Checking shock absorbers

Usually, shock absorbers do not fail suddenly, their performance decreases gradually, to which the car owner quietly gets used. After replacing two worn sets of tires, the performance of the shock absorbers is only 50% of the original.

An accurate diagnosis of the performance of the shock absorber cannot be made when using «swing method», in which they press on a certain wing and release it sharply. In this way, only a faulty shock absorber can be detected.

It is possible to determine the technical condition of the shock absorber only when checking on a special stand.

There are several signs by which you can evaluate the performance of shock absorbers. In a Fiesta, pay attention to the following signs.

1. Vibration of the steering, which is caused by the bouncing of the wheel above the road surface or improper balance.

2. Increasing body vibrations when driving on uneven road surfaces.

3. Continuous rocking of the body when driving on uneven road surfaces.

4. Uneven and unstable movement of the wheels in a certain range of speeds, including cornering.

5. Increased and uneven tire wear, characterized by abrasion of the tire pattern.

6. Significant traces of oil on the outside of the shock absorbers, reaching the lower plates of the springs of the shock absorber strut. On the other hand, slight oil leaks are normal.