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.
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.
After pumping oil, the rack needs to be pumped, as usual.
VIDEO
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.
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.
In general, a shock absorber is a multifunctional part that is responsible not only for damping body vibrations, but also for braking. It ensures the stability of the vehicle. Therefore, having well understood the essence of the operation of such a device, the driver will be able to understand the problem in time and make the right decisions to eliminate it. Even after going through MOT, the shock absorbers can suddenly creak or leak, so you need to monitor them constantly.
Most modern cars are equipped with so-called non-separable shock absorbers. This means they cannot be repaired. Unlike collapsible counterparts, they have a five-year warranty period. And on high-quality highways, they will last even more.
There are also pumped shock absorbers. For such models, the gas backpressure has been changed, which performs a restructuring of operational characteristics if the car is subjected to heavy loads. They work perfectly up to breakdown, performing the additional option described above. If such a shock absorber breaks down, it will be quite difficult to repair it.
The fact is that models with pumping during repairs overlap the hydraulic fluid pipes, which are responsible for the health of the entire part. It is almost impossible to carry out such repairs without the intervention of specialists and special equipment. And the purchase of a new part will cost several hundred dollars.
Experts recommend using only original components for repairs and not trusting cheap fakes - after all, the coherence of the system and machine components depends on this device. We must not forget that insurers, when an appropriate case occurs, intervene in each verification procedure, studying all the details in order to find the reason and, if possible, refuse to pay.
DIY video about shock absorber repair:
VIDEO
When installing a shock absorber on your car, do not forget about pumping shock absorbers. Often at technical stations, when pumping shock absorbers, mechanics want to save time and do not pump well. Because of this attitude, the spare part may break prematurely.
If you have read about the device of a car shock absorber, you should know why bleeding is needed.
During transportation, air or gas that remains in the shock absorber interferes with the correct operation of the entire mechanism, which may cause unnecessary knocks and noises during suspension operation. In extreme cases, suspension failures or seizures may occur. Also, the procedure for pumping the shock absorber is good because during its execution you can find some breakdowns of the mechanism, be it factory or others. The pumping process itself is a fairly simple procedure and does not require much time or special skills, you just need to follow a few important points:
If you want to install a shock absorber oil strut, then bleeding will consist of the following steps
Install the new shock absorber strut vertically with the stem at the top;
Press on the rod so that it sinks into the cylinder, but 3 cm of the working part should remain on the surface;
Hold in this state for a few seconds;
Push the rod out of the cylinder to the end;
Repeat this operation 3-4 times. Do not press the shock absorber too hard, everything should be easy and smooth
Flip the strut so that the cylinder is on top, and fully compress the shock absorber;
Hold it compressed for a few seconds;
Then turn the shock absorber upside down, but keep it compressed;
Do not pull the rod out of the cylinder very quickly until it returns to its original form;
Repeat this operation several times (3-4), with short breaks (a few seconds). As in the previous case - do not apply too much force when pumping.
After completing all these procedures, try not to turn or lay the shock absorber, but install it on the car in the same position as it was.
Once you've bled the shock, it should work perfectly. Nothing should knock, wipe, and so on. A slight chomping sound may be heard when the body is pressed. If you fail to pump the shock absorber the first time, do not despair and try again. Taking into account that you are not an expert in this matter - this is typical. Repeat the bleeding procedure every 2-3 years and your shock will give you the most of it. If you have not been able to pump the shock absorber yourself, take it to professionals who have already encountered problems of this kind more than once. They must have the appropriate tools, oil and everything necessary for this business.
We have shown only two examples of pumping shock absorbers, but there are other options. Only the most common ones are shown here. If none of ours suits you, look somewhere on the Internet. It is advisable to try, suffer, but do everything yourself. Experience in such a matter will not hurt any car owner. It is not an option to always take it to the service and pay money for any breakdown. And such skills can lead to the fact that you open your own car service and can make money on it. By opening a business, you will not only earn money, but also learn how to fix all sorts of breakdowns yourself.
During the next major overhaul of the chassis of their car, many motorists have repeatedly come across a proposal from the craftsmen, instead of buying a new shock absorber, to do with “pumping” the old one, ie. its restoration. As a rule, they motivate their offer by saying, is it worth it now to spend money on anything, when it is possible to restore your own, worn-out good for a very cheap price, and to save money on it. Some agree right away, others are seriously thinking about such a proposal, and still others go to the store without talking to purchase shock absorber struts from manufacturers known to him.
And so we will consider all the pros and cons. Should you restore shock absorbers? And how this can affect the driving performance of your car. First, let's recall what the auto industry has come to over the past decades in the creation of a car suspension. One of the major discoveries was gas pressure double-tube shock absorbers. They are popularly called Gas-oil shock absorbers. What is their main feature? The gas pressure greatly facilitates the operation of the spring for expansion, but the presence of oil does not allow the shock absorber to “shoot” upwards with a bullet. The gas pressure shock absorber works in two directions, up and down, but at the same time, when it is released, it “helps” the spring to return to its rightful place. In addition, it is not unimportant that when swooping down at speeds on a bump, the two-tube shock absorber with gas pressure confidently rests and holds the blow, preventing a breakdown on the body from occurring. Remember your Zhiguli.No matter how you ride over bumps, you sit and every blow frowns as if they are hitting you, not the car.
