S10/T10 P/U 2WD V6-4.3L VIN W (1997)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Diagnostic Information & Procedures
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).
1. Place the shock absorber in a vise with jaws clamped on the shock absorber's top mounting stud.
-
Shock absorber should be held vertically in the vise with the bottom end up.
-
Do not clamp vise jaws on the shock absorber's upper stem threads or reservoir.
2. Pump the shock absorber at various rates of speed and observe the rebound force.
-
Rebound force is normally stronger than compression force (approximately two to one).
-
Rebound force should be smooth and constant for each stroke rate.
3. Compare with a good shock absorber.
4. If one of the following are observed, replace the shock absorber:
-
A skip or lag at reversal near mid-stroke.
-
A seize (except at the extreme ends of travel).
-
A noise (grunt or squeal) after completing one full stroke in both directions.
-
A clicking noise at fast reversal.
Shock Absorber Bench Test
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).
1. Place the shock absorber in a vise with jaws clamped on the shock absorber's top mounting stud.
-
Shock absorber should be held vertically in the vise with the bottom end up.
-
Do not clamp vise jaws on the shock absorber's upper stem threads or reservoir.
2. Pump the shock absorber at various rates of speed and observe the rebound force.
-
Rebound force is normally stronger than compression force (approximately two to one).
-
Rebound force should be smooth and constant for each stroke rate.
3. Compare with a good shock absorber.
4. If one of the following are observed, replace the shock absorber:
-
A skip or lag at reversal near mid-stroke.
-
A seize (except at the extreme ends of travel).
-
A noise (grunt or squeal) after completing one full stroke in both directions.
-
A clicking noise at fast reversal.