Professional corner

Installation - Do's and dont's of installing shock absorbers

Some basic principles need to be respected when installing shock absorbers. Specific guidelines and warning are included in the box or in the Monroe fitting manual.

In addition, the following 8 general do's and don'ts should always be followed.

1. Consult the main Monroe catalogue:

• Check car make
• Check car model
• Check car type and engine power
• Check year of manufacture (not registration)
• If applicable
• Check axle type (rigid or independent)
• Wheelbase size
• Suspension type-coil, leaf, spring, etc.
• Ensure that the part number on the product corresponds to the catalogue recommendation.

2. Air wrenches

• Only use an air wrench to remove shock absorbers that need replacing.
• Never use an air wrench to install new Monroe shock absorbers-this can seriously damage the mounting parts and impair vehicle safety.

3. Tools

• Always use the appropriate tools.
• Never grip or damage the polished piston rod with pliers or other tools-this can damage the rod seal, leading to oil leakage.
• Always use the appropriate safe spring compressor-do not use any other tool to compress the spring; this can result in serious injury.

4. Cartridge replacement

• When replacing a cartridge, always pour some motor oil into the empty strut before inserting a new cartridge-this will allow heat to dissipate from the cartridge.

5. Prime the shock absorber

• Always prime the shock absorber by pulling and pushing the piston rod in and out several times before installation-this must be done with the shock absorber in the same position it will be in when installed under the vehicle (normally vertical).

6. Tighten the mountings

• Always tighten the shock absorber upper mountings after the car has been placed back on its wheels. (When the wheels are supporting the weight the suspension will be compressed to its normal static position.) This avoids extra compression on the mounting rubber when the nuts are tightened.

7. Torque wrenches

• Always use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts and bolts to the forces set out in the Monroe mounting instruction sheets, or to the manufacturer's recommendation. Over-tightening can damage the mounting parts causing premature shock absorber failure.

8. Check and adjust

• For optimal driving comfort and roadholding check and adjust as required:
• Toe angle-toe-in or toe-out
• Wheel caster
• Positive or negative camber.