C 2500 Truck 2WD V8-6.5L DSL Turbo VIN S (1997)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Component Tests and General Diagnostics
NOTE:
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Purging air from non-spiral groove shock absorbers is not necessary. These shock absorbers have a gas filled-cell in their reservoirs (as opposed to
the air filled-cell in the spiral groove shock absorber reservoirs).
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Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
1. Place the shock absorber in a vise with the jaws clamped on the shock absorber top mounting stud.
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The shock absorber should be held vertically in the vise-bottom end up.
NOTE: Do not clamp the vise jaws on the shock absorber upper stem threads or reservoir.
2. Pump the shock absorber at various rates of speed and observe the rebound force.
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Rebound force is normally stronger than compression force (approximately two to one).
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Rebound force should be smooth and constant for each stroke rate.
3. Compare with a good shock absorber.
4. If one of the following is observed, replace the shock absorber.
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A skip or lag at reversal near mid-stroke.
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A seize (except at the extreme ends of travel).
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A noise (grunt or squeal) after completing one full stroke in both directions.
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A clicking noise at fast reversal.