Sharing Knowledge - Shock Absorbers

Technical Facts & Faq

Understanding the effects that worn shock absorbers have on a vehicle will help identify the need to replace them with a new product.

Shocks & Struts

Are the tyres wearing unevenly?
Does the vehicle continue to rock more than twice, front to back?
Does the vehicle lean to a point where control might be negatively affected?
Does the vehicle bounce more than twice after going over a bump in the road?
Is the vehicle ride harsh or bumpy?
Does the vehicle not have great stopping ability?

Fitting

Identify the type of shock absorber being fitted and fit it the right side up.
Do not grip the piston rod with any tool as this might damage it. A chipped or damaged rod could cause wear on the upper rubber seal and thus cause the oil to leak out.
Do not over-tighten. This might damage the rubber mountings.

Faults - the most common complaints are:

Loss of fluid (leaking) This is caused by a damaged piston shaft, thereby damaging the seal.
'Knocking through' or 'bumping' This is sometimes attributed to the shock absorber being soft, but it could be weak springs or suspension.
Broken or worn mountings or bushes. This is caused by age. It causes noise and limits or eliminates the effectiveness
Shock absorber body damage, e.g. dents. Stones striking the shock absorber usually cause this. Another cause is the vehicle striking a sandbank, ditch, pavement etc.
Bent shaft. The vehicle striking something could cause the piston to jam and unscrew.
Loose dust cover. This is often caused by stones striking the shock absorber, but can also be caused by the vehicle striking something. The weld pulls loose on the dust cover, resulting in rattling.

Signs of worn shocks on tyres

How turning and braking affect your shocks

View Also:

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