Shock Absorbers, Checking On Shock Tester

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Maha Shock Absorber Tester: VAS1990S
Suspension Strut Test Bed: VAS6636
Suspension Strut Test Bed: VAS6640

Equipment Level with Bolts or Air Suspension

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.

Test Requirements

Temperature +10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F)
Driver must be in vehicle.
Tire pressure OK
Drive vehicle straight onto center of wheel contact plates.
Front wheels in straight position.
Mechanical parking brake not engaged, foot brake not pressed.

Threshold

Shock absorber condition can only be judged as follows:

Sufficient damping effect

Insufficient damping effect

TIP:

Intermediate values for reduced damping performance cannot be read out.
A prognosis on service life is not permitted.
Measured values that occur with the involvement of the 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 function has weakened enough that a replacement is recommended.

Example:

Fig 1: Damping Effect Measurement

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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 label.

Threshold -a- in mm. Refer to THRESHOLD "A" IN MM .

Production Control Number (PR number) explanation. Refer to PRODUCTION CONTROL NUMBER (PR NUMBER) EXPLANATIONS .