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.
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
It is necessary to make a decision on how to proceed further only after the species and the reason for its failure have been studied in detail.
It is quite possible to restore each type of shock absorbers on your own. The difficulty will be in determining how deplorable his condition is and whether it makes sense to restore it.
By and large, only repairable racks can be reanimated. If the rack has worked a fairly large mileage of more than fifty thousand, and its condition is very deplorable, then such a rack is not something to repair, it is strictly forbidden to operate it in the future. Better to play it safe and buy a new part.
If you listen to the opinion of experts, then we can conclude that repairing shock absorbers is not an option to save money. Given the fact that this device performs a large amount of work, repairs will only delay its complete wear. Therefore, it is necessary to make a decision on restoration or complete replacement after the first breakdown.
So, before the repair, it is necessary to carry out certain activities - you need to prepare the tool.
Special kit for the restoration of old shock absorbers
New stock
Special cleaner for electric motors
Rack oil
Brush (you can use an old brush to clean your teeth)
Knife (preferably sharp)
In this particular case, I will tell you how to get rid of such a malfunction as an oil leak. This is one of the main reasons why the device wears out quickly, which means it loses its performance.
So, let's look at the stages of recovery:
If you have any problems with the racks, then they must be solved without delay. Of course, it is better to replace them with new ones. Good luck.
After watching the entry, you will find out how you can pump the shock absorber of your car at home and what tools you need to prepare for this.
VIDEO 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
What part of the car do you think suffers the most on our roads? Of course, this is the chassis. The wear of its elements is happening faster than we would like. And one of the most common problems is the failure of shock-absorbing struts. Sometimes the matter can be corrected with timely repairs, and sometimes a complete replacement of the shock absorber strut is required. We will deal with both the first case and the second. But first you need to decide what this element is
Due to the fact that the shock absorber struts are the most "delicate" element of this system, we will pay full attention to them. Front (sometimes also rear) shock absorber struts are made according to the principle of a double-acting shock absorber operating on hydraulics. The rear shock absorber strut is most often manufactured according to the standard two-tube design. It is not worth delving into the structure of these elements, but you still need to know the main differences between them.
So, the main difference in suspension struts is that the front struts primarily affect the handling of the car, while the rear ones serve to increase comfort. The idea is clear - the front struts should be in working order, but you shouldn't forget about the rear ones either, because the good condition of the suspension means trouble-free and comfortable movement of the car.
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.
Repair of shock absorbers
Of course, repairing shock absorbers will be much cheaper than replacing them, but sometimes you have to do that too. Again, you can diagnose and see if they can still last after being repaired. If you are not sure of your discernment, then the diagnosis can be carried out at a car service. If you change shock absorbers, then this process should also be carried out only in pairs. To replace, you will need the same tools: a rack wrench for the classic and spring-loaded ties for front-wheel drive vehicles.
Do not test the strength of your shock absorbers on a bad road - this can keep them in good condition for a long time. High speed also negatively affects them, so if you drive, then on a high-quality road surface. Lifting the suspension also harms the entire shock absorber system: the rod begins to function in the area of movement, and this entails a quick failure.
If replacing the shock absorber strut can be done by hand, then replacing the entire shock absorber is most often done in a car service, because this is an overly responsible event. Finally, we would like to give a few recommendations on the care of new shock absorbers. The first step is to carry out anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom of the car. This will help you cope with adverse weather conditions.
Means for treating cars from corrosion
Again, this is necessary for our realities, since bad weather lasts about six months, and you rarely see gutters on our roads. Therefore, when you move through solid puddles, it is simply necessary that the underbody of the car is protected from corrosion. In addition, we recommend that when repairing shock absorbers, pay attention to the rear axle gearbox, as well as to other elements of the car's suspension.
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Useful for car enthusiasts - everything about cars
The 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:
- 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 struts
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VIDEO
1. Do not test shock absorbers for strength, avoid reckless speeds on bad roads.
2. Do not lift the suspension by installing spacers under the struts: the shock absorber rod will be forced to function in the travel zone and will become unusable very quickly.
Video (click to play).
3. In the cold season, shock absorbers, like rubber, need to be warmed up. This means that when you get into your car in the morning, start driving for about 5 minutes at low speed - this is necessary so that the oil, which thickens overnight, warms up and does not damage the poppet valves.
Example of a blower connection
