Shock Absorbers: Inspection

NOTE: Purging air from non-spiral groove shock is not required, as reservoir has gas-charged cell. Spiral groove shock has air-charged cell and air must be purged.

On spiral groove shock, purge air from pressure chamber by mounting shock in vise (top end up) and fully extending unit. Reverse position (top end down) and fully collapse unit. Repeat procedure several times.
Bench check shock unit by mounting in vise with top end up (top end down on gas-charged shocks). DO NOT clamp vise on reservoir tube or mounting threads. Check rubber grommets for deterioration and replace as needed.
Operate shock by hand at various rates of speed and note resistance. Rebound force is normally stronger than compression force. If resistance is not smooth and constant, replace shock.