struts - how to tell if good?
 

I got a pair of Struts from DC Automotive and think they may be bad?

Please advise how you tell if they are bad with no springs installed, this is just the bare strut assembly (no spring) for a 91 944S2.

if you can move it thru it's full extension by hand.

So, if I can push the rod down by hand and does not come back out on it's own is it bad?

No...it really depends on what type of damper it is. If it is supposed to be gas charged, then it should extend slowly. Or not so slowly, but it shouldn't snap out.

If it is not gas charged, then it will remain where it is. If it is adjustable, then check to see if it dual or single adjustable. And which direction it adjusts in. konis, for example are single adjustable in rebound, and dual in jounce and rebound. Once you know, you can try compressing or expanding it and see itf the adjustment has any effect. Obviously, if it doesn't, somethings not right.

Basically, if it's leaking, it's shot, or will soon be. If you can collapse it easily with your hand, or expand it easily, it's worn, maybe worn out. But the force required depends greatly on what damper you have.