How to Check Shock Absorbers or MacPherson Struts in a Chevy Impala

A Chevrolet Impala has a MacPherson strut suspension system. Struts, composed of coil springs plus dampening shocks, are designed to lessen the impact of bumps and provide a smoother ride. In a MacPherson strut assembly, all the suspension components are contained in a single unit mounted near the inner fender panel. Read on to determine whether the struts on your Chevrolet Impala need to be replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Spring compressor

Instructions

1. Begin by taking your Impala for a road test. Notice how your car behaves when you use the brakes, turn a corner, or accelerate. Note any vibrations, as well as the overall quality of the ride. If performance is poor, you may need to replace the coil springs in the struts.

2. Listen for any popping, clicking or rattling. If you hear anything, it's a good idea to take the noisy strut apart using a spring compressor. Check whether the seal on the shaft is damaged. Also check whether the strut has low resistance, which would mean you need to replace it.

3. Bounce the car in the front first and then the back. If there is any binding, that could mean you have a bent shaft on a strut. If you observe poor dampening, then a strut probably has worn valves. It's time for replacements.

4. Check the top mount assembly bearing. Have someone move the steering wheel while you observe whether it binds or the movement is rough. If it seems problematic, the MacPherson struts on your Chevrolet Impala probably need to be taken apart and repaired.