Checking Spring Struts

Procedures
CHECKING SPRING STRUTS





Sight Test

- Carefully check piston rod for surface damage.

- Check piston rod for distortion. A distorted piston rod will be noticed during stroke by binding in guide bushing.

Note: For lubrication of guide bushing located outside piston rod seal, design provides an oil film on piston rod.

- The oil film and thereby the oil outlet provided is somewhat thicker than for shock absorbers. Oil deposits inside dust guard are therefore normal.

- A major leak is indicated when with the vehicle topped a number of drops will appear underneath spring strut and oil consumption of level control system is above permissible value.

- Alignment of suspension points is important for correct function of piston rod seal. Be sure to check piston rod seal in the event of leaks to see whether alignment of suspension points is in order.





Note: On spring Struts of T-sedans, check bores on disk (5s) for contamination.





- If a disk of the 1st version (A) is installed, exchange disk for 2nd version (B) with larger bores (8 mm dia.).

Rattling Noises

- Check upper suspension for correct assembly, lower suspension for tight seat of fastening clip and rubber mount in housing eye or ball joint for absence of play.

- Check alignment of upper suspension point on frame floor in relation to lower suspension point on semi-trailing arm (check alignment of rear shock absorbers).

Attention! If the alignment of the suspension parts has not been in order, replace spring Struts only if they have already been running for an extended period at a heavily deviating alignment or if they have been clearly leaking.