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 applies to shock absorbers on the front and rear axles.

Oil leakage (shaded in illustration -arrow-) is visible, but dull, matte and possibly dry due to dust.

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Sweating
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

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Leakage
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC
A wet oil film that runs down the pipe indicates a leaky shock absorber. A replacement is required in this instance.