The technical condition of the suspension can be assessed while the car is moving. When driving at low speed on an uneven road, the suspension should work without knocking, creaking or other extraneous sounds. After driving over an obstacle, the car should not swing.
Tip: It is better to combine checking the suspension with checking the condition of the tires and wheel bearings (see "Wheels, tires and hubs"). One-sided wear of the tire tread indicates deformation of the rear suspension beam.
To carry out the work you will need an inspection pit or overpass.
Sequence of execution
1. Prepare the car for work (see "Preparing the car for maintenance and repair").
Recommendation: It is better to check the functionality of the shock absorbers after a long trip, while the working fluid in the shock absorbers has not cooled down.
2. Vigorously swing the rear part of the car body in the vertical direction. If the body continues to oscillate due to inertia (more than two: up and down), after it has stopped swinging, then one or both shock absorbers are faulty. To identify the faulty shock absorber, repeat the test, applying force first on one side and then on the other side of the car.
Note: This test only reveals faulty shock absorbers. The effectiveness of shock absorbers can only be tested on a special stand.
3. Inspect the suspension shock absorbers - no fluid leaks from the shock absorbers are allowed.
Recommendation: Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs, even if the second rear shock absorber is in good condition.
4. Visually check the condition of the rubber-metal hinges for mounting the shock absorbers (1) and the rear axle beam levers (2).
[The material is posted on the online resource: VazBook.ru]
We replace joints with one-sided rubber bulging, ruptures and cracks (see below for relevant sections).
5. Check the tightening of the nuts securing the suspension parts and tighten them if necessary.
6. Inspect the suspension parts. Deformation and fatigue cracks in the suspension parts are not allowed. Replace damaged parts.