The controllability of the car depends on the condition of the shock absorber strut. If any element of the rack is faulty, then the efficiency of the entire device is reduced. Repairing a rack is easy if you know how to use wrenches and a jack.

How is a strut different from a shock absorber?

A shock absorber strut is a design that consists of:

• shock absorber body;
• shock absorber cartridge;
• suspension springs;
• damper;
• top support.

Most often, the expression "shock absorber strut" is applied to a single-lever MacPherson type suspension, where all the elements are combined into one block. From above, the rack with the help of 3-4 nuts is attached to the car body, from below to the steering knuckle and the tie rod pin. On double wishbone suspensions, the springs and shock absorbers are installed in different places and are not connected to each other, so the shock absorber in them is not a rack. If, on a multi-link suspension, the shock absorber, springs and upper support are made in one block, then this is a rack.

Signs of a failed shock absorber strut

Here is a list of malfunctions that indicate possible damage to the rack:

• the car pulls to the side;
• suspension knock on bumps;
• skewed body relative to the road;
• poor management;
• tight steering wheel;
• cornering instability;
• instability on rough roads;
• sudden or gradual change in suspension stiffness.

How to check the rack yourself

Start diagnosing the strut by checking the shock absorber. If the shock absorber is working, raise the car on a lift. If you don't have a lift, jack up until the wheel is 1-2 cm off the floor. For information on how to check shock absorbers and safely lift a car on a jack, read the article (replacement and restoration of shock absorbers).

Place your hands on the tire, keeping a horizontal line that runs through the center of the wheel, and wiggle it as you try to turn left and right. The slightest backlash indicates problems with the steering finger. Then place your hands on the wheel vertically and rock it by alternately pressing up and down. Backlash indicates problems with the ball joint or weak tightening of the bolts securing the rack to the fist.

Remove the wheel, then unscrew the ball joint and steering pin. Remove the steering pin using a special puller (visit your nearest auto shop to buy one). Remove and hang the brake caliper from the body. These operations are described in detail in this.

Engage first gear and unscrew the nut securing the outer CV joint (constant velocity joint), pull the rack to remove the hub from the CV joint shaft. Support the stand so that it does not fall when you unscrew the nuts securing the top support. Unscrew the nuts, remove the rack and put it on the table. Clean the rack of dirt, blow with compressed air. If you are removing the rear suspension strut, place a jack or support under the hub, unscrew the fastening nut and remove the bolt. Then unscrew the top support.

How to repair a rack with your own hands

Inspect the strut-to-knuckle mount, then inspect the shock body. If dents or cracks are found, the shock absorber must be replaced. If the fist is cracked, replace it. Compress the springs with pullers (they are sold at any auto shop) and unscrew the nut securing the upper support. Remove the support and check its bearing. To do this, grasp the inner clip with two fingers, shake and twist it. If it turns easily and there is no play, the support is working. Remove the spring and inspect it. If cracks or shells are found, both front suspension springs must be replaced. Also, the springs are changed if one of the sides of the front suspension sank more than the other.

Carefully inspect the bowl on the shock absorber. Cracks and dents are unacceptable, if you find them, replace the shock absorber. Use paint or a marker to mark the location of the shock absorber and steering knuckle mounting bolts. Unscrew the nuts, remove the bolts and remove the shock absorber from the knuckle. Once again, carefully inspect the shock absorber and knuckle, looking for any cracks or dents. If found, change the details. If you are repairing the rear shock absorber strut, then check the condition of the silent blocks. If you find cracks and tears in the rubber, replace them with a puller (sold in a car shop).

Check the operation of the shock absorber as described in the article, repair if necessary. If the shock absorber is working, assemble the rack. Install the steering knuckle first. Insert and position the bolts according to the marks, tighten the nuts. Tightening torque 8–10 kgf m (kilogram per meter). In order not to overtighten the nut and not strip the threads, use a torque wrench (it is sold in a car shop).

