Gabriel® Answerman Heavy-Duty Tips

Gabriel® Answer Garage Heavy-Duty Tips

Review these tips before you replace your shocks

Take the Heat Test

If ride deterioration is experienced and there is suspicion that a shock has failed internally, perform the following “SHOCK HEAT TEST” within a few minutes of operating the equipment.

Shock absorbers function at temperatures ranging from ambient to 350° F. Shocks dampen the oscillation of the truck’s springs by transforming energy produced by the spring to heat and dissipating it. As a result, the shock should be slightly warm to hot to the touch after normal use.

1. Drive the vehicle at moderate speeds for at least 15 minutes.
2. All shock absorbers should be warmer than the chassis. Within a few minutes of driving the vehicle, touch each shock absorber carefully on its body below the dust cover or tube, after first touching a nearby part of the chassis to establish a reference ambient temperature of the metal. Note if shocks aren’t warm.
3. Suspect failure in any shock absorber that is noticeably cooler than its mate on the other end of the axle. Different temperatures from axle to axle do not indicate failures, but cooler temperatures on any one axle does warrant removal and examination of the cooler shock absorber.
4. To inspect for an internal failure, remove and shake the suspected shock. Listen for the sound of metal parts rattling inside, which can indicate internal failure.
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