Press down on the body of vehicle. If it oscillates more than once when pressure is removed, this may indicate that shock absorbers are worn. However, please note that this test is not always reliable with modern suspension systems.

2. Road test

Drive the vehicle to test the ride, paying particular attention to behavior when braking and cornering, on wet surfaces and in strong side winds.

3. Suspension tester

Shock absorber wear can be verified after removal from the vehicle using a dynamometric test machine. This can be used to check for asymmetry of the suspension between wheels on the same axle and to measure the minimum dynamic supporting force of the suspension through wheel to wheel adhesion. The suspension tester manufacturer's documentation should be consulted.

Shock absorbers should be examined visually to detect defects not identified by bench tests.

4. Visual inspection

4.1. Mountings

Check for broken or weakened mountings and for signs of corrosion.

4.2. Body deformation

A deformed shock absorber body can slow or stop piston movement.

4.3. Leaking

Oil leaks result in poor functioning and damping loss.

4.4. Mounting bushes

Cracked or deformed mounting bushes can cause suspension noise when braking, accelerating etc.

4.5. Piston rod

Corroded piston rods will damage the seals causing oil loss.

4.6. Seizure

If shock absorbers seize up all road irregularities will be directly transmitted to the vehicle making it unsafe.

4.7. Tire condition

Patchy tire wear may point to worn shock absorbers.