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3-8 Suspension General Diagnosis
Struts or Shock Absorbers Noisy
Important: The single-tube shock absorbers are
highly gas pressurized and require a force of
445 N
(100 lb) in order to initiate movement of .the
shock absorber rod. Do NOT dent or puncture
the shock absorber assemblies.
1. Examine all of the mountings for proper tightening.
Loose mountings will cause a noise.
2. If all of the mountings are intact, test each shock
absorber by quickly pushing down, then lifting up,
on the corner of the bumper near.est to the .
shock absorber which you are. testing.
2.1. Use the same amount of effort on each test
and notice the resistance on compression
and rebound.
2.2. Repeat this test on a similar vehicle having
acceptable ride quality. The shock
absorbers on both vehicles should provide
the same feeling of resistance. If you
notice much difference between the
two vehicles, continue with, the next step.
3. Remove the suspected shock absorber.
4. Shake the shock absorber and listen for loose
metallic parts inside the shock absorber body. If
you hear a suspicious noise, replace the
shock absorber.
5. Turn the shock absorber so that the lower mount
is up and the upper mount and rod are down.
Slowly compress the shock absorber. Do not allow
the chromed portion of the shock absorber rod
to pass below the black seal cover.
6. Replace the shock absorber if you encounter a
seize condition with more than 25 mm
(1 in) of
the chromed portion of the shock absorber
rod exposed above the seal cover.
Struts or Shock Absorbers Leak
Important: The single-tube shock absorbers are
highly gas-pressurized and require a force of
445 N
(100 lb) in order to initiate .movement of the
shock absorber rod. Do NOT dent or puncture
the shock absorber assemblies.
1. Fully extend the shock absorbers, with the tires
and the wheels unsupported, in ord~r to expose
the .seal cover area for inspection.
2. Look for signs of leaks at the top of the shock
absorber:
• A small amount of fluid in not cause for
replacement. The seal permits some seepage
in order to lubricate the shock ab.sorber rod.
• You can easily determine a leaking shock
absorber because an excessive amount of fluid
will cover the shock absorber.
3. Replace a leaking shock absorber.
Suspension
Struts or Shock Absorbers Bench Test
Testing Procedure
The shock absorbers installed on Camaro and Firebird
vehicles are non-spiral groove type units. These
shock absorbers contain a gas-filled cell within the
shock reservoir.
You are not required to purge air from non-spiral
groove shock absorbers, unlike spiral groove shocks,
which contain an air-filled cell within the reservoir.
1 . Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front
Suspension or Shock Absorber Replacement
in Rear Suspension.
Important: Do NOT clamp the vise jaws on the shock
upper stem threads or on the reservoir.
2. Place the shock absorber in a vise.
• Clamp the jaws on the top mounting stud of
the shock.
• Hold the shock vertically in the vise with the
bottom end up.
3. Pump the shock at various rates of speed.
Observe the rebound force.
• The rebound force normally is stronger than
the compression force (approximately 2-1).
• The rebound force should· be smooth
and constant for.each stroke rate.
4. Compare this shock with a good shock absorber.
(
5. If you observe any of the following· conditions,
replace the shock absorber:
• A skip, or a lag, at revers.al near mid-stroke
• A seizing (except at the extreme ends of travel)
· • A noise, a grunt, or a squeal, after completing
one full stroke in both directions
• A clicking noise at fast reversal
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