Car shock absorber rear and front

Shock absorbers are used not only for comfort. Mostly they serve for safety. Shock absorbers provide between wheel and road and stabilize the car. It is very important when you change direction (turn, for example). Shock absorbers’ functioning is based on transformation of kinetic energy into heat. In modern cars mostly are installed hydraulic shock absorbers in which oil and gas are used. So, there are oil and gas-filled shock absorbers.

If the steering wheel vibrates when cornering, this is the sign that the shock absorber failed. Another sign that the shock absorber is faulty is worsening of running characteristics. If the car shakes for a long time after the load is removed from it, this also indicates the failure of the shock absorber. One more sign of failure is oil leak. Shock absorber should be replaced after 100 000 km. If it fails before this run, it is necessary to replace it.

It is necessary to replace both shock absorbers on the same axle. If on the one side there is a new absorber, but on the other an old one, this will worsen running characteristics of the vehicle. Replacement should be done in service centre as it requires special equipment. In our online store there are many inexpensive car parts of high quality. Here you will find damper struts, window lifters, brake disks, brake shoes, turn indicators and taillights. It is worth to compare our prices with those in service centres.

How to detect faults of the shock absorber

The condition of the component should be checked after each 20,000 km of mileage. First, inspect the component. If traces of oil or corrosion are detected, replace the shock absorber. Inspect tires as well (there might be traces of uneven wear). Most often, the component is diagnosed by swinging the front and the rear part of the vehicle. If, after the load is removed, the vehicle performs more than one cycle of swinging, there are deviations in the operation of the shock absorbers. For more detailed inspection it is better to address specialists at a service station.

You may notice that the shock absorber requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• the braking distance is increased;
• steerability is affected;
• unusual noises when driving;
• the car body is swinging;
• reduced comfort in the passenger compartment;
• tires wear out in uneven and untimely manner.

The reasons of shock absorber malfunction

Most frequently, oil seal and the bush become faulty in the shock absorber. This is caused by their poor quality and improper use. Mechanical damage of the rod and its surface may be due to improper installation of the component. So, for example, the reason for thread stripping on the top part of the rod is the use of a pneumatic impact wrench, which is strictly prohibited. Also, due to incorrect installation, the component may become blocked: the piston rod gets deformed and jammed in the guide. Therefore, installation of the component requires sticking to the rules and using suitable tools.

During operation, shock absorbers are exposed to high loads; therefore, they require timely maintenance. If no attention is paid to a scheduled replacement of dust boots, shock absorbers will lose tightness, and will be exposed to abrasive effect of dirt and corrosion.

Repairing shock absorbers

In case of a fault, address a service station where the specialists will help you to:

• replace seals, gaskets, rusty or bent rods;
• remove leakage;
• eliminate lack of nitrogen in the component;
• replace the fluid;
• diagnose the component at a two speed bench;
• restore the rods using sputtering or polymers.

Replacing shock absorbers

In case of normal operation, the shock absorber should be replaced once in 3 or 4 years, and in case of aggressive environment — after every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers of mileage. To avoid vehicle skidding, shock absorbers should be replaced simultaneously on the same axle. To replace a shock absorber, do the following:

• remove the wheel, and then the brake hoses without disconnecting them from calipers (otherwise, brakes bleeding will be required);
• loosen the top fasteners of the shock absorber strut;
• unscrew the bottom nuts that fasten the component;
• compress the spring carefully and evenly with remover tools;
• install a new component;
• follow the above steps in reverse order.
• make sure the spring has no cracks.