Struts Don't Rebound - Normal?

[exranger06]

I just ordered new Koni STR.T struts for my Accord. If I compress one of the front struts by hand and let go, the strut will rebound very slowly (like over 20 seconds to rebound). the rear struts don't really rebound at all. If I compress them, they pretty much stay compressed. Both front struts feel identical to each other and behave the same way, and both rear struts feel identical and behave the same way.

So, is this normal? I've never tried to test struts off the vehicle before and am trying to see if this is the way they're supposed to be.

 

[IndyIan]

I'd give Koni a call and see what they say before you put them in. I think all gas struts should rebound fairly quickly, its a test listed both my factory service manuals. The one 150k mile strut that failed on my Neon didn't rebound fully or smoothly, but the other one still did.
Perhaps the seals are just a little sticky on yours? Maybe put a drop of oil on them and work them a few times and see if they free up.

 

[Astro14]

I installed Konis on a TransAm that I once owned. IIRC, they're not gas pressurized....or at least, not much....so, yeah, I think that's normal...not like Bilsteins that extend quickly and are nearly impossible to compress back into place if they get away from you....

 

[tommygunn]

Most Koni shocks aren't even gas pressurized.

In an extreme case though, email Koni and/or wherever you got them from.

 

[JHZR2]

My sachs struts behaved as described when I pulled them off my saab. Tough to tell what this means I guess? I posted a video on here in one of my threads...

 

[mount]

They're shock absorbers. Not springs.

 

[exranger06]

They say "gas pressurized" or something like that, stamped right on the struts themselves FWIW.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Never seen any gas charged shock or strut that didn't push itself all the way out to the stop as soon as you released it.

 

[meep]

I've installed 3 sets thru the years. they all pop out. now, they don't pop out quickly, as the pressure is fighting against their nature to reduce motion.... so they are slow, steady, and smooth.

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: mount
They're shock absorbers. Not springs.
Exactly; it is the job of the spring to rebound. It is the job of the shock absorber to resist it as much as it can. I am presuming it provides damping in both the direction.