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.
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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.
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, aswe 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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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 2000release, 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.
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.
Quite often you can hear the question: how to change shock absorbers, because there are many who want to repair the suspension themselves, both among experienced car owners and among novice motorists. But contrary to popular belief, it is not difficult, and not difficult. The answer to the question will differ slightly depending on the car model and whether these are front or rear shock absorbers. But if you changed the front pillar of the car with your own hands, then you will not have any questions when replacing the rear one.
Drivers with experience determine the malfunction of shock absorbers by how the car behaves on the road.After all, a car with faulty shock absorbers already at a speed of just over 70 km / h begins to "float" along the road, and overcoming bumps is accompanied by dull sounds.
Do not underestimate this type of shock absorber diagnostics as an external inspection.
If oil flows from the shock absorber, of course, it needs to be changed. A bent stem and loud noises from the shock absorber during operation should also make you think about replacing the unit with a serviceable one.
Jack.
A set of sockets with a knob and extensions.
A set of open-end and ring wrenches.
Crosshead screwdriver.
Iron brush.
Car stand.
Pliers.
Hammer.
Spring ties.
VD-40 or other liquid of the "liquid key" type.
Spare parts: bumpers, anthers, struts or shock absorbers, if these can be replaced separately.
To change the front struts, for example, in Hyundai Getz, you need to perform a number of the following manipulations:
Compress the spring with zip ties until a small gap appears between its extreme turn and the support cup.
Unscrew the previously loosened nut from the stem. Remove the upper support and spring with a cup.
Inspect the boot and bump stop and replace them with new ones if necessary.
If the manufacturer of the new shock absorber recommends bleeding their products, bleed as recommended.
Put a bumper with a boot on the stem of the new rack, do not
Remove the ties from the spring and insert the studs of the upper support into the holes intended for them and screw them with nuts.
During assembly, pay attention to the anti-roll bar, if you notice that it moves too freely, then it's time to change the rubber bushing in its bracket, or better both.
Stretch the strut mount from the bottom, screw on the wheel, remove the stand, lower the machine.
Stretch the wheel mount, stem nut, and nuts on the top support studs.
As you can see, the process is simple, do the same on the other side and the front ones are ready. Camber adjustment is not provided on this model, which means that when serviceable components are installed on an undamaged body, the desired camber value is obtained. And since we did not change the length of the steering rods, the wheel alignment angles should be normal (if the toe was adjusted correctly before replacing). So "geometry" can be omitted.
Please note that it is recommended to change shock absorbers in pairs. So you will insure yourself against unforeseen vehicle behavior on the road.
Most often, on the rear axle shock absorbers, you have to change the bushing, which eventually breaks and provokes backlash.
During transportation of the shock absorber, liquid from the inner tube can flow into the outer one and be replaced by air.Therefore, the shock absorber must be pumped before installation so that the liquid in it takes its place. For guaranteed achievement of the goal, the operation must be done several times in a row.
Turn the shock absorber rod down and slowly squeeze it. Keep it compressed for a few seconds.
Without pulling out the stem, turn the shock absorber 180 °. Hold it in this position for a few more seconds.
Pull the stem out as far as possible.
Repeat the procedure at least 5 times. If gaps are found, you need to repeat the procedure from the beginning.
Make sure the shock absorber, while in the operating position, has an easy compression stroke and requires force to stretch.
After successful bleeding, store it in an upright position with the stem upwards until installation.
The difference in pumping oil and gas-oil will only be that the rod of the latter, after compression, comes back on its own, and the oil rod needs to be pulled out.
VIDEO
Convenient and comfortable movement by car ensures the correct and correct operation of the shock absorbers. It also ensures safe road travel. A defective suspension seriously affects the wear of the elements of its system and steering. Such repairs require immediate implementation and replacement of failed parts with new ones.
Any motorist with experience in repairing his car can do the replacement of shock absorbers on his own. At the same time, you will save money on your home budget for visiting a car service. You will need desire, free time and skills in handling a simple tool. What you need to know, and how to replace shock absorbers with your own hands, you will read in this article.
A set of wrenches.
Wheel key.
Jack.
Screwdriver Set.
Device for dismantling suspension springs.
Stoppers under the wheels (prevent the vehicle from coming off the jack).
Leak detected
The list of faults of the rear and front shock absorbers, upon detection of which, requires replacement:
Oil leaking from the shock absorber.
The appearance of traces of corrosion on the shock absorber mountings. There is a risk that the spring plate will come off when the vehicle is in motion.
Corrosion on the piston rod. This defect can lead to seal failure and oil leakage.
Deformation of the shock absorber body. Possible blocking of the piston, or slowing down of its movement.
The appearance of knocking on corners - the car became less stable, it began to be thrown during movement.
Fluid leaks appeared on the shock absorbers.
Perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle and decide what to do. Make an independent repair of the shock absorber struts, or install new shock absorbers on the car. When choosing any option, you should remember well: after the repair or purchase of new shock absorbers, it is imperative to pump the shock absorbers.
When replacing both pairs of shock absorbers, take from the set the keys that match the parameters of your car, ties and spring supports - goats, a jack. Many motorists use wheels instead, but for your complete personal safety, use goats. The risk of injury while carrying out repair work is quite high. Take care of your health.
Dismantle and install shock absorbers in pairs, saving on repairs, you will worsen the car's handling.
It is impossible to make notches on the rack in order to preserve the camber-toe settings. Nothing will come of it anyway. After the end of the repair, you need to go to the car service and make the wheel alignment.
We hang out the wheel intended for repair, install the stops. We unscrew the two bolts securing the shock absorber strut to the steering knuckle. Disconnect the steering head with a puller, you can use a pry bar.
Then we disconnect the brake hose, unscrew the nuts securing the upper shock absorber.
Remove the shock absorber assembly from the arch.
We make a spring tie until it releases the spring support cup.
We unscrew the central nut on the shock absorber, dismantle the dust protector, the shock absorber strut together with the spring and the bump stop.
We examine the shock absorbers and make a decision: either to make current repairs, or to replace the old shock absorbers with new ones. Replacing oil seals or adding fluid will only delay the situation with replacing shock absorbers. Install shock absorbers after repair or replacement in the reverse order.
Unscrew the nuts
Removing the cushion
Front pillar
Removing the amortization strut
Installing a new part
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Before lifting the rear of the car to replace the shock absorber, put it in first gear, place stops under the front wheels. Raise the rear of the car, support the jack by placing reliable supports next to it.
Unscrew the bolt securing the lower part of the shock absorber to the axle, pull out the bushing in which it was located. Remove the shock absorber after unscrewing the nut that secures it to the body.
Attach the new shock absorber to the body and adjust it in height. Make sure that the bottom of it is located in the bracket that is attached to the bridge. Install the bushing into the shock absorber, and then secure it.
Dismantling and installation of rear shock absorbers is carried out in pairs only. When replacing one shock absorber, an imbalance in the car's travel will be observed, and this will lead to a significant load on all suspension elements and the axle, which means that the time of their operation will be significantly reduced.
Unscrew the stabilizer bar
Here are the nuts we unscrew
Removing the rear pillar
We tighten the spring
Correct installation of the support leg
VIDEO
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