Put on the spring, install the upper support and tighten the new nut (do not use the old one) with a force of 7–8.5 kgf m, then remove the pullers. Install the rack in place and tighten the new nuts (do not use old) fastening to the body. Screw the ball joint with a torque of 5–6 kgf m. Tighten the steering pin nut with a torque of 8–10 kgf m, install the cotter pin. Do not forget to insert and bend the cotter pin, otherwise the nut may loosen due to vibration and the car will lose control. Fit and secure the brake caliper with pads. Put on and secure the wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel bolts or nuts.

If suspension knocks have not disappeared, replace the ball joint and suspension bushings. If the car also pulls to the side, adjust the camber and toe. If the steering wheel is still tight, lubricate the steering pins and steering column.

Video - Adjusting the shock absorber of the VAZ 2110-12 strut

Conclusion

The time and money spent on removing, checking and repairing the shock absorber strut is hundreds of times less than the losses that will occur if you get into an accident due to malfunctions of this unit. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of a malfunction of the rack, remove, check and repair it.

Regardless of what type of suspension is installed, shock absorbers are always used in the car. These are damping devices designed to dampen vibrations during suspension operation. The principle of operation of the devices is to convert energy from mechanical to thermal. Distinguish gas-filled and oil shock absorbers. The elements work with such suspension units as springs, springs, pillows and torsion bars. However, like any other part, suspension mechanisms fail. The shock absorber is no exception. How to check if it works? You will learn the answer to this question from our today's article.

Why is it so important to monitor their condition?

The resource of this mechanism is about 60 thousand kilometers. In many ways, this figure depends on the condition of the road surface. The shock absorber does not always take care of this specified period. At any moment it can fail. Therefore, it is necessary to be guided not by the regulations, but by the state of these damping devices. Why is it so important to monitor their condition? A faulty shock absorber can lead to wheel imbalance. As a result, tire wear will be uneven. The car will skid at speed. Also, a faulty shock absorber reduces the resource. They are quite expensive. But on many cars, this assembly is assembled with a hub. Therefore, the cost of repairs can be up to 20 thousand rubles.

But that is not all. A failed shock absorber (how to check it, we will tell below) increases the braking distance of the car. This negatively affects traffic safety. And of course, driving comfort is deteriorating. After all, a broken shock absorber is no longer able to soften the blows. All of them are directly transferred to the body and suspension parts, which also reduces their resource. That's why it's so important to have a good shock absorber. How to check this element? The methods may be different. Consider the most popular of them.

Visual inspection

How to check the shock absorber for performance without removing it from the car? The cheapest and most practical way is to visually inspect the element. There are shock absorbers next to the springs (sometimes they are assembled with them, like on a MacPherson strut), behind the wheel. Take a look at their condition. There should be no oil marks or streaks on the flasks.

If so, then the shock absorber is broken. Inspect the condition of the rods (checked with the wheel hanging). It is better to do it on a lift. In the absence of such, we jack up the desired side of the car and pry off the boot. The stem should be shiny. The presence of rust on it indicates a malfunction of the element. The tire itself can also tell about a faulty shock absorber. Check the condition of the tread. Wear must be even.

What are the disadvantages of this diagnostic method? It is possible to determine the malfunction in this way only in half of the cases. After all, the incorrect operation of the shock absorber is caused by the wear of its internal components. And you can't visually inspect them. Outwardly, we can only see a consequence of the problem - oil streaks (which, by the way, do not always appear) and a worn tread.

Checking the damping properties

This method consists in checking the performance of shock absorbers in a calm state. So, the car is placed on a flat area. Next, one of its parts is vigorously swayed by hands and checked after what period the body will stop swaying.

This method is used in passenger cars. Up to 1-2 cycles of buildup are allowed. If the car continues to "play", then the shock absorber is faulty.

