Shock Absorber Leaks

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC
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

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC
A wet oil film that runs down indicates a leaky shock absorber: A replacement is necessary.