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MG MGA - Shocks

How do you test the shock absorbers to see if they need to be topped off?
T McCarthy

They are not an item that needs regular "topping off." If they work don't mess with them. Test by putting weight on the corner of the car and seeing how fast it returns to normal, too fast = bad shock, gradual return = good shock.
Steven B

On the front shocks it is easy to remove the plug on top and look at the level. On the rear, if it is not leaking and working then it is probably ok. Have a good day!

John
John Progess

Thanks for the thoughts so far.

I guess the question is: what is "too fast" when you are looking for the shock's ability to return?

Thanks
T McCarthy

The purpose of the shock absorbers is to damp the oscillations - if they weren't there then the car would just bounce all day on the suspension springs.

Google test shock absorbers car gives the following:

"A simple test of your dampers' state is to bounce each corner of the car in turn. If the car sinks and rises more than once before returning to normal then the dampers are worn and need attention."
Dan Smithers

If you are really concerned you can disconnect the link between the shock and the rear axel spring plate and then operate the lever by hand. You should get a firm resistance the full travel of the arm. You can do this to the front shocks by jacking under the spring pan and disconnecting the shock from the top of the front swivel pin but it is a lot of work.
J Heisenfeldt

I once ran a front shock to the empty point. When I hit a rut while turning, it became very obvious indeed that I shouldn't have done that!
K.A. Lawrence

Checking fluid level in the shocks should be a regular service item - it just need not be a very frequent one. Every couple of years should be sufficient. Pull the fill plugs and take a look, topping off as need be. Forget it and you may trash a shock before you realize there is something wrong
Bill Spohn

This thread was discussed between 25/04/2008 and 27/04/2008

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