This procedure includes both on-vehicle and bench checks to be performed in diagnosing the shock. Vehicles equipped with the Real Time Damping (RTD) system require the ignition to be turned OFF when performing the on-vehicle shock absorber checks.

1. Check tire pressures.
2. Adjust tire pressures if required. Refer to label on the rear of driver's door for tire pressure specifications.
3. Note the load conditions under which the vehicle is normally operated.
4. If practical, ride with the owner to understand complaint before proceeding to next step.
5. Test each shock in turn by quickly pushing down (jouncing) and then lifting up on the corner of the bumper nearest the shock being check.
6. Use the same amount of effort on each test.
7. Note the resistance provided by the shock on compression and rebound.
8. Compare with a similar vehicle having an acceptable ride quality.
9. Both should provide the same feeling of resistance.
10. The stabilizer assembly makes detection very difficult.
11. Go to Step 12 of a difference between the right and left shock is felt.
12. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
13. Disconnect the lower shock mountings.

On vehicles equipped with the Real Time Damping (RTD) system disconnect at the upper mounting. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension and Shock Absorbers (RWD) in Rear Suspension for proper removal and proper installation procedures.

14. Stroke the shocks at various rates of speed through maximum travel in both directions.

Compare the two sides for rebound and compare for compression resistance.

•	The rebound resistance is normally stronger than compression at about 2 to 1.

•	The right and the left shocks must feel comparable.

•	Differences between the front and the rear shocks are normal.

15. If in doubt about the condition, compare with a shock known to be good.

1. Check all mounting torque's (bolt and/or nut). A loose mounting will cause a noise.
2. If all mountings are in tact go to Step 3.
3. Jounce the vehicle to isolate the suspected unit.
4. If practical, ride with the owner to understand the complaint before proceeding to the next step.
5. A hissing noise is considered normal.
6. A grunt or squeal after on full stroke in both directions is abnormal.
7. A clicking noise on fast reverse is abnormal.
8. Abnormal conditions require replacement.
9. Raise and support the vehicle to inspect a noisy shock.
10. Disconnect the lower mounting of the suspected shock.

On vehicles equipped with the Real Time Damping (RTD) system disconnect the upper mountings. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement for the proper removal and installation procedures.

11. Quickly push the shock all the way in and all the way out.
12. A hissing noise is normal.
13. Other objectionable noises may be detected by stroking the shock.
14. Abnormal sounds require replacement.

1. Inspect the shocks by fully extending the shocks with the wheels unsupported. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle when raising vehicle.
2. Look for signs for leaks.
3. The seal permits some seepage to lubricate the piston rod. There is a built-in-fluid reserve to allow for seepage. A slight trace of fluid is NOT cause for replacement.
4. An excessive amount of fluid is present on a leaking shock.
5. Replace a leaking shock.

Visually inspect for evidence of leakage on body of the shock.

1. Stroke shocks by hand at various rates of speed.

Stroke selective ride shocks at different rates of resistance by manually rotating the selector gear on the top of the shock.

2. Observe the resistance.
3. Rebound offers more resistance than compression (approximately 2 to 1). The resistance should be smooth and constant.
4. Compare with a known good shock.
5. A hissing noise is normal.
6. The following are considered abnormal and reason for replacement:

•	A skip or a lag at reversal near mid-stroke.

•	A seize (except at either extreme end of travel).

•	A noise such as a grunt or a squeal after completing one full stroke in both directions.

•	A clicking noise at fast reversal.

•	A fluid leak.