How can I tell if still any good?

[UKPhilTR7]

Today, I got around to taking off the front springs off the struts and taking them all apart with the shocks out. Now I can see the bits that I think it is time to replace and the other bits that with a coat of paint or grease, should be OK.

When I took off the Strut Insert & Sprint section, both were as dry as a bone. No grease on the flat washer, the cone or the thrust washer. I would of thought that there would of needed to have some amount of lube??

So my question is, with the shocks how can I tell if they are still OK or if they should be replaced? When I pushed and pulled them they both seemed the same amount of resistance.

[FI Spyder]

If they have resistance they are good (more is better when hand compressing). Mine where totally shot. I could lift the shaft with thumb and finger and when released would fall to the bottom. That's worn out.

My cones and washers were dry as well, no wonder the steering was stiff (especially with 13" TR8 steering wheel the Spider comes with). Grease dries out over time (gets washed out). I had the needle bearings to install so I put them in.


- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT