Rear shock absorber (Estate models) - removal, testing and refitting

Suspension and steering systems / Rear shock absorber (Estate models) - removal, testing and refitting

Removal
1 Chock the front wheels, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and support it on axle stands. Remove the appropriate wheel.

2 Position a trolley jack under the coil spring area of the rear lower suspension arm, to keep the coil spring in compression.

3 Unscrew and remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt (see illustration).

19.3 Rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt (Estate)

4 Unscrew and remove the upper mounting bolt, and withdraw the shock absorber from under the vehicle.

Testing
5 Check the mounting rubbers for damage and deterioration. If they are worn, they may be renewed separately from the shock absorber body.

6 Mount the shock absorber in a vice, gripping it by the lower mounting. Examine the shock absorber for signs of fluid leakage.

Test the operation of the shock absorber by moving it through a full stroke, and then through short strokes of 50 to 100 mm. In both cases, the resistance felt should be smooth and continuous. If the resistance is jerky or uneven, the shock absorber should be renewed.

Refitting
7 Refitting is a reversal of the removal procedure, but tighten the mounting bolts to the specified torque.