The downside of this method is that in this way you can only check the finally “dead” shock absorber. However, this is one of the fastest and cheapest (if not free) diagnostic methods. Another point - the shock absorber does not always “walk”. Sometimes the stem simply jams. In this case, you will not be able to rock the car.

We determine the malfunction on the go

This is one of the most accurate ways that lets you know if the shock absorber is working. How to check its status? You need to carefully monitor the nature of the behavior of the car. If the car is constantly “looking for a way”, reluctantly reacts to the steering wheel and sways on the slightest bumps, then the damping elements have become unusable. On large pits, characteristic thuds will be heard. But they do not always arise due to a broken piston. It is possible that the silent block that holds the shock absorber in the upper or lower part has worn out. During the diagnosis, check the behavior of the car when cornering.

The car should not roll much. If one or more of the above signs are observed, then the shock absorber has become unusable.

Withdrawal check

To find out exactly which of the four shock absorbers is faulty, dismantling will help. The extracted element is installed vertically relative to the ground. How to check Its lower bracket is fixed with its feet. Hands are taken by the upper rod and pulled out, then pressed down. A good shock absorber has good drag force. If the rod moves with the force of one hand and is not tight, then the element is faulty. There is not enough working fluid in it, or there is air inside (does not apply to gas-filled elements). How to check front shock absorbers and struts? Diagnostics is performed in the same way. These elements are arranged in the same way, therefore, if the rod moves freely, such a mechanism must be replaced.

vibrostand

It is not always possible to determine the breakdown without removing the element. However, there is a way that allows you to find out the malfunction at a professional level. How to check the shock absorber struts without dismantling them? To do this, the car is driven onto a vibration stand. The cost of the service is from 1 thousand rubles. At the same time, not only shock absorbers are checked, but also other suspension components, as well as the brake system. The vibration stand simulates road irregularities, allowing you to accurately determine the malfunction of a particular mechanism. The lateral rolling of the car is also checked (this way you can find out the serviceability of wheel bearings and ball bearings).

The stand is equipped with numerous sensors that transmit information to the computer every second.

What are the benefits?

The advantage of checking this method is the high accuracy of fault detection in a short period of time. In addition, truck owners cannot do without such a service. After all, it is unlikely that it will be possible to swing such a machine with your hands (as in the second method). The vibration stand allows you to determine the problem in a complex. The only negative is the low prevalence of such stands around the city. And the price is not always acceptable.

So, we figured out how to check the shock absorber for serviceability in various ways.

Dear motorists! Before we discuss the topic of checking shock absorbers, let's remind ourselves and those who do not yet know what shock absorbers are and why they are an important part of the suspension of our cars.

What are the consequences of a faulty shock absorber?

Shock absorbers (dampers) are devices that serve to dampen vibrations during the movement of a car (damping) by converting mechanical energy into thermal energy. Shock absorbers act in conjunction with such vehicle suspension elements as: springs, springs, torsion shafts, pillows, etc.

Shock absorber diagnostics should be carried out systematically by the driver. Why, you ask, because MOT was completed, and everything was fine. Unfortunately, like everything in this world, shock absorbers tend to fail. And the sooner the driver notices a malfunction of the shock absorber, the less money will then be spent on restoring the consequences.

The most important thing to remember is that a systematic check of the shock absorbers yourself takes a couple of minutes, and can save you trouble with other car systems.

• A faulty shock absorber in combination with wheel imbalance (you understand that there simply cannot be perfect balance) leads to intense and fast. Add broken wheel bearings here, specify the cost of the tire and bearings - your budget will not like the figure.
• A faulty shock absorber causes the rest of the suspension parts to fail. After all, the suspension is designed for the operation of all elements in the complex. For example, after several thousand km. the strut support bearing may fail.
• The serviceability of the shock absorber directly affects the service life of the brake system, in particular. If you are not interested in conducting, then timely diagnosis of shock absorbers will help push this procedure forward.
• A faulty shock absorber is, which means that a few extra meters can lead to an accident. And here you can count, not count - your body repair and ... you don’t even need to think about it. And you just need to check the shock absorbers in time.

