Checking/disposal of shock absorber (BMW 5 Series E39)

A defective shock absorber is indicated by the presence of the following violations of the dynamic properties of the vehicle.

• Long-term vibration of the body due to uneven road surfaces.
• The body sways when the road unevenness follows one after another.
• Wheels bounce even on a flat road.
• Car jerking when braking (may also have other reasons).
• Danger when turning due to insufficient longitudinal stability, skidding of the vehicle.
• Rattling noises while driving.
• Uneven wear of the tire tread.

The shock absorber can be checked manually. However, an accurate check of the ability of the shock absorber installed on the car to withstand the load is possible only with the help of a diagnostic device, and of the shock absorber removed from the car - on a stand for checking shock absorbers.

Manual check

Remove the shock absorber.



Holding the shock absorber in the mounting position, stretch it at least three times, and then compress it. During the entire stroke, the piston rod of the shock absorber should move evenly, heavily and without jolts. In addition, any unusual noises should be absent.

Retract the piston rod completely and then release it. The rod should extend again at a uniform speed.



Minor traces of oil on the shock absorber, if it is working perfectly, are not grounds for replacing the shock absorber.

If there is significant oil loss, the shock absorber should be replaced.

Install the shock absorber.

Shock absorber disposal

In order to recycle a defective shock absorber, it is necessary to drain the oil from it and hand it over to a special waste collection point. The empty shock absorber can then be handed over as regular scrap metal.

Before disposing of the shock absorber, the oil is removed from it as follows.



Clamp the removed shock absorber in a vice vertically with the piston rod facing down.

At a distance of approximately 20 mm from the base of the pipe, drill a hole of 3 mm diameter in the outer wall to release the gas. The gas released is colorless, odorless and non-toxic.

At a distance of approximately 80 mm from the base of the pipe, drill a second hole with a diameter of 5 mm to drain the oil.

Hold the shock absorber over the container and by repeatedly moving the piston rod in both directions at full stroke, squeeze the oil out of the shock absorber.

Caution: The oil in the shock absorber must never be simply drained onto the ground or thrown away with ordinary household waste. The oil from the shock absorber is mineral and must be taken to a collection point for used motor oils.