On-Vehicle Checks

WEAK
1. Check and adjust tire pressures to the pressures shown on the Tire Placard.
2. Note the load conditions under which the vehicle is normally driven.
3. If practical, ride with the owner to be sure you understand the complaint before proceeding to next step.
4. Test each strut dampener in turn by quickly pushing down, then lifting up, the corner of the bumper nearest the strut dampener being checked. Use the same amount of effort on each test and note the resistance on compression and rebound. Compare this with a similar vehicle having acceptable ride quality. Both struts should provide the same feeling of resistance.

NOISY
1. Check all mountings for proper torque. A loose mounting will cause a noise.
2. If all mountings are intact, bounce the vehicle as described in Step 4 under "Weak" above to isolate the suspected unit. Any sound other than hissing is abnormal.

LEAKS
1. Fully extend the strut dampener (wheels unsupported) to expose the seal cover area for inspection.
2. Look for signs of leaks in the seal cover area.
3. A slight trace of fluid is NOT cause for replacement; the seal permits some seepage to lubricate the piston rod. There is a built in fluid reserve to allow for slight seepage.
4. A leaking strut dampener can easily be found because there will be fluid around the seal cover and an excessive amount of fluid on the strut. A leaking strut dampener must be replaced.