How to Check Car Shocks
Shocks are available in several varieties. The least-expensive shocks are the older, standard, oil-filled shocks. The problem with these stems from the fact that they fail once they become heated and the oil becomes thinner. The next type is nitrogen-filled shocks. These shocks are filled with nitrogen and oil, which solves the problem of overheating and causing failure. These are used on all motor vehicles as standard equipment. There are a vast variety of performance shocks, having different levels of valving for performance vehicles.
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Instructions
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Push up and down vigorously on the front and then the rear of the vehicle. This is the oldest and most dependable way of checking shock performance. This may be difficult on some vehicles due to their body style and lack of protruding bumpers with which to push. The vehicle should exhibit resistance to pushing down, and when the front or rear is rocked, the vehicle should stop rocking immediately when released. If it keeps rocking, the shocks are worn out.
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Drive the vehicle over a rough surface. If the vehicle has any amount of rocking or pitching it is a good indication of worn shocks. Drive the vehicle slow and momentarily tap the brakes. If the nose dives or rocks two or three times before coming to rest, the shocks are worn. The shocks do not support the vehicle--they just provide resistance to the up and down movement of the vehicle. If you held a shock and tried to depress it, you would find it extremely difficult. The same thing applies to trying to extend the shock.
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Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Inspect the shocks for oil leaks, which indicate a bad seal. If the shocks have a bad seal, they must be replaced.
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