Course in Adjusting Vintage Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
300-hour online course in adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers. 6 modules covering ISO 3448 (viscosity grades of industrial lubricants), ISO 6743-4 (classification of hydraulic fluids) and MATLAB/Simulink. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Adjusting Vintage Hydraulic Shock Absorbers — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,470 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe vintage lever-arm and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.
Diagnose the condition of a shock absorber through tests and measurements.
Dismantle and repair lever-arm shock absorbers, including their seals and valves.
Recharge telescopic shock absorbers with the appropriate fluid.
Adjust damping to the weight and use of the vehicle.
Interpret force-velocity curves obtained on a test bench.
Plan the assembly and maintenance of the suspension system.
Who it's for
- Classic vehicle suspension technician who wants to specialise in Adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Shock absorber restorer who wants to specialise in Adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Vehicle dynamics engineer who wants to specialise in Adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Historic vehicle mechanic who wants to specialise in Adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Historic competition preparer who wants to specialise in Adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Chassis workshop manager who wants to specialise in Adjusting vintage hydraulic shock absorbers.
- Graduates in engineering or science who want to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- ISO 3448 (viscosity grades of industrial lubricants)
- ISO 6743-4 (classification of hydraulic fluids)
- ISO 4406 (fluid cleanliness code)
- Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic technical inspection)
- Royal Decree 920/2017 (technical inspection of vehicles)
- Royal Decree 892/2013 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Lever-arm and link-type shock absorbers1.2Early telescopic shock absorbers1.3Friction shock absorbers1.4Operating principle of each type1.5Model identification1.6Documentation and exploded diagrams1.7Symptoms of a worn shock absorber1.8Effect on vehicle safety1.9Tools and bench required1.10Workshop: identification and diagnosis
2.1Visual inspection and leaks2.2Manual resistance test2.3Bench testing2.4Force-velocity curve2.5Comparison between units on the same axle2.6Play in mountings and silent blocks2.7Condition of the internal oil2.8Aeration and cavitation2.9Recording the results2.10Practical: comparative test of four units
3.1Opening lever-arm shock absorbers3.2Pistons, valves and springs3.3Gaskets, seals and how to source them3.4Grinding of piston rods3.5Bushings and guides3.6Repairing housings3.7Cleaning and inspection of parts3.8Suitable oil and its viscosity3.9Filling and bleeding3.10Practical: rebuilding a lever-arm shock absorber
4.1Disassembly of a telescopic shock absorber4.2Valves and shim stacks4.3Oil and gas replacement4.4Tuning by changing valves4.5Rechargeable shock absorbers4.6Non-dismantlable shock absorbers4.7Aftermarket reproductions4.8Compatibility with the original vehicle4.9Authenticity criteria4.10Practical: inspection of a telescopic shock absorber
5.1Vehicle weight and required calibration5.2Balancing comfort and control5.3Balance between axles5.4Interaction with coil and leaf springs5.5Effect of tyres5.6Road testing and method5.7Driver interview5.8Documenting the configuration5.9Repeatability of the setup5.10Practical: setting up a complete axle set
6.1Mountings, bushes and bearings6.2Torque settings6.3Corrosion protection6.4Routine maintenance6.5Refilling lever-arm shock absorbers6.6Storage of spare units6.7Common workshop errors6.8Risks of driving with deficient damping6.9Documented real-world cases6.10Final project: documented restoration of a set of shock absorbers
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is MATLAB/Simulink, advanced Excel, Adams Car, Fusion 360, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real shock absorber test bench procedures (force-velocity curve), EUSAMA-type suspension testing, and the disassembly and recharging of lever-arm shock absorbers. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe vintage lever-arm and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.
Diagnose the condition of a shock absorber through tests and measurements.
Dismantle and repair lever-arm shock absorbers, including their seals and valves.
Recharge telescopic shock absorbers with the appropriate fluid.
Adjust damping to the weight and use of the vehicle.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses MATLAB/Simulink, advanced Excel, Adams Car and Fusion 360. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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