DIY equipment for repairing struts and shock absorbers

In detail: do-it-yourself equipment for repairing struts and shock absorbers from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Shock absorbers are a kind of consumable for your car. Moreover, the cost of maintaining the suspension in working order is inversely proportional to the quality of the roads. Car owners are constantly looking for ways to save money on the repair and maintenance of their car. We will tell you about self-repair and restoration of the characteristics of the shock absorber struts.

Typical malfunctions of this node are known to everyone:

Depressurization of the stem packing. Leads to oil leakage from the rack. It can leak at any time. The characteristics change up to a complete loss of performance.
Too free movement of the stem in the pipe. In fact, the strut turns from a shock absorber into a guide for the suspension spring. The malfunction is related to the internal valves.
Compression or rebound play. Associated with the development in the rod or cylinder. The consequences are similar to broken valves. The shock absorber does not perform its function in a car, it knocks, rattles and makes other unpleasant sounds, why driving in such a car becomes uncomfortable and dangerous.
External damage - dents on the body, cracks in the eyelet. Affects the chassis as a whole and can lead to more serious damage.

If any malfunction is detected, it is necessary to remove the rack and release it from the spring. Dismantling is carried out in the garage, without the use of special tools.

Sometimes the owners of foreign cars, noticing that their racks have leaked, turn to the service station for diagnostics, where they will carry out a check at the stand.

In fact, this is not such an easy task. Before carrying out work, you should carefully study the material and observe safety precautions. First of all, you need to determine whether you have a collapsible shock absorber or not. The monolithic body is not repairable, opening with a grinder and brewing is unacceptable.

Video (click to play).

If there is a nut or a retaining ring in the place where the stem enters the pipe, such a shock absorber strut can be serviced and repaired.

This is what a repairable rack looks like.

Compressor for supplying compressed air or pump for servicing bicycle shock absorbers.
Special connection for compressed air injection.

Attention! Safety must be taken care of. Work involves high pressure, so eye and hand protection is essential.

The shock absorber is firmly fixed in a vice, the position is vertical. It is necessary to thoroughly clean the part and blow out the piston rod entry point with compressed air. It is disassembled - removing the protective cap of the stem.

For convenience, the work is carried out in a vice

Use a pressure gauge for control. The method is suitable for gas and gas-oil racks

You can watch the process in the video.

There are different opinions: how to fill a car shock absorber. Nitrogen, carbon dioxide or just compressed air? In a garage, there are few options. Compressed air will not degrade performance much, especially since this is a repair and not a factory made rack.

The rack must be completely disassembled and cleaned of dirt and old oil. Check the O-rings and the condition of the inner pipe wall.

Remove streaks and other contamination from all rack mechanisms

No special equipment is required to work with oil racks

The next malfunction is damage to the stem, oil seals, valves inside the rack. There is a selection of spare parts on the market for the repair of collapsible shock absorbers.In addition, an experienced motorist never throws away old spare parts, but tries to repair them. In addition, you can always extract workable parts from them.

So, we disassemble the shock absorber.

Remember to wear gloves, work is dusty

Turning work is usually cheaper than the cost of a new shock absorber

Tip: The entire process of disassembling the shock absorber should be photographed. This will avoid assembly problems.

It is important to ensure that the assembly is clean, the ingress of dirt or solid metal particles will quickly damage the remanufactured shock absorber.

Get rid of streaks, dirt and dust during the parsing process

All parts must be carefully defect

The oil seal is recommended for replacement

After pumping oil, the rack needs to be pumped, as usual.

If you have basic information about how your shock absorbers work, you can save money on replacing them. Most of the rack models are repairable and the parts are either reasonably priced or made in-house.Useful for car enthusiasts - everything about carsThe front shock absorber strut has a double-acting hydraulic shock absorber design. The rear pillar is generally made in the form of a conventional two-pipe structure.This difference in the design of the struts is due to the fact that the A-pillars in a certain way affect the vehicle's handling and, consequently, the driving safety. From this it is easy to conclude that if the shock absorber struts are in good order, then the car will move comfortably and safely.We, caring and prudent car owners, diagnose shock absorbers regularly, and it is very easy for us to detect their malfunction by the characteristic oil leaks in the suspension area, and sometimes we hear a knock from the shock absorbers while driving. And then we decide that the shock absorber struts need to be repaired, or they need to be replaced with new ones. Someone goes to a car service for this, and someone repairs shock absorber struts with their own hands (see the video “Repairing shock absorber struts with your own hands” below).In principle, this will not be difficult, especially if the rack has a collapsible design. If the rack is not collapsible, then it is better not to try to do something on your own - all the same, you cannot do without special equipment. Car services, of course, undertake to repair non-collapsible racks, but at the same time, during the repair process, changes are inevitably made to the rack design. But what are the guarantees for such a repair? Therefore, it is necessary to assess in advance the feasibility of repairing non-collapsible racks - but how profitable and safe is it in general?Only cars with rear-wheel drive, the so-called classic, are equipped with shock absorbers with collapsible struts. The struts of shock absorbers for other cars are not collapsible.- Shock absorbers are repaired or changed only in pairs.

