Originally Posted by Salkin

Unless a rebuild is necessary (never is), or if the shock leaks (they never do), I just replace the oil.

If I for some reason do not change oil for a while in a set of shocks, I regularly demount them, take the springs off and "listen" for air in the shocks and just generally assess the feel of the piston.

When changing oil, I do not use any chemicals. Just empty the oil and put the shocks upside-down on a paper towel, and wipe off as much oil in the shock with paper towel.

Off course, before any race oil is changed.

Guess it's kind of a religion, some like to totally tear down the whole touring car and put the whole thing back together again. Others, like myself, like to think that you know the "week" spots and/or only disassemble the parts that seems to need that. A "if it ain't broke - don't try to fix it".....philosophy.