S6 V8-4.2L (BBD) (2004)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Checking While Removed From Vehicle
Shock absorbers, checking while removed from vehicle
Malfunctioning shock absorbers are noticeable during driving due to loud rattling noises - caused by wheel bouncing - particularly on rough driving
surfaces. They can also be externally identified by large oil loss.
Note: Shock absorbers are maintenance-free, shock absorber oil cannot be refilled.
A shock absorber that has been removed from the vehicle can be checked by hand as follows:
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Press shock absorber together by hand.
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Piston rod must move with even resistance throughout entire stroke and without jerking.
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Release piston rod.
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For shock absorbers with sufficient gas pressure, piston rod returns to initial position on its own.
Note:
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If this does not occur, the shock absorber must not necessarily be replaced. As long as oil loss is not large, the effectiveness represents that of a
conventional shock absorber.
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The damping function is completely available even without gas pressure as long as there is not a large fluid loss. But the noisiness may worsen.