Involves the removal and replacement of worn or faulty shock absorbers (also known as struts or dampers) in a vehicle's suspension system.
Process:
Diagnosis: Skilled technicians begin by diagnosing the condition of the vehicle's suspension system, which may involve inspecting for signs of uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or swaying, or fluid leaks around the shock absorbers. Test drives may also be conducted to assess ride quality and suspension performance.
Access: Once the issue is confirmed to be related to the shock absorbers, the technician gains access to the suspension components, which are typically located near the wheels and attached to the vehicle's frame or body.
Removal: The old shock absorbers are carefully disconnected from the suspension system, including the upper mounting bolts or studs, lower mounting bolts, and any additional hardware or brackets securing them in place. Specialized tools may be used to safely compress and remove coil springs if applicable.
Inspection: With the old shock absorbers removed, the technician inspects them for signs of wear, damage, or fluid leaks. Any debris or contaminants are cleaned from the mounting surfaces and surrounding components.
Replacement: New shock absorbers, matching the specifications of the vehicle's make and model, are installed in place of the old ones. The new shock absorbers are carefully positioned and secured to the suspension system using appropriate mounting hardware and torque specifications.
Testing: Once the replacement is complete, the technician conducts a series of tests to verify the proper functioning of the suspension system. This may include bounce tests, road tests, and visual inspections to ensure that the vehicle rides smoothly and handles predictably.
Final Inspection: The vehicle undergoes a final inspection to verify the successful replacement of the shock absorbers and proper operation of the suspension system. The technician may also provide recommendations for ongoing maintenance to prevent premature wear or damage to the new shock absorbers.