How to Check Shock Absorbers or Macpherson Struts in a Saturn Ion
If you're hitting the roof in your Saturn Ion every time you hit a bump, it might be a good time to check your shocks and struts. Your Macpherson strut assembly is vital to your suspension system and contains your shock absorber which consists of a telescopic coil spring and an oil filled damper. Run a few simple tests to determine the condition of your shocks and struts.
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Instructions
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Road test your Ion first in an empty parking lot. As you drive, pay attention to how your vehicle responds to bumps. If it bounces more than a couple times after you go over a bump at a fairly slow speed, or if the it's hard to steer after hitting a bump, then it's time to check the shocks and struts.
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Perform the bounce test. Grab a corner on the body of your Ion and then shake it up and down vigorously. Let it go and watch what happens. If it bounces up and then down more than once or twice before your vehicle comes to a rest, this is a good sign that you need new shocks and struts.
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Take a closer look. Jack up your Saturn using jacks and axle stands to support the chassis and give you access to the wheels. Grab a socket wrench or air ratchet to remove the tire lug nuts.
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Remove the wheel assembly with a socket wrench or an air ratchet and set aside. Locate the Macpherson strut assembly behind and above the hub. You should see a coil spring with a damper above it. This is the shock absorber. If you see oil leaking from the shock absorber, it needs to be replaced.
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Check for dents, pitting, rust and corrosion on the assembly. All of these are signs of wear and, depending on the degree, signal that it's time for new shocks and struts. Take your Saturn to your local mechanic to have the shocks and struts tested and replaced, as the process involves some skill and special tools.
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