Table of contents: Drilling the shock absorber ↓ Cutting the shock absorber ↓
To reuse the shock absorber, it is necessary to drain the oil from it. After that, the shock absorber can be disposed of as ordinary metal.
Warning: Never dispose of shock absorber oil with household waste, as this may harm the environment. Local authorities should provide information on where to collect used oil.
Warning: The gas pressure in the shock absorber is up to 25 bar. Therefore, when opening the shock absorber, fence off the work area and be sure to wear protective glasses.
The shock absorber can be opened in two ways: by drilling it or by sawing it.
Drilling the shock absorber
1. Clamp the shock absorber removed from the vehicle vertically in a vice with the rod facing down.
2. Drill a 3mm diameter hole at point (A) on the outer shell of the shock absorber.
Warning: Gas filled shock absorbers will leak gas after the first wall of the tube is drilled. Maintain safety clearance. Continue drilling further to the inner tube (approximately 25 mm).
3. Drill another 6 mm hole at point (B) so that you get a hole in the inner pipe.
4. Hold the shock absorber over a container and squeeze out the oil by moving the rod in different directions to the full extent of the stroke.
5. Allow the oil to drain completely.
6. Dispose of used oil in accordance with established regulations.
7. Dispose of the shock absorber as normal metal.
Cutting the shock absorber
1. Clamp the shock absorber strut in a vice.
2. Install a pipe cutter, such as the Stahwille Express 150/3, and cut the outer pipe.
Warning: When the shock absorber is filled with gas, gas will escape.
3. Lift the rod. At the same time, hold the inner pipe with a gas wrench and press it down so that when the rod slowly extends, it remains in the outer pipe.
4. Remove the stem from the inner tube.
5. Place the shock absorber over a container and drain the oil completely.
6. Dispose of used oil in accordance with established regulations.
7. Dispose of the shock absorber as normal metal.