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Noises from shock absorbers > < Checking shock absorbers

A4 Cabriolet Mk2

Leaks at shock absorbers
Leaks at shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are often replaced because of externally visible leakage. Inspections on the test rig and in the vehicle have shown that in the majority of cases this replacement is not justified.
Slight loss of fluid (“sweating”) at the piston rod seal is not a reason for replacing a shock absorber. A shock absorber with slight fluid leakage can be accepted as "OK" under the following conditions:
   
t  Fluid seepage (as shown in the shaded part of the illustration) is visible, but the fluid is dull and possibly dried by dust
t  The fluid seepage extends only from the top shock absorber seal (piston rod seal) down to the bottom spring plate -arrow-.
  Note
Slight fluid leakage is actually beneficial, as it lubricates the piston rod oil seal and thus extends the life of the shock absorber. This applies to shock absorbers on both the front and rear axles.
  V40-1334

Noises from shock absorbers > < Checking shock absorbers