Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Testing and Inspection

AR32.25-P-1017-02SX Checking condition of spring struts
- except CODE (487) Active Body Control (ABC)

Component Identification:

To ensure that the AIRmatic is functioning correctly, it is necessary to check the spring elements for damage prior to installation.

1 Check the condition of the suspension struts (when removed).

Unpressurized or low-pressure suspension struts can be reliably detected by the fact that the external guide (2) of the shock absorber tube (1) appears weak. This means that the shock absorber (1) can move back and forth in the external guide (2) without any major resistance (arrows). Furthermore, it must be possible to feel the bellows (3) under the protective boot (4) and the bellows must form a full rolling fold. The protective boot (4) must not be damaged (e.g. cracks). Unpressurized spring struts are scrap and must not be pressurized and fitted to vehicles under any circumstances!