Is my shock blown or just loose? (1 Viewer)

[Jimtronic]

Hi All, I'm trying to figure out what's going on with my front left shock. It is loose. I can grab it with my hand and move it around and make it clank in it's mount. Nothing appears broken, it just appears to be loose. The shocks are most likely stock on this 1988 HJ60.

How can I tell whether it's blown and needs replacement or simply a bushing that got worn out?

I will take it to a mechanic locally, but I'm in Costa Rica and they usually only speak spanish. My spanish is ok, but I find it helps if I can go there armed with a little knowledge.

Thanks!

 

[Mace]

Stock shocks on a 88 60 series are guaranteed to need replacement.

 

[hj 60]

If the bushing is worn out it will clunk as it is mounted with no force or pressure, so if loosened you can remove it easy.
I think the only way to test is the "put some weight on it and see if it bounces back"
maybe the proper way are bounce plates at the shop that are made for testing shocks.

Might be one of those repairs that you wished you had done ten years ago?

 

[C130FE]

If they've never been replaced, then it's probably inevitable.

 

[mongoose2231]

Plus shocks aren't really that pricey and you can replace them yourself. I just did hd blisteins in all 4 corners for $260. Installed them myself.