Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

ON-VEHICLE BENCH CHECKS
The following procedure includes both on-vehicle and bench checks to be done when evaluating performance of shock absorber assemblies.

Important: The single-tube shock absorbers are highly gas pressurized and require a force of 445 N (100 pounds) to initiate shock absorber rod movement. Be careful not to dent or puncture the shock absorber assemblies, or they must be replaced.

WEAK
1. Check and adjust tire pressures to pressures shown on tire placard.
2. Note load conditions under which vehicle is normally driven.
3. If practical, ride with owner to be sure you understand complaint before proceeding to next step.
4. Test each shock absorber in turn by quickly pushing down, then lifting up, corner of the bumper nearest the shock absorber being checked.
A. Use same amount of effort on each test and note resistance on compression and rebound.
B. Compare this with a similar vehicle having acceptable ride quality.
^ Shock absorbers on both vehicles should provide the same feeling of resistance. If there is much difference between the two vehicles, go to next step.
5. Support vehicle to expose shock mounts.
6. Remove shock absorber assemblies.

CAUTION: The shock absorbers are highly pressurized. Be sure to properly disassemble module or personal injury could result.

7. Disassemble plastic dust tube.
8. Remove shock absorber rod washer.

Important: Do not fully compress shock absorber. Shock absorbers are highly gas charged and will extend when released.

9. Turn shock absorber so lower mount is-up and upper mount is down.
^ Compress shock absorber -against ground at various rates of speed through approximately one-half the length of the exposed chromed shock absorber rod (75 mm (3 inches) - rear, 50 mm (2 inches) - front).
10. Compare right and left shock absorbers for compression resistance and rebound speed.
^ Right and left shock absorbers should feel comparable.
^ Differences between front and rear shock absorbers are normal.
^ If in doubt about condition, compare with a shock absorber known to be good.

NOISY
1. Check all mountings for proper tightening.
^ A loose mounting will cause a noise.
2. If all mountings are intact, jounce vehicle as in step 4 in "Weak" above to isolate suspected unit.
3. If practical, ride with owner to be sure you understand complaint, before proceeding to next step.
4. Remove suspected shock absorber.
5. Shake shock absorber and listen for loose metallic parts inside shock absorber body.
^ If suspicious noise is heard, replace shock absorber.
6. Turn shock absorber so lower mount is up and upper mount and rod is down.
^ Slowly compress shock absorber. Do not allow chromed portion of shock absorber rod to pass below black seal cover.
7. Replace shock absorber if seize is encountered with more than 25 mm (1 inch) of chromed portion of shock absorber rod exposed above seal cover.

LEAKS
1. Fully extend shock absorbers (tire and wheels unsupported) to expose seal cover area for inspection.
2. Look for signs of leaks at top of shock absorber.
^ A small amount of fluid is not cause for replacement. The seal permits some seepage to lubricate the shock absorber rod.
^ A leaking shock absorber can easily be found because there will be an excessive amount of fluid on shock absorber.
3. A leaking shock absorber must be replaced