Checking your vehicle's shocks

Big Hilux · 2006/12/09, 08:04 PM

How many of you actually check the condition of your vehicle's shocks? The reason why I ask you this is because I am sure that most of us here, even myself fit new shocks to our vehicle's and then think that they will last for a long time, however when we are off -road 4x4ing the shock's are working full time, what way do you use to see if the shocks are still working well?

Do you wait for some oil to leak out?

How long do your shocks last?

Normally the garantee period on most shocks is 3 years, however after say 2 years you have a problem with your shocks, do you remove them and take them back to the supplier, will the customer be able to prove that there is a failure with the shock or shocks?

The way that I check my vehicle's shocks is, I remove the top mounting bolt and nut, I then pull the shock out to it's longest length and then push it back to the shortest length, now depending on how easy it moves back, I can determine if it is worn out or not, but sometimes the down stroke will be easier than the up stroke.

Thus I do have OME shocks fitted to my vehicle, they have been there for 3 years, I do not have any cornering problems while driving the vehicle or mis handleing as such, thus the last time I serviced my vehicle which was about a year ago, the shocks were in an excellent condition.

When last did you check your vehicle's shocks?

**RogerL** · 2006/12/12, 01:45 PM

When you have your tyres balanced, they have a machine that checks the damping on the wheel. That way is a bit more scientific than just pulling the shock up and down a few times at home.

**benhur** · 2006/12/13, 05:44 AM

One or two places I have been says that their machines work well on cars but not really good on 4x4s

**Donovan** · 2006/12/13, 08:45 AM

Love the cut and paste

**Spike** · 2006/12/17, 03:34 PM

I've never heard a good report about a shock testing machine.

**Andre** · 2006/12/17, 03:42 PM

I've never heard a good report about a shock testing machine

.

Agreed. Once took a fleet vehicle round to 3 or 4 shock testing machines and got all different reports.

Big Hilux · 2006/12/18, 10:25 PM

those machines are similar to one arm bandits at a casino

**TopHilux Hilton** · 2006/12/19, 08:03 AM

And they cannot test SFA.....

**FrancoisD** · 2006/12/20, 09:38 AM

"Easy"....

Push down on front end with fule weight - if it "bounces" then replace shocks.

This might not be scientific but it is exactly how the dealership tested and replaced my shocks under guarantee after I told them they were worn (I did a similar test).

Also vehicle tends to "ship" in corners.

2c

**Hardbody 32** · 2012/10/22, 01:05 PM

If you have any sway or continual up and down movement in the nose of the 4x4 when stopping...your shocks are shot!! Replace them...if you have a accident and the insurance suspect warn shocks they can and most probably will decline the claim! A good rule is every 30000km or 1 year...for test! If you need pricing and leg work talk to me...I have a list of all the suppliers..and costs!

Lets stick together!