Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing a shock absorber and/or suspension system while in situ in a motor vehicle. The method comprising first raising a wheel and the bodywork or chassis of a motor vehicle under test from a ground engaging position to a raised position by means of a lifting device in supportive engagement with the wheel, and moving the lifting device away from the wheel to allow the wheel to return to the ground engaging position under free fall whereby relative vertical motion occurs between the wheel and the bodywork during the fall. Characteristics of the relative motion of the vehicle as a consequence of the fall are assessed and compared to a corresponding characteristic obtained for the motor vehicle having new or as new shock absorbers and suspension system whereupon the condition of the shock absorber and/or suspension system of the tested vehicle is established.