Shock absorbers dampen various kinds of vibrations, soften impacts from holes, etc. For this, there is a special piston with liquid inside that goes up and down the viscous substance. As a rule, this part serves for a long time. Do-it-yourself repair may not be required to repair shock absorber struts. But this is not about our roads. Therefore, you need to know how to repair the shock absorber. There are several nuances, which we will talk about.
Shock absorber removal
There are front and rear racks. Of course, road handling and damping fluctuations depend on all four racks, but more attention needs to be paid to the front ones. If a strange knock, creak, leakage of liquid, etc. was noticed, then it is time to go to the inspection hole and make a replacement. Of course, you can always go to the service, but shock absorbers are expensive parts, so it’s sometimes easier to repair them yourself.
It is best to put the car in the inspection hole, so it will be much more convenient to perform all the procedures. To remove the rear shock absorbers, it is enough to remove the wheels and unscrew the rack mounts on the beam support. That's all. After that, you can start repairing the shock absorber. But we still need to remove the front, and make it a little harder. It is advisable to remove the rack with the brake disc, because it is easier and faster. But in any case, you have to sweat.
DIY shock absorber repair
After all racks are removed, you can proceed directly to the repair. If we are dealing with fixed shock absorbers, then, in principle, the choice is small. The only thing we can do is add some liquid by drilling holes in the body. In other cases, a failed part is simply thrown away, and then a new one is installed.
If we are faced with a collapsible type of shock absorbers, which happens most often in the classics, then this is good. First of all, we need to remove the boot from it, and then unscrew the fastening nut and remove the shock absorber. Immediately it is desirable to change the fluid inside the new one, due to the loss of its properties during operation. We need to remove the protective ring with the gland from the stem, as well as the seal (gasket). After that we carry the case of the device to a vice where it is necessary to clamp it. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the part.
We continue repair work
After the shock absorber is in a vice, you need to pull out the compression valve. This can be done manually or with pliers. It is also necessary to disconnect the stem with the piston. If difficulties arise at this stage, then sufficient effort can be made, or by swinging the rod in different directions, get it out of the housing, which is more efficient.
After that, we will see the spring located in the housing, as well as the throttle disk. There are several compression valves right there. Further, all parts are removed in sequence, and the collection is carried out in the reverse order. It must be remembered that during operation various kinds of defects are formed: mechanical wear, scuffing, etc. All this cannot be left unattended. Since our main goal is to repair the shock absorber, everything that has a defect needs to be changed. To do this, it is recommended to use new parts. They are sold with special kits in car dealerships.
Shock absorber repair, or what else to look for
Every motorist must remember that the replacement of the struts is done in pairs. That is, if we change one shock absorber, for example, on the left, then the right one also needs to be replaced. The same applies to repairs, although visually the device can work fine, but literally after 1000-2000 kilometers it can fail, which means that again you need to disassemble everything and change parts.
It is highly recommended that you repair the front shock absorber (and the rear one too) on the “goats”, and not on the jacks. This is done solely for security purposes. It is impossible not to notice that the front shock absorbers on VAZ series cars change much easier than on front-wheel drive foreign cars, since there will require uniform compression of the spring on both sides with the help of special ties. Do not forget that after a comprehensive replacement of the rack you will need to call in the alignment / toe-in, as the angle is violated, which leads to rapid tire wear, poor handling, suspension failure, etc.
Practical tips
If you do repair of struts of shock absorbers with your own hands, then you need to remember that the oil must be replaced. Moreover, it is necessary to fill in not motor, but shock absorber, since it is specifically designed for this. After you perform the repair, you do not need to test the car for strength on a bad road, as this leads to the destruction of the entire suspension. I would also like to note that if you are the owner of a modern expensive car, then most likely you have fixed shock absorbers installed.
As for the tool, every motorist will find it. You will need a rack mount key, in some cases, ties and springs (for front-wheel drive). That's all we need from the tool. Do not forget about the "goats" on which we install the car while the VAZ shock absorbers are being repaired.
Conclusion
Most people involved in self-repair, completely sort out the filling of the shock absorber. However, this is not necessary at all, you can limit yourself to replacing the cartridge assembly. This ensures that the entire cartridge leaves for a long time, it will not be necessary to disassemble and assemble it every month.
You must always be able to visually identify and find defects. Make it easy. To do this, just imagine what a “healthy” shock absorber looks like, and yours. If there are any discrepancies, then this is an occasion to think. As for determining the suitability of the spring, if there are no visible defects in the form of cracks, etc., and also there is no loss of properties, then it can be left. In all cases, we change the anther (regardless of its condition).
So it turns out that it is not so difficult to independently repair the shock absorber. To do this, you just need to follow some rules and have the necessary tool. Experience comes with practice, so do not be alarmed if repairs take a long time. For the first time, this is normal.