Shock absorbers - how and why you should care for them. Guide
Shock absorbers are responsible for damping vibrations when driving on ruts or road irregularities. Their malfunctions contribute to an increase in the braking distance of the car and the deterioration of its stability on the road.
The suspension of a car is a set of elastic elements and connecting them, connecting the axles or individual wheels of the car with the frame or directly with the body. The suspension includes, among other things, shock absorbers.
See also: Car suspension breakdowns - what repairs are most often and for how much
They are responsible - as the name implies - for the depreciation of the wheel when driving on uneven surfaces, i.e. stable overcoming bumps, damping vibrations and adequate grip with the road surface. Thanks to them, when driving on a bumpy road, the driver and passengers do not feel or only slightly run into, for example, pits.
ADVERTISING
Extend the life of your shock absorbers
But in addition to providing comfort, shock absorbers are also safety-related elements. Therefore, we must pay special attention to them. We can do this, for example, by slowing down in front of speed bumps on local streets. This will minimize the risk of damage and faster wear of the shock absorbers.
Similarly, keep an eye out for large pits - especially in autumn when they become puddles during frequent rains. Hitting them at high speed can, for example, damage the shock absorber piston rod.
Driving with inefficient shock absorbers will cause the vehicle's wheels to lift off the road surface. Thus, the car will be more prone to skidding.
The main symptom of shock absorber failure that the average driver may notice is the vehicle rocking to the side. And this is even when driving over small bumps. Another symptom is the car yaw on the road when cornering. Then we deal with the so-called swimming in the car. The braking distance with worn shock absorbers increases by two to three meters at a speed of 80 km/h.
Robert Storonovich, a mechanic from Bialystok, emphasizes that the real problems begin when we hear that the wheels hit the surface - this is a signal that the shock absorber is almost completely worn out and it is necessary to visit the workshop as soon as possible.
Control is essential
Some mechanics advise you to periodically check the shock absorbers yourself. As they explain, then you need to stand above the steering wheel and strongly, sharply press the hood. If the shock absorber is worn out, the car will rock - the body will bend and spring back more than one and a half to two times. Under normal circumstances, it should quickly return to stability.
However, it is recommended to check the condition of the shock absorbers at every service periodical inspection along with other suspension components. This should be done at least once a year, although many experts note that it would not hurt to halve this period.
Especially in the case of cars that are several years old. Moreover, Polish roads - due to the poor quality of many of them - do not indulge you. Therefore, it is very easy to damage the suspension.
See also: Technical tests of cars - how much they cost and what they rely on
The most common shock absorber problem that mechanics encounter when inspecting a car is leaking. This means that the piston rod seal with the shock absorber body is inoperative, so the shock absorber does not fulfill its role - it does not dampen vibrations.
We see leaks from the shock absorber ourselves. So far we have a channel and good lighting in the garage. Winter is coming, and in severe frosts, the oil in the shock absorbers thickens, which can easily cause depressurization.
Like all car parts, shock absorbers also wear out naturally.
“After driving about 100 XNUMX kilometers, the shock absorber simply loses its effectiveness and needs to be replaced,” says Robert Storonovich.
See also: Has the car been in a hole? Find out how to get reimbursed
Other defects found in shock absorbers are also piston rod bending or excessive punching or wear of the bushings holding these elements (of course, if any).
Only exchange
As Robert Storonovich explains, all defects in shock absorbers are eliminated by replacing these elements. It is recommended to always replace a pair of shock absorbers, not just one piece. You should keep this in mind, because too much difference in their efficiency is the reason why the car will not pass the inspection.
It is assumed that a difference in the effectiveness of shock absorbers of one axle of 20 percent entitles them to be replaced. In the case of replacing only one shock absorber, in most cases it is easy to break this rule.
Prices for shock absorbers are very diverse - depending on the type of shock absorber, the manufacturer and the car on which it is to be installed. The cost of buying one unit for a popular model starts from PLN 60-70, while for other, less fragile cars, it can cost up to PLN 1000.
In turn, the cost of replacement also depends on the above factors. But you must be prepared to spend up to PLN 100 per item.
See also: Car repair - what needs to be replaced regularly. Guide
Symptoms of bad shock absorbers:
– increased stopping distance of the car;
- the wheels come off the road and bounce when braking hard;
– uncertain driving of the car in corners;
– Significant roll when driving in corners and rocking of the car;
- when overcoming, for example, a glue track or a transverse fault, the vehicle rolls to the side;
– uneven tire wear;
- oil leakage from the shock absorber.
Text and photo: Piotr Walchak
