Preventive Maintenance 26 17730-241
AR2
™
2. Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the shock absorber. This can also
be performed by carefully touching the shock body below the dust cover. Touch the frame to
get an ambient reference, see Figure 6-16. A warm shock absorber is acceptable, a cold shock
absorber should be replaced.
3. To inspect for an internal failure, remove and shake the suspected shock. Listen for the
sound of metal parts rattling inside. Rattling of metal parts can indicate that the shock has
an internal failure.
Look for any of the potential problems in Figure 6-17 when doing a visual inspection. Inspect the
shock absorbers fully extended. Replace as necessary.
The inspection must not be conducted after driving in
wet weather or a vehicle wash. Shocks needs to be free
from water. Many misting shocks are often misdiag-
nosed as failures.
The AR2 suspension is equipped with a premium seal
on the shock, however this seal will allow for misting to
appear on the shock body (misting is not a leak and is
considered acceptable).
Misting is the process whereby very small amounts of
shock fluid evaporate at a high operating temperature
through the upper seal of the shock. When the “mist”
reaches the cooler outside air, it condenses and forms
a film on the outside of the shock body. Misting is per-
fectly normal and necessary function of the shock, see
Figure 6-18. The fluid which evaporates through the seal area helps to lubricate and prolong
the life of the seal.
A shock that is truly leaking and needs to be replaced will show signs of fluid leaking in streams
from the upper seal, see Figure 6-18. These streams can easily be seen when the shock is fully
extended, underneath the main body (dust cover) of the shock. Look for these potential problems
when doing a visual inspection. Inspect the shock absorbers fully extended. If the shock is dam-
aged install new shock absorber and replace as detailed in the Component Replacement section
of this publication.
SHOCK ABSORBER VISUAL INSPECTION - UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS
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