Shock Absorbers

Information 

This inspection applies to all vehicles. While Shock Absorber Test equipment is provided, the values displayed on it is only to be used to assist the examiner in determining the condition of the shock absorbers. 

Note:  Care must be taken to select where to push down to avoid damage or injury. 

Method Of Inspection 

1. Check for the presence of shock absorbers where these are a standard item.

2. Examine each shock absorber for damage, corrosion, fouling and security of attachment. 

Note:   For shock absorbers incorporated in MacPherson struts, inspect in conjunction with items under sub-section ‘Suspension, Wheel Bearings and Drive Shafts’. 

3. Examine each shock absorber for fluid leaks. 

Note:   Ensure that any fluid near the unit is from the shock absorber and not from another source.  Slight seepage causing a thin fluid film on a shock absorber is not a reason for rejection. 

4. Examine the condition of any linkages, pivots or rubber bushes. 

5. At each corner of the vehicle, where practicable, push down (or pull down from beneath) and note the rebound of the body to determine if each shock absorber is producing a damping effect on the suspension, which should confirm the results of the Shock Absorber Test equipment. 

Reason For Rejection

		Reason For Rejection	Deficiency Category
1	A	No shock absorbers fitted to a vehicle on which they are standard,	MAJOR
	B	A shock absorber missing.	MAJOR
2	A	External damage or corrosion to the casing of a shock absorber so that the unit does not function.	MAJOR
	B	Insecurely attached shock absorber.	MAJOR
	C	A detached or likely to become detached shock absorber.	MAJOR
	D	A shock absorber fouling on other components.	MAJOR
3		A fluid leakage serious enough to indicate that the fluid seal of a shock absorber has failed.	MAJOR
4		An excessively worn shock absorber linkage, pivot or rubber bush.	MAJOR
5		A shock absorber which has negligible damping effect	MAJOR