How to check shock absorbers without a diagnostic stand?

Many motorists with a "smart" and thoughtful look shake the car by the fender. Other motorists, observing this picture, understand that shock absorber diagnostics are taking place. But, both those and others have a poor idea that such a diagnosis does not give any results.

The fact is that the body will swing only when the shock absorber is forever dead, and if it still “breathes” a little, then the shock absorber will pass such diagnostics. But, you don't need it.

The most proven way to diagnose shock absorbers is through the eyes and ears of the driver. By visual inspection, we determine oil smudges (although the dryness of the shock absorber is not always an indicator of its serviceability). By ear, you determine the knock in the suspension. If you are confident in the suspension, then only the shock absorber can make a knock.

There is a subjective test that answers the question of how to check shock absorbers - these are tests in motion when passing the same turn at the same speed. To do this, you need to have some experience driving this particular car. If the car blows away in a turn, it's time to go to the car market for shock absorbers.

Testing at the stand, of course, costs some money. Your money. Therefore, before driving a car to the stand, find out for yourself:

• The stand computer can be adjusted to your car model or to a similar suspension.
• How is the lifespan of a car calculated? Over time, the rigidity of the body changes, respectively, a 10-year-old car will not fit the factory standards for depreciation. And the stand will show it.
• Before checking, it is necessary to check the wheel alignment and tire pressure.

Diagnostics of shock absorbers is not an easy task, but it is worth it, since a lot depends on a working shock absorber. First of all, the serviceability of the car, and.

The results of the influence of the shock absorber on the performance of the car

Braking distance at a speed of 100 km / h: before replacement 51.5 m, after - 47.5 m.

The maximum speed for passing the "reference" turn before replacement is 84 km/h, after - 105 km/h.

Expert opinion

Ruslan Konstantinov

Automotive expert. Graduated from IzhGTU named after M.T. Kalashnikov with a degree in Operation of Transport and Technological Machines and Complexes. Over 10 years of professional car repair experience.

After the decision has been made to change the shock absorbers, you should know some rules for choosing new parts. They must be checked before buying, but many do not know how to do this. Often there are unpleasant situations when a frank fake turns out to be in a beautiful box.

The first thing to do is to conduct a visual inspection, you should compare the conformity of the markings and identify obvious signs of malfunction. The next method is the measurement of parts for compliance with geometric parameters. With the help of a ruler, the length of the rod in the raised state is checked, the stroke and diameter of the rod are measured. It is also important to check the shock absorbers for performance. It is very simple to do this, just squeeze the stem all the way down and pull it back. The rod should move smoothly, without jerks and extraneous sounds. If you need to check a two-tube shock absorber, then in this case you must first pump it several times and set it to a vertical position, the shock absorber should stand like this for a while.

Do not treat shock absorbers negligently, because safety on the road depends on it. If these parts are faulty, the car may simply become uncontrollable when cornering and during braking. In addition, such malfunctions can provoke a rollover of the car.

So draw your own conclusions. Good luck to you car lovers.

Any motorist will confirm: our roads are nowhere without good shock absorbers! And the point is not even in the quality of the first - or rather, not only in it. Alas, the Russian climatic conditions with nine months of winter are by no means conducive to a comfortable and trouble-free ride: either puddles as deep as the ocean, or shoulder-deep snowdrifts, or porridge from salt, sand and reagents, or bare ice ... So shock absorbers and upper supports to take the lion's share of responsibility on themselves - which means that premature wear is inevitable. How to timely diagnose a malfunction of shock-absorbing elements and avoid expenses associated with subsequent repairs, read in this article.

What are the functions of shock absorbers and upper supports?

All the tasks assigned to the main parts of the car's suspension can be divided into two categories: responsible for the safety of the driver and passengers and providing comfort while driving.

