Automotive Shock Absorbers: Features, Service, and Price

If your shock absorbers are worn out, your safety is no longer guaranteed and this can also reduce driving comfort. If you notice wear on the shock absorbers, you will have to contact a mechanic to make them change... In this article, you'll find everything you need to know about your car's front and rear shock absorbers!

🚗 What role do shock absorbers play?

The main role of the coupleshock absorbers front to back to limit the movement of the suspension spring. Indeed, this spring should not be too flexible, otherwise it will bounce. Shock absorbers therefore come pillow movement to avoid rebound effects.

They are especially useful in tight corners, on uneven roads and in potholes. Without them, driving would be very tiring and even very dangerous. Shock absorbers have 6 main functions:

• Make sure that the movement of the shock absorber springs remains measured;
• Absorbs shocks and eliminates rebound effects;
• Maintain contact between road and tires;
• Avoid vibration inside the vehicle;
• Improving braking efficiency;
• Improve steering precision.

️ How does a shock absorber work?

Motorists often associatedamper to the suspension, but although they are related, they should be distinguished. The shock absorber works with a suspension spring to maintain contact between the tires and the road. This keeps your car in balance.

The front or rear shock absorber of your car is piston tubular. It is usually found inside the car's suspension spring. Tube - or cylinder – the shock absorber is filled with oil or gas, so the piston moves.

The piston compresses and transfers oil from one chamber to another in the cylinder. If the shock absorber looses, the piston will rise and the oil will drop again. Thus, it can absorb shock. Please note that there is also gas shock absorberswhich work on the same principle as hydraulic shock absorbers and which also contain oil. In conventional shock absorbers, gas actually replaces air.

🔎 Gas or oil shock absorbers?

There are several types of shock absorbers. THE 'oil damper, or hydraulic, consists of two chambers. One is filled with oil and the other is filled with air. The piston is used to expel the oil in order to direct it into the inner tube and thus compress it, thus dampening the vibrations of your car.

Thegas shock absorber also contains oil, but replaces air with compressed nitrogen. The reaction of the gas shock absorber is more lively and is used, in particular, in competitions. But it is more expensive than an oil shock absorber, and is also harder and therefore less comfortable.

🗓️ When to change shock absorbers?

It is not always easy to notice the wear on the shock absorbers. Usually you need to change from 70 000 to 150 000 km... Therefore, we advise you not to forget to check them after 70 km.

Of course, this score varies greatly between models and manufacturers, but it also depends on your driving experience. Whether you are driving in the countryside, in the mountains, or rather in the city, shock absorbers wear out in different ways. V the shock absorber stops should also be checked approximately every 70 kilometers.

But there are signs that can alert you to the need for shock absorbers, for example, if you see oil or asymmetric tire wear on them. Shock Absorber Wear Symptoms:

• sound unusual (knock, creak) ;
• Availability of oil outside the shock absorbers ;
• Difficulty driving ;
• Asymmetric tire wear ;
• Decreased driving comfort (road stability, shock absorption, etc.) ;
• Increased stopping distance.

Worn out shock absorbers should be replaced as soon as possible as they no longer provide road stability and cause premature aging of other parts such as tires. In addition, it is very dangerous to drive with worn shock absorbers, this increases the braking distance and also increases the risk of aquaplaning!

⚙️ Poor attachment of shock absorbers to the frame or axle: what to do?

Improper mounting of shock absorbers to the chassis or axle of your vehicle is point de failure of technical control... Hence, this is a reason for a technical inspection: you have to fix the problem and then go back to a technical inspection to confirm it.

The problem is not necessarily related to the shock absorbers themselves - play can be caused by a malfunctioning suspension. Have a mechanic check your wishbones and rods.

🚘 Squeaky shock absorber on the back of a donkey: what to do?

A squeaky shock absorber is worn shock absorber... If you notice squealing at speed bumps, in bends, or on bumpy roads (potholes, etc.), you will most likely have to change shock absorbers.

