Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?
Auto repair

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

The shock absorber cups are play The key to your suspension system, they are located on top of the spring and shock absorber above the wheel. This system allows your vehicle to have good grip and good handling on the road. Thus, shock absorber cups are essential for the safety and reliability of your vehicle. In this article, we will explain their role to you and decipher the reasons why these cups knock when using your car on the road!

⚙️ What role do shock cups play?

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

Also called shock heads / brackets or suspension kit, this round piece secures the shock absorbers to your vehicle. More specifically, the shock spring is wound around these shock cups, which connect the suspension rods to the body. Only used on certain types of harnesses (Mac Pherson type harnesses), the cup harness is equipped with kernel и Barre stabilizer. Their purpose is to help other suspension elements soften the movement between the wheel and the car.

The shock absorber cup consists of 3 elements:

  • Elastic stop : suspension stopper, usually rubber, dampens any vibrations of wheelsets;
  • Metal fittings : round shape, allows the suspension system to be attached to the vehicle using 3 gears;
  • La bearing ring : This allows the suspension to rotate, especially during steering, for example.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of defective shock cups?

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

When your shock cups start to fail, there are several warning signs that can alert you, for example:

  1. Clicks or squeaks are heard : They appear during suspension and are especially important on bad roads with potholes. In most cases, these noises are caused by an elastic stopper that is packed and no longer absorbs shock;
  2. Repetitive knock : felt inside the suspension itself, the stopper has faded;
  3. Loss of traction. : While driving, you will feel that your car tilts more to one side than the other. Indeed, the shock absorber cups guarantee the stability of your vehicle;
  4. Your suspension turns when steering : The bearing race is damaged.

If you experience any of these symptoms while driving, you must contact a mechanic immediately so that he can perform checking your suspension system and replace the shock absorber cups if necessary.

🔎 Why are the cups of the new shock absorbers vibrating?

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

After replacing the shock absorber cups, they may emit regular clicks... Typically, the origin of this manifestation comes from nut which keeps the entire suspension sealed. The shock absorber housing must be tightened so as not to allow the slightest sagging of the suspensions.

👨‍🔧 How to check the shock absorber cups?

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

The shock absorber mountings as well as the entire suspension system of your vehicle can be easily checked. They do not require the special technical skills of an auto mechanic.

Required material:


Protective gloves

Wedges

Microfiber cloth

Step 1: stop your car

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

Park on a level surface, then engage the handbrake and wedge in to prevent the wheels from moving while checking the suspension system.

Step 2. Check the balance of your vehicle.

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

Make sure your car does not fall to one side or the other by facing the hood. Alternatively, you can push on the 4 corners of the car and then release it to check the car's rebound. It shouldn't bounce more than once, otherwise it means the shock cups are worn out.

Step 3. Check the condition of the tires.

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

Check the condition of the tire tread. If it shows uneven wear on both sides of the tire, it could be due to faulty shock absorbers.

Step 4: watch the shock absorbers

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

Walk up to the vehicle and look for a possible oil leak at the level of the suspension bar. Wipe off excess oil.

💰 How much does it cost to replace the shock cups?

Cotton cups shock absorber: what to do?

Shock absorber cups are part suspension kit... This is a service that does not require long-term immobilization of the vehicle, and allows no more than 1 hour of intervention in your car. On average, replacing a suspension kit in a garage costs from 250 € and 350 €, spare parts and labor included.

The shock absorber cups ensure the correct functioning of your vehicle's suspension system and therefore safety when driving on the road. To find out the cost of replacing shock absorber cups to the nearest euro, use our reliable garage comparator to find the one closest to your home!

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