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 reversal 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