How to check for oil leakage in shock absorbers

Checking for oil leakage in car shock absorbers can be done through the following steps:

1. Appearance inspection
Basic method: Check the appearance of the shock absorber for oil stains. If there is oil contamination, it may be due to the shock absorber leaking oil.

Detailed method: Carefully observe whether there is black sludge or dark color (significantly different from the adjacent color) on the shock absorber, which looks like liquid traces. Pay special attention to the top of the shock absorber.

2. Sensory inspection
Driving sensation: If you can clearly feel that the wheels are in a strange state when dealing with various uneven roads, the body of the car feels a bit indescribable when driving on flat roads, or the car always feels a bit strange when passing speed bumps, all of which may be due to shock absorber oil leakage.

Vibration sensation: When the car is driving slowly and braking urgently, if the car vibrates violently, it indicates that there is a problem with the shock absorber.

3. Heating inspection
Basic method: After driving for 10km on poor road conditions, stop the car and touch the shock absorber shell with your hand. If it is not hot enough, it indicates that there is no resistance inside the shock absorber, the shock absorber is not working, and there is a possibility of oil leakage in the shock absorber.

Detailed method: At this time, appropriate lubricating oil can be added before conducting the test. If the shell heats up, it is due to insufficient oil inside the shock absorber, and sufficient oil should be added; Otherwise, it indicates that the shock absorber has failed.

4. Operation inspection
Basic method: Press the bumper firmly and then release it. If the car jumps 2-3 times, it indicates that the shock absorber is working well.
Detailed method: Remove the shock absorber and stand it upright, clamp the lower connecting ring onto the vise, and apply force to pull and press the shock absorber rod several times. At this time, there should be stable resistance, and the resistance to pull up (restore) should be greater than the resistance when pressing down. If the resistance is unstable or no resistance, it may be due to oil shortage inside the shock absorber or damage to valve parts, which should be repaired or replaced.

5. Abnormal noise inspection
Basic method: When driving at low speeds, there is a loud noise when the wheels pass through the bumps on the road or there is slight vibration. The abnormal noise of the shock absorber is different from other chassis noises and is very dull. If there is a noticeable vibration on the front shock absorber steering wheel. Find an experienced driver who can accurately determine which suspension is emitting it from.
Detailed method: Another way is to listen. When driving at high speed, there is a loud noise when the wheels pass through the bumps on the road or there is slight vibration. The abnormal noise of the shock absorber is different from other chassis noises and is very dull. If there is a noticeable vibration on the front shock absorber steering wheel. Find an experienced driver who can accurately determine which suspension is emitting it from.