Quote:
|
Originally Posted by R4ND0M_AX3
What's involved in checking them out? Just send them somewhere or check for things on your own?
|
In most cases, if you are remotely handy, you can do #1 yourself. Your manufacturer should have documentation for it.
Warning / disclaimer: Struts contain fluid and gasses under pressure that can propel themselves and parts at high velocity if handled incorrectly. Follow the instructions below at your own risk.
As you work on the struts, look for any dirt or oily residue build up anywhere along the struts. This could be an indication of fluid leaking.
Take them out of the car. Before you take off the springs, measure where the spring seats are relative to a fixed point on the body for each shock so you can put them back after cleaning.
Take off the springs.
Before you go any further, flex the setup to check for any slop in the bushings or play in the shaft.
If they are inverted, you will want to undo the retaining bolt from the bottom of the strut to release the damper insert.
Again, check for play in the shaft.
Clean everything with solvent, etc. try not to get anything to caustic near any of the seals.
Once everything is clean, check damper throw and rebound at different settings. Lefts and rights should feel the same on either end of the car, but front - rear may be different.
Inspect all the bushings and seals for wear, cracking, etc.
Check the shafts for straightness and wear. If they are even slightly bent, or look unpolished, have them professionally inspected.
Check the bodies for dents and dings. anything more than chipped paint is probably the death of that component.
Not sure if there is a shock dyno in town, but if there is, you could get them tested.
Touch up any missing paint, use the right grease and put everything back together except the spring. Check one more time for shaft / body play / slop as well as checking for smooth and even compression and rebound as before.
This is probably an all day job to do all 4 corners right, but doing it once a year can probably save you money in the long run as well as protecting your safety by finding problems before they become failures, or accidents.