Places for drilling holes in the shock absorber housing
A - a hole with a diameter of 3 mm
B - hole with a diameter of 6 mm
Mounting the shock absorber in a vice when cutting the shock absorber body
In order for the shock absorber to be reused, the oil must be drained from it.
Under no circumstances should the oil from the shock absorber be disposed of with household waste, as it may harm the environment. Local authorities must inform about the places where used oil is collected.
The gas pressure in the shock absorber is up to 25 bar. Therefore, when opening the shock absorber, fence off the workplace and be sure to put on protective glasses.
The shock absorber can be opened in two ways: by drilling and sawing it.
Drilling shock absorber
1. Clamp the shock-absorber removed from the car vertically in a vise with a rod downwards.
2. Drill a Ø3 mm hole at point A on the outer shell of the shock absorber.
With gas-filled shock absorbers, gas escapes after the first wall of the pipe is drilled. Keep a safety distance. Continue drilling further up to the inner tube (approx. 25 mm).
3. Drill another Ø6mm hole at point B so as to make a hole in the inner tube.
4. Hold the shock absorber over the container and squeeze out the oil by moving the rod in different directions for the full amount of travel.
5. Let the oil drain completely.
6. Dispose of shock absorber as normal metal.
Sawing shock absorber
1. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise.
2. Fit a pipe cutter, eg Stahwille Express 150/3, and cut the outer pipe.
When the gas-filled shock absorber releases gas.
3. Raise the stem. At the same time, hold the inner pipe with a gas wrench and press it down so that it remains in the outer pipe when the stem is slowly extended.
4. Remove stem from inner tube.
5. Place a shock absorber over a container and drain the oil completely.
6. Dispose of used oil in accordance with established regulations.