Checking the shock absorber (VW Golf 1)

If the shock absorber performance deteriorates, it will be felt by a change in the driving characteristics. Rule of thumb: after replacing two worn sets of tires, the stock shock absorbers have no more than 1/2 of their original performance. Therefore, they must be replaced.

An inaccurate "diagnosis" is obtained using the rocking method when the car is parked. The car is rocked at a certain wing and suddenly released: the vibrations should be immediately damped. But this method can only detect a completely failed shock absorber.

A more accurate picture of the shock absorber condition can be a special test stand. The diagram records the vibrations of the machine axle; the axle is first set in oscillatory motion. For this, the liquid in the shock absorber should not be too cold, otherwise the measurement result will be distorted. Using the diagram, you can obtain the data by which you can judge the suitability of the shock absorber.