Oil leakage (shaded in illustration -arrow-) is visible, but dull, matte and possibly dry due to dust.
- One-sided oil or dirt film formation, no dripping.
A shock absorber is not OK under the following circumstances:
- Dripping -arrow-, completely coated with oil film
- A wet oil film that runs down indicates a leaky shock absorber. A replacement is required.