- Required for repair:
1) rack wrench - for rear wheel drive cars,
2) springs and ties - for cars with front wheel drive.- For repairs you need to install "goats" under the car.- It is easy to dismantle the rack from a rear-wheel drive car, but in order to remove it from a front-wheel drive car, you need to compress the spring on both sides with ties, equally strongly. The compressed spring is installed on the new column after visual inspection.- Now we work with the rack: remove it from the shock absorber, drain the oil, take out and discard the old filling and put a new cartridge in its place, now we reassemble the rack space - install the spring, then the support bearing, and finally, put the rack on the car.- After self-repairing the shock absorber struts, it is imperative to adjust the camber.- The rear shock absorber strut is repaired in the same way, and only in pairs.As you can see, repairing a shock absorber strut with your own hands is not particularly difficult.Video: DIY repair of shock absorber strutsIf the video does not show, please refresh the page or ”style =” color: # CC3333 ″> click here

Diagnostics of suspension struts

But how can you check the condition? The vehicle owner can carry out diagnostics, while the process itself is not difficult. The more modern the vehicle is, the easier it is to inspect and evaluate. But there are general signs that apply to all cars: If you notice fluid leaks in the suspension area or hear a constant knocking while driving, then with a probability of 95% the struts need to be repaired. Moreover, the repair of the racks can be done by hand.

So, we have identified a malfunction - repair is required. Of course, you can go directly to a car service where you will be replaced or repaired, but you need to say right away - it is quite expensive. Another option is to do the work yourself. If your car has collapsible struts, then there should be no problems with the repair. Unfortunately, in modern foreign cars, there are most often solid racks, but in domestic and old cars, the racks are collapsible. Why is that? In Europe, repair is a replacement for quite a long time. And it is right.

In the cold season, it is worth warming up the shock absorbers in the same way as the tires: after a night of inactivity, the car needs to be driven for about five minutes at low speed. This is done so that the oil warms up quietly. If gas is added immediately, the frozen oil can break the poppet valves.

Non-dismountable shock-absorbing struts

If you are the owner of a car where non-collapsible racks are installed, then you will not be able to cope with your own hands - special equipment is required to maintain them, so there is only one way out - to go to a car service. Almost every workshop offers maintenance services for non-collapsible racks.Here lit is better to choose a proven and recommended car service, because the repair of such racks is the introduction of structural changes. There is a chance that they will fail again after repair, even if it is carried out by experienced mechanics, so replacement will be more profitable and reliable.

Before you start repairing racks, you should decide on the tools:

Do-it-yourself repair and replacement of racks is a change in the main part of the rack - the cartridge, so you need to purchase it. When buying, you need to name the model of your car.
You will need a rack wrench for front-wheel drive cars (you will need it for springs and ties) and a classic one.
Goats must be placed under the car, it is strictly forbidden to work with a jack, because this threatens the safety of the person carrying out the repairs.

Shock Absorber Repair Tools

So, you will be able to independently assess what type of struts is installed in your shock absorber. To do this, a simple inspection is enough for you. If there are fasteners, various nuts, bolts, then the rack can be disassembled. If it is a one-piece product, then the solution to the problem on its own is canceled. Well, now let's move on to the step-by-step instructions:

Remember: repair of shock absorber struts can only be paired.
Get your tools ready, you won't need a lot of them. Also bring a bowl of water and rags, as we will need to wipe the oil drips.
Now you need to put the car on a jack.
On the classics, dismantling the rack is quite easy, but with front-wheel drive cars you will have to tinker: the spring must be evenly compressed with ties on both sides. The compressed spring will then need to be rearranged to a new rack, but before that, a visual defect should be carried out.
Work begins with the rack: we carry out dismantling, then we drain all the oil. After that, you need to take out the "filling" in the scrap and put a new cartridge in its place.
The main process is completed, now you can assemble the system in the reverse order: the spring, then the support bearing and the stand itself on the machine.
After the completion of the repair, it is imperative to carry out a similar collapse. It would be better to contact the service station with this operation.
The rear pillar is repaired in the same way. Do not forget that you need to carry out repairs exclusively in pairs.

Read also: Disk drive DIY repair

It can have a variety of design features, however, the shock absorbers are mounted in two ways:

bolt from below and from above through the silent blocks;
a bolt with rubber bushings at the bottom and top - a pillow with 3-4 of the same hardware. In this case, you can get to the shock absorber mount from the trunk or the passenger compartment.

