Abstract: A hydraulic port protection plug for insertion into a hydraulic port in a shock absorber assembly, where the hydraulic port protection plug comprises a cap portion with a disc-shaped end wall and a tubular body that extends from the cap portion to define an open-ended cavity. The open-ended cavity extends within the tubular body of the hydraulic port protection plug and is bounded at one end by the cap portion. A self-closing pressure relief opening extends through the cap portion and is arranged in fluid communication with the open-ended cavity. At least a portion of the cap portion is made of an elastic material that permits the self-closing pressure relief opening to open and close in response to pressure changes.

Abstract: Hydraulic port protection plugs for insertion into hydraulic ports in a shock absorber to prevent contaminants from entering the shock absorber and residual oil from draining out through the hydraulic ports during storage, shipping, and handling of the shock absorber. The hydraulic port protection plugs comprise a tubular body and a pierceable seal that is configured to receive an inboard portion of a hydraulic fitting. The pierceable seal is designed so that the inboard portion of the hydraulic fitting may be inserted through the pierceable seal of the hydraulic port protection plug and into the hydraulic port in the shock absorber such that the hydraulic port protection plug does not have to be removed and seals the hydraulic fitting within the hydraulic port in the shock absorber in an installed position.