How to tell if shocks are worn?

[lukits01]

Can anyone tell me how to check if your shocks are worn?

Im looking at some second hand dampers and coil-overs and I dont want to buy something Im going to regret or rebuild for that matter

If you take out the springs and press the shocks in, are they suppose to pop back out without hesitation or come out very slowly?

[David Kemps]

come back very slowly.

u can see signs of if its stuffed or not but cant fully know until its in the car

[lukits01]

oh another thing, If the shocks wont come out without a little pull once its pushed in

Is that a bad thing?

[lukits01]

no one can tell me if this is a good sign?

[David Kemps]

the shocks i've seen do come back out slowly but I'm not sure if it not coming back out means it's stuffed or not.

Dave

[tipper]

I have a set of koni yellows, the adjustment is so great on rebound that on full soft they come out very quickly and full hard would take a minute or so. if you can it would be best to take them to an expert to check.

[lukits01]

yea I'll probably get an expert to have a look at them

thanks

Also, these are GAB adjustable damper shocks I got at a reasonable price.

When I shake them they or compress them I can hear liquid splashing about inside

is that suppose to be normal?

[tipper]

IS it liquid or gas? My Yellows make a leaking sound depending on where they are set to, however they are not loeaking it is just the position of the valves that causes it.

[Sydneykid]

What I do to check shocks;

1. Look at the shaft for signs of wear, scratches, hardening worn off etc

2. Check the seals to see if they are leaking, there will be oil around if they are

3. Shocks never wear exactly the same, so take the pair and compress them both. Make sure they both compress and rebound at the same rate. Try a couiple of settings if they are adjustable.

I they pass all 3 tests chances are they are OK. But the only real test is to stick them on the shock dyno and do a dampening graph.

Hope that helps:cheers:

[lukits01]

Thanks SK!

I'll have a closer look

They seem pretty ok except the rear doesnt come out without a little pull after compressing them

IS it liquid or gas?  My Yellows make a leaking sound depending on where they are set to, however they are not loeaking it is just the position of the valves that causes it.

They are gas shocks