First, the dismantled device must be washed, then carefully inspected.If there are cracks, jams, repairing the shock absorber does not make sense: it is better to send it to the scrap and buy a new one. The whole body requires further inspection: pull the stem up and push it down - if there is play, sticking, replace the part. The shock absorber is of two types, the disassembly of each of them has its own characteristics:

two-pipe: pull the stem completely out to gain access to the fastening nut, which is unscrewed with a special wrench;
one-pipe: there is a protective cap at the top, which must be knocked down and then unscrewed the fixing nut to get the stem together with the cylinder or the cartridge.

If the shock absorber is oil, it is necessary to drain the oil from the cylinder, for which press the valve spring. Then knock down the bushing, take out the rod with the piston, remove the valve from the other side of the cylinder. If the device is gas or with a replaceable cartridge, simply unscrew the fixing nut and put in a new one.

There are two ways: the first is to completely replace the rod together with the cylinder with a new cartridge, the second involves replacing the device parts. It is worth dwelling here in more detail, because in the first case, the financial costs will be 5-10 times more (it all depends on the car model) more. For self-restoration of the shock absorber with complete disassembly, you must purchase a repair kit.

If you have a foreign car after 2000, then it is very difficult to find such a set - it is easier to buy a new shock absorber.

To disassemble the product, unscrew the fastening nut and pull out the piston. Further:

replace the squeeze valve, which is installed by hand pressing;
put the piston and guide sleeve;
fill in oil (you can use the old one if it is clean and transparent) - hydraulic fluid for automatic transmission, power steering, or the Russian agent AZH-12T.

Liquids produced in the West have no advantages over materials from the Russian Federation.

Press the rod into the cylinder and fill with 200-250 ml liquid. Then slowly insert the cylinder while pulling out the rod so that the oil penetrates into the cavity and does not flow out. When the cylinder is fully inserted, pull out and reinsert the stem several times: this will allow the oil to completely fill the housing. Then tighten the nut and pump the shock absorber again 4-5 times.

On a two-pipe device, all of the above restoration procedures must be carried out with the upper pipe on the lower one. Press it down during the process while holding the stem in place. Next, you need to pump the device and tighten the nut.

If the shock absorbers were restored on a McPherson-type front suspension, then the camber and toe-in would have to be adjusted.

All operations to restore performance are no different from those described above. But before installation, the shock absorbers must be well pumped (this also applies to new products), otherwise they will not work fully. How to do it?

put the device with the stem down and press the stem until it stops;
hold the shock absorber in this position for a couple of seconds;
without releasing the rod, turn the part over and hold it in a compressed position for 5-6 seconds to let the air out;
extend the stem completely, pause for 2-3 seconds and repeat the operation 5-6 times.

turn the product upside down;
slowly press in the rod and leave the part in this position for 5-6 seconds;
turn the product over and stand for 5-6 seconds;
extend the stem until it stops;
flip the shock absorber over and repeat the procedure 3-4 times.

It is necessary to follow simple rules, then these devices will last much longer than even their manufacturers claim:

the driving speed should correspond to the road surface: you should not accelerate on an uneven, bumpy and bumpy dirt road, even if you are driving an SUV.

Check the condition of the shock absorbers every year: fluid leakage from them indicates the need for immediate diagnosis.

If the shock absorbers are replaced (they must be the same), then this must be done on the wheels of the same axle.

When driving in low temperatures, after warming up the engine, drive at a slow speed for at least 5 minutes. During this time, the oil in the shock absorbers will warm up, and they will begin to work normally.

If you have new shock absorbers in stock, they must be stored vertically (as required by the manufacturer): the stem must be pushed in. For gas products, it can be pulled out spontaneously, therefore it is necessary to use special screeds. It is worth adding: if the shock absorber is oil and it is expected to have a long shelf life, then it is better to use a horizontal position so that the oil seals are lubricated with liquid and do not dry out.An article on how to repair car shock absorbers - types of breakdowns, methods of troubleshooting. At the end of the article - a video about repairing a shock absorber with your own hands.The content of the article:

Shock absorber device

Terms of operation

Typical breakdowns

Diagnostics

DIY shock absorber repair video

An automobile shock absorber is a device that absorbs vibrations or various shocks passing from the roadway to the body. Such vibrations of various systems are suppressed by pistons operating in viscous media. Thanks to such media, the vibration amplitude is reduced.Modern motorists are often faced with a complete failure or breakdown of the suspension system, the main parts of which are shock absorbers. Therefore, urgent repairs are required, which will save the car owner from further complications. Such repairs should begin with a detailed diagnosis.Shock absorbers are rear and front. In order to repair such critical parts, a detailed knowledge of the structure itself is required.

