Should a Damper be mounted 'rod up' or 'rod down'?

Dampers: The type of damping designed into the application determines the mounting orientation of a damper.

Extension and Compression dampers require specific orientations. Extension and Compression dampers should be mounted as follows:

Extension dampers should be mounted 'rod down' to provide consistent damping for the full stroke. If the damper is mounted with the rod pointing up, the unit may experience inconsistent damping or no damping at all.

Compression dampers should be mounted 'rod up' to provide consistent damping for the full stroke. If the damper is mounted with the rod pointing down, the unit may experience inconsistent damping or no damping at all. Lubrication of the seal is not a problem due to the high volume of oil contained in a damper.

Basically the damper needs to be mounted in an orientation which enables the oil within the damper to move to whichever end of the damper tube to act on the piston in either extension or compression.