Table of contents: Drilling the shock absorber ↓ Cutting the shock absorber ↓
In order for a faulty shock absorber to be used as a secondary raw material, it is necessary to drain the shock absorber fluid from it.
Attention. The gas pressure in the gas-filled shock absorber reaches 25 bar, so when disposing of it, cover the work area and use safety glasses. There are two ways to dispose of the shock absorber: either by drilling a hole or by cutting the shock absorber body.
Drilling the shock absorber
Secure the shock absorber in a vice in a vertical position with the rod down.
In the shock absorber body, drill hole A (Fig. 8.15) using a 3 mm diameter drill.
Caution. In a gas-filled shock absorber, when drilling a hole in the first housing, gas under pressure will escape. When gas comes out of the shock absorber, cover the hole with a rag. Continuing to drill, drill through the inner tube of the shock absorber (about 25 mm).
Using a 6mm drill bit, drill a second hole B into the shock absorber body and inner tube.
Place a container under the shock absorber to collect the fluid and, by moving the shock absorber rod from stop to stop, squeeze the fluid out of the shock absorber.
After the liquid has drained from the shock absorber, it can be recycled.
Cutting the shock absorber
Secure the shock absorber strut in a vertical position in a vice (see fig. 8.16).
Place a pipe cutter, such as the Stahlwille Express 150/3, on top of the shock absorber body and cut through the shock absorber body. Be aware that gas will leak from a gas-filled shock absorber.
Pull the shock absorber rod upwards, while holding the inner tube with a "Swedish" key and press down so that the inner tube remains inserted into the body when slowly removing the rod.
Remove the shock absorber rod from the inner tube.
Place a container under the shock absorber to collect the fluid and drain the fluid from the shock absorber into a suitable container. After the fluid has drained from the shock absorber, it can be recycled.