The shock absorbers installed on Camaro and Firebird vehicles are non-spiral groove type units. These shock absorbers contain a gas-filled cell within the shock reservoir.

You are not required to purge air from non-spiral groove shock absorbers, unlike spiral groove shocks, which contain an air-filled cell within the reservoir.

1. Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Front Suspension or Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Important: Do NOT clamp the vise jaws on the shock upper stem threads or on the reservoir.

2. Place the shock absorber in a vise.

•	Clamp the jaws on the top mounting stud of the shock.

•	Hold the shock vertically in the vise with the bottom end up.

3. Pump the shock at various rates of speed. Observe the rebound force.

•	The rebound force normally is stronger than the compression force (approximately 2-1).

•	The rebound force should be smooth and constant for each stroke rate.

4. Compare this shock with a good shock absorber.
5. If you observe any of the following conditions, replace the shock absorber:

•	A skip, or a lag, at reversal near mid-stroke

•	A seizing (except at the extreme ends of travel)

•	A noise, a grunt, or a squeal, after completing one full stroke in both directions

•	A clicking noise at fast reversal