It is a deep misconception that gas shock absorbers "dubble" in the cold. This myth was invented by those who absolutely do not understand anything either in physics or in chemistry. In the cold, gas, and mainly nitrogen is used in shock absorbers, it loses its pressure, and the shock absorber temporarily becomes oily until you warm it up with movement, hence all the shock to the suspension during frost. He just ceases to "rest" against a bump.
After reading everything that I have outlined for you, and what I have come to, relying only on my own experience, we come to the conclusion that a gas-oil shock absorber is much more convenient and better for your car. Now back to the beginning - is it worth it to bleed the old shock absorber? My unequivocal answer is no way! Why ask? Yes, because not a single craftsman, not a single craftsman, will be able to pump nitrogen that has been lost in it into the shock absorber, and even with the pressure required for technical characteristics. Therefore, it will make the shock absorber oily, without gas pressure, which will throw your car back 15 years. The spring of your car will begin to wrinkle from the loads when it is released, the suspension will quickly get tired of “breakdowns”. Because of what, your pet will either go to the landfill or to the next major overhaul. Let's remember the old truth - The miser pays twice. And whether to pump or not, that's up to you.
P.S. The word "PUMP", "PUMP", etc. means the following operation - Disassembly of the shock absorber, replacement of oil seals and gaskets in it, replacement of oily fluid, restoration and collection of the shock absorber.
Best wishes to you. Igor Serbin.
Chinese Scooter Club Forum
Time zone: UTC + 3 hours [Daylight Saving Time]
I'm not hiding anything, I'm just trying to figure out what VVV meant
If it meant that the piston of a single-tube shock absorber with gas backing would not allow oil of such a viscosity to pass through it at all, but the shock absorber was compressed because the air works like a progressive spring, and the whole structure is approximately like a hydropneumatic suspension of a Citroen, then this may well be. But then thoughts must be expressed more precisely, the point is not in the type of oil, but in the viscosity. Transmission oil and 10w30 happens. Naturally, no depreciation occurs.
I also thought, if the shock absorber with a remote reservoir, and not exactly the same as in the third part of the diagram from the first page, then it will even be amortized as it will, due to the flow of thick oil through the channel between the cylinder and the reservoir, although it is symmetrical in rebound and compression ...
Please remind me what this topic is?
From my side, she is the first and only (I think so in Rostov)
On this forum for such topics there is a section "Products and services"
I would like to discuss
It is also very important in the operation of the GAS shock absorber, tk. he firstly creates the gas-oil mixture itself
Why does he create it?
if the author tries to use the search, he will find more than one topic here
PS: it's still profitable to trade magnets
shock absorbers for 1500r in existential, epta naskrebsti can be shit than shit.
A dream come true, finally bought Oka?
The topic is nothing. It has already been discussed more than once that repairing amo is a waste of money. I bought new ones and that's it.
+1 I won't talk about condoms
kayaba 1600
1300 Moscow
the so-called piston on the shock absorber rod begins to fall sharply under load, because the oil has no shock-absorbing properties, it is also very important in the operation of the GAS shock absorber, because it firstly creates the gas-oil mixture itself and Secondly, the oil seal that holds the mixture inside the shock absorber has a columnar appearance - that is, if there is gas in the rack, then the oil seal holds, if it is not there, then - Firstly, the rack starts to "sweat ”, Then the oil strut gradually flows out of it - the strut does not work, secondly, the gas-oil shock absorber without Gas works mainly as a GUIDE for the spring. What if we made the shock absorber work.We are doing this, we are pumping new oil into the rack and also pumping gas (nitrogen-oxygen mixture) into it under a certain pressure necessary for the reliable operation of the gas-oil shock absorber! who is interested - write, who is really interested - call 9286255505
excuse me topikstarter, however, as a person offering this service, you need to know how it works and what a shock absorber is for. Sorry, what is written above is nonsense. A bunch of technical mistakes based on simple ignorance of the principle of operation and design. To be honest, I am reluctant to conduct an educational program. Correct sir, Google will help you.
Sorry, what is written above is nonsense.
But how fascinating it is for the uninitiated!
Today, when most of the passenger car park is occupied by foreign-made cars, the market for spare parts has also developed widely. Not the last place in it is occupied by shock absorbers for cars - one of the most important components of the suspension.
Shock absorbers are "lucky" most of all suspension parts - they are designed not only to dampen all vibrations in the chain: road - suspension - body, but also play an important role in the process of adhesion of the wheels to the road, in braking and car stability. Although, according to the erroneous opinion of many novice motorists, the main task of shock absorbers is presented as creating comfortable driving conditions in a car.
First of all, with the diagnosis of shock absorbers and understanding the essence of their work. Don't panic when all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, you find out: the rear shock absorber creaks, the front shock absorber leaks. But recently, everything was in order with MOT. On the contrary, it's good that you paid attention to the atypical behavior of your car. The principle of diagnostics "a good knock will show itself" has never let the driver down.
The second stage of the damper epic is directly repairing the shock absorber. Repair options have already been considered, but it will not be superfluous to remind them. The first desire of a novice driver is to go to a service station, where, as he thinks, they will quickly and efficiently repair shock absorbers.
And the first action of an experienced driver is to get into the Operation Manual and decide what type of shock absorber he has. In fact, according to the rules of today's automotive industry, almost 90% of cars are equipped with non-separable shock absorbers, which means that the repair of these shock absorbers is not provided. But, this is where they have good roads and shock absorbers last up to 5 years or more.
VIDEO
So, an experienced driver proceeds to consider the option - do-it-yourself shock absorber repair. And it's good if it doesn't have a pumped shock absorber. This is a type of shock absorber with a change in gas pressure, which allows you to change the performance in the event of a heavy load on the vehicle.
The fact is that often pumped shock absorbers are presented as an additional option. And they do their job perfectly until the moment of failure. And this is where an unpleasant streak begins for the car owner. Repair of shock absorbers with pumping consists in muffling the hydraulic fluid pipes and installing the rear struts as an assembly, ordinary, without frills.
The cost of a new pumped shock absorber runs into the hundreds of dollars. Whether the repair of gas shock absorbers. In principle, the repair of gas shock absorbers is not much different from the repair of hydraulic mechanisms. It is possible to do it yourself if you have certain special equipment.
As for the restoration of shock absorbers. I don’t want to question the skill of auto mechanics, but there is such a thing as “the voice of the people”. You can hear it on a variety of automotive forums, where people share their impressions and experiences. The restoration of shock absorbers is viewed exclusively from a negative point of view.
A defective shock absorber is not a spare part that should be saved on, and the savings are questionable, because the guarantee of the mileage of the remanufactured shock absorber is minimal.
VIDEO
Given the importance of the tasks performed by shock absorbers in a car, it is strongly recommended to repair shock absorbers only repairable and only using original components. Repair or restoration of non-separable shock absorbers is a dubious way out.
Moreover, it is categorically not recommended by the manufacturer. And do not forget - in the event of an insured event, insurers use any interference with the original construct as a reason for refusing to pay.
Replacing a faulty shock absorber with a new pleasure is not cheap, but you have a guarantee for at least 3-4 years in the mode of correct operation of the car.
Good luck to you lovers of your car.
VIDEO
The correct operation of the shock absorbers is no less important in terms of the safety and durability of the car than a well-functioning motor or brake, steering system. For example, if a car moves on a rough road, one of the wheels breaks off and the vehicle loses control for a split second. Attempts to brake or twist the steering wheel at speed are fraught with rollover. Shock absorbers just reduce the time of separation from the road surface. Therefore, their failure leads to accelerated wear of the body, and even an accident. Is it possible to repair shock absorber struts with your own hands? More on this below.
By design, this device resembles a chamber with a liquid or compressed gas inside. Through them the piston with holes moves. When its stroke is small, the chamber is filled by means of bypass valves. In this case, the shock absorber does not affect the suspension operation in any way. But as soon as an obstacle is detected in the form of a hole, for example, a force appears that slowly pulls the rod up. Moreover, its value is the greater, the higher the speed. As a result, after overcoming unevenness by inertia, the shock absorber still holds the wheel in a "suspended" state and the driver and passengers almost do not feel the suspension failure. When hitting a bump, the stock begins to sink quickly, and after passing the obstacle, it slowly returns to its place.
If the suspension is simple (dependent or double wishbone), characteristic of the Soviet "classics", then just sharply press the wing with your hand and release it in order to swing the body 10-15 cm. If it swings no more than two times, then the test is passed. If not, you will have to change the shock absorber, or even the entire rack (for front-wheel drive cars).
However, for cars with a multi-link suspension, such a "number" will not work: it's all about the silent blocks that damp vibrations. Here you need to contact the technical center where there is a stand to check the device. You can do this yourself, but the result will not be accurate, since instruments are needed to measure the force of impact on the product. Remove the suspension element and pull it out by the rod, and then press it in. The tensile force should be significantly greater.
It is recommended to carry it out on a lift or inspection pit. As a last resort, use a jack and stands. Be sure to use supports and wheel chocks: the slightest displacement of the car is fraught with injuries for the repairer.
On a front-wheel drive car (for example, VAZ2109), you will have to remove the rack. To do this, disconnect it from the steering tip and the steering knuckle at the bottom (do not forget to move the brake hose). Then tighten the springs with a special tool and unscrew the stem fastening nuts, holding it with an asterisk wrench. Then unscrew the three nuts from the top in the engine compartment and pull out the rack. At the same time, inspect the support bearing - it may need to be replaced.If the car is rear-wheel drive (for example, a VAZ classic), everything is simpler: you need to unscrew the bottom two nuts securing the product to the triangular arm, and from the top - one (you need a “7” key to hold the rod) - the shock absorber will fall down.
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.
VIDEO 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.
VIDEO
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.
Video (click to play).
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.
