How To Check Out Your Shock Absorbers

[McLean]

Report from recent MoT at the local Lexus dealer mentions slight leak on the rear nearside shock absorber. Bouncing each corner doesn't show a noticeable difference - up or down - and the SC430's springs are pretty stiff anyway.

Any other ideas for checking it out other than taking it off the car and removing the spring?

[steve2006]

If it has a leak it should be visible without removing it from the car as MOT testers are not allowed to start dismantling a car to look for faults, take the wheel off and have a look towards the top.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

A leaky shock shouldn't be a fail as long as its still working. I've was advised 3 years running on my old Honda that all 4 were leaky. They still did the job and didn't deteriorate over 3 years so I wouldn't be overly concerned :)

[McLean]

It was picked up during the dealer's pre-MoT checks.

Once the car body is jacked up and the shock absorber fully extended I'd say maybe the top 1" or so of the main case has signs of oil round it.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

It was picked up during the dealer's pre-MoT checks.

Once the car body is jacked up and the shock absorber fully extended I'd say maybe the top 1" or so of the main case has signs of oil round it.

Like I said fella, if it's still working fine even with a leak then it's a pass with advisory :)