So, speaking about safety, we first of all mean confident contact of the wheels with the road: minimization of vertical swings, “jumps” on pits and potholes and dangerous deviations of the trajectory when cornering. Thus, the shock absorbers and upper supports create a reliable grip on the road surface and allow the wheel to go around the obstacle as efficiently as possible, and then quickly and imperceptibly return to its original position.

At the same time, they help to increase driving comfort: it is thanks to their “softening” effect that we do not feel all the bumps in the road, and are also spared from the constant shaking and annoying rattling of car parts.

Why is shock absorber wear dangerous?

First of all, faulty shock absorbers are always a risk of losing control of the car. Skids, rolls, unexpected bounces, an increase in stopping distance, a general decrease in traffic control - this is not a complete list of troubles that can occur when these suspension elements malfunction.

In addition, a rationalistic aspect is added to the issue of safety: improper functioning of shock absorbers and upper supports inevitably leads to wear of other parts - most often, brakes and tires.

Finally, we must not forget about the general condition of the car and the motorist: due to the less obedient and predictable response of the car, the driver is forced to constantly be on the alert, which means experiencing double fatigue and stress. What a driving pleasure it is!

Causes of shock absorber and bearing wear

An unexpected failure of the shock absorber struts is almost always associated with the wear of the main elements: the valve system and the oil seal. Among the main causes of premature aging of parts, one can single out such “trivial” misfortunes as the accumulation of dust and dirt particles, corrosion, damage to the anther, deformation, scratches and scuffs, leaks and breakdowns, as well as the initially low quality of products, which, coupled with adverse conditions ( roads, traffic jams, temperature fluctuations) leads to a reduction in the service life of the elements.

The upper mounts are responsible for connecting the shock absorbers to the car body, and they bear the main load, which is why the mounts fail more often than other components.

There are several reasons for wear: deformation of the bearing, damage to the rubber element, loosening of fasteners, general malfunctions of the suspension system ... All this leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the shock absorber mounts and premature aging. As a result, road surface irregularities and accompanying vibrations are taken over by other suspension elements that are not designed for such tests. The result, as you know, is very deplorable - up to serious repairs and significant expenses.

The main signs of wear of shock absorbers and upper supports

Depreciation or failure of shock absorbers and supports is an unambiguously unpleasant and dangerous situation. However, there is a plus: almost always you can independently diagnose the problem and fix it in a timely manner, avoiding more significant consequences.

So, pay attention to the state of the elements in case you notice:

• rocking of the body and poor controllability of the machine;
• drifts and low cornering stability;
• obvious "sagging" during acceleration and braking;
• increased sensitivity of pits and potholes;
• unusual shaking and vibration;
• excessive tire wear.

If during the diagnostics you find wear on at least one shock absorber, feel free to change the second one as well - they work in pairs. We also recommend buying top mounts along with the struts to increase reliability, extend the life of the shock absorbers and improve comfort and safety.

What shock absorbers and supports to choose?

How to be guided when choosing shock absorbers and related elements, read in detail. In this case, the main criteria that you should rely on are the operating conditions and design features of the machine.

Choose proven and high-quality brands - your safety directly depends on the correct operation of the suspension system.

We recommend unambiguous leaders in the field of shock absorbers and other suspension elements - companies KYB(KAYABA) and BORT.

KYB shock absorbers and top mounts are of impeccable quality, top production technologies, innovative developments and strict control at every stage of production. Reliability and superior performance are backed up by numerous tests, tests and certifications. That's why most auto giants equip their cars with KYB shocks on the assembly line.

BORT shock absorbers and top mounts have over 3000 types and specifications and are sold in more than 80 countries around the world. Automatic regulation and adjustment to traffic conditions, resistance to temperature extremes, the perfect combination of comfort and safety, as well as compatibility with the model range of all leading manufacturers provide BORT with recognition from both automakers and ordinary motorists around the globe.