Head to the garage as soon as possible, because squeaky shock absorbers are a sign of wear and should not be overlooked. You may have trouble driving, your tires wear out faster and your braking distance is shortened, making driving dangerous.

💡 How to check the shock absorber?

Shock absorbers contribute not only to driving comfort, but also to driving safety. Therefore, it is important to change them in case of wear. To check the condition of the shock absorbers, you can check the suspension and make sure there are no signs of wear. Here are a few steps to follow:

• Do a bounce test: Start with a little visual inspection while standing in front of the car parked on a level surface. If you find that one corner of the car is not at the same height as the others, it could be a problem with the shock absorbers. Then do a bounce test. Press the corner of your car's front bumper: when you release it, it should only bounce once. Multiple bounces during depressurization indicate wear on the shock absorbers. Repeat this test on all corners of the vehicle to test each shock absorber.
• Inspect the tires: Uneven tire wear can also indicate a defective shock absorber. Therefore, check the tread wear, making sure it is not uneven on both sides of the tire. However, be careful: uneven tread wear is not necessarily related to a shock absorber problem.
• Visually inspect the shock absorbers: Secure the vehicle at a height, such as on a ramp, to visually inspect the shock absorbers. If the presence of oil inside them is necessary for their proper functioning, the oil outside is an abnormal leak. We'll have to change the shock absorbers.

👨‍🔧 How to change the shock absorbers in the car?

Replacing shock absorbers every 80 kilometers average. It is highly recommended that you also replace the damper stops, which you will still need to remove. To replace the shock absorbers, you will need special tools, including spring compressor.

Material:

• socket
• Candles
• Spring compressor
• Tools
• New shock absorber

Step 1. Place the machine on jacks.

Raise the machine and place it on jack feet for safe operation. Remove the wheels from the axle whose shock absorbers you want to change. Loosen the shock absorber nut but leave it in place. You may need to apply a penetrating oil.

Step 2: disassemble the shock absorber

Disassemble the anti-roll bar by unscrewing its fixing bolt. Again, feel free to spray on some penetrating oil. Then remove the shock absorber strut bracket clamp bolt and pull out the shock strut. You will definitely need leverage to extract it.

Compress the spring to release the damper stopper. Remove the stopper, then the spring and remove the protective bellows.

Step 3: Install a new shock absorber.

Insert the new shock into the strut, then install the bellows. Assemble the spring and stopper. Then you must open the spring; do it slowly. Replace the assembly and screw the upper part of the shock absorber back on. Finish by screwing in the anti-roll bar. You may need to do the geometry of the train after replacing the shock absorbers.

🔧 How do I care for shock absorbers?

Worn or defective shock absorbers make onboard comfort less enjoyable and tiresome driving for the driver. But above all, shock absorbers that are no longer in good condition no longer provide ability to handle optimal for the car. Of course, this can be very dangerous.

Shock absorbers play a role of comfort, but above all safety which makes their proper functioning important. Worn shock absorbers increase the risk of slipping on the road, skidding and aquaplaning.

Likewise, HS dampers can affect the vehicle's parallelism as well aswear of other elements your car, especially the tires.

If you are looking to extend the life of your shock absorbers, here are some tips for taking care and preserving them:

• Avoid holes in the road and rough terrain ;
• Do not take retarders too quickly and do not brake before ;
• Do not overload the machine..

Obviously, your driving has a lot to do with wear and tear on your car's shock absorbers. Be sure to adapt your driving to avoid impacts and delay changing them.

?? How much does a shock absorber change cost?

Unfortunately, replacing shock absorbers is a rather expensive undertaking. You should know that shock absorbers change in pairs The cost of the intervention also includes the replacement of the shock absorber cups. Count on average and between 200 eurobut keep in mind that the cost of replacing shock absorbers varies greatly depending on your vehicle model.

Therefore, if you want to know the exact price of shock absorbers replacement for your vehicle, turn to our reliable garage comparator for a price in 3 clicks!

Shock absorbers are essential for your safety, so don't wait until they wear out to replace them! Before driving 100 km, you must remember to check them to avoid the slightest risk. And why not in one of our Reliable mechanics?