A modern shock absorber is a complex device consisting of different parts. Shock absorbers are replaced exclusively in pairs. In case of damage or breakdown of one rack, the car owner will have to change both. In the process of restoration or when repairing the shock absorber, you must use the vehicle operating manual. A detected malfunction requires careful study and appropriate solutions.The process of repairing a shock absorber must be prepared accordingly. This will require the following tools and materials:

car kit;

screeds;

support goats;

rack key;

new cartridge.

After preparing the listed devices, you can start directly repair work.The current safety regulations require the vehicle to be installed on pre-prepared trestles. In this case, it is necessary to set them correctly. The fastening bolts of the lever and the stem nut are unscrewed, then the fasteners are removed and the shock absorber is removed. Removing the shock absorber is quite easy if the fasteners are unscrewed correctly, but you must not forget to remove the internal thread.After completing the dismantling of the shock absorber, you can remove the internal parts from it. First, the old cartridge is removed, in place of which a new one is installed and tightened with a nut. By replacing the cartridge, you can return the shock absorber to its place using the described steps.After completing the repair, the vehicle should be sent to a service center to carry out the alignment of the camber-toe system. Experts also advise, when repairing or restoring shock absorbers, to diagnose and check the main elements of the car suspension, including the steering rod, brake hoses, rails, blocks.Just like any product or part, shock absorbers have their own operational and replacement periods. Restoration or repair of the device should be carried out immediately after the discovery of a breakdown and malfunction.As for their complete replacement, it is performed every three years.To increase the operational life, the following simple rules are recommended:

refuse to use the delivery for lifting the suspension, which can damage the shock absorber rod;

avoid high speeds when driving on damaged roads;

in winter, preheat the oil in the shock absorbers.

If you decide to raise the car body, you need to take care of installing shock absorbers of the appropriate size. Awkward handling can cause rapid wear on not only the shock absorbers, but the entire suspension as well. And in winter, to start driving, you must use a low speed and low gears.If all the above operating rules are observed, timely diagnostics, as well as repair or restoration of shock absorbers, a significant increase in the service life of the entire vehicle is possible. Repair work is carried out in accordance with the nature of the detected malfunction. Do not forget about innovative non-collapsible shock absorbers that cannot be repaired. Every experienced motorist is familiar with the typical malfunctions of this unit. If oil leaks, this indicates a depressurization of the stem oil seal, which can cause a complete loss of performance of the part.You should also be wary if there is a backlash during rebound or compression. The consequences will be the same as with broken valves. The device will no longer be able to perform its direct functions, and the car will emit knocks, rumblings and other unpleasant sounds while driving. Driving in such a car is not only uncomfortable, but also quite dangerous.Of the external damage, cracks in the lugs or dents on the housings can be distinguished. Such minor problems can lead to more serious damage and even affect the chassis. Upon finding any sign of a similar breakdown, the rack is removed and released from the spring.The best way to detect shock absorber problems is to check the stability of the vehicle itself, both at high and low speeds. The owner should pay attention to how his "iron horse" reacts to bumps or holes and how quickly it restores balance when hitting such irregularities.If even the slightest deviations are found, it is necessary to view the shock absorbers in detail. Analyzing the state of protection, you should inspect the anthers. For such purposes, flyovers or special pits are used, allowing you to inspect both the front and rear shock absorbers from below.If the anthers are torn or even slightly damaged, it is better to install a new protector. It is the anthers that are responsible for protecting the shock absorbers from small particles of dirt in the holes, which over time leads to all sorts of breakdowns or damage. If the shock absorber lacks such protection, its service life is significantly reduced.Taking into account the main function of shock absorbers - to reduce the rolling of the machine on uneven road surfaces, it is quite easy to determine the malfunction. The main sign of failure of this device is an increase in vibrations and the appearance of unnecessary noise that was not felt before.If the wheels of the car fall into the hole, then you can hear the sound of punching, which is also considered an additional sign of breakdown. So you can find out about the need for an early replacement or repair of shock absorbers. However, a more detailed study of the problem will be required.First, you need a visual inspection of the part and its careful study. If an oily leak is found, it is imperative to carry out repairs and return the shock absorber to working condition.It should be noted that the process of diagnosing this device at the stand is a rather difficult task, so many try to immediately purchase new shock absorbers or repair struts using a repair kit on their own.The shock absorber is considered to be a consumable item, which must be changed after a three-year period. The bad condition of Russian highways reduces this time by several times - the suspension breaks down much earlier than the period specified by the manufacturer. However, you should not despair in advance, as well as throw away the broken part. If the shock absorber cannot be repaired, it can always be replaced.Before choosing a method, it is necessary to take into account several factors, including the cost of a new part - if it costs the car owner as much as the repair, you should not get your hands dirty. In addition, renovation requires certain skills. Also, remember that a remanufactured shock absorber will not last long.