How do shock absorber pads work and when should they be replaced and repaired? Symptoms of shock absorber damage

How does a shock absorber work? To get it right, you need to look at the entire wheel suspension design. This is usually a MacPherson column, named after the inventor. It consists of:

• shock absorber;
• springs;
• torsion design;
• pillows and bearings holding the shock absorber;
• top mounting nut. 

The McPherson pad is an element that is usually hidden very close to the top of the column. Therefore, it is difficult at first glance to assess its condition and determine whether it can still be exploited. Find out why you shouldn't underestimate shock pad problems!

Symptoms of shock absorber damage

If you want to check the exploitation of individual elements of the column, it is not so easy. Shock absorber pads especially make themselves felt when driving through deep potholes and pits on the road at high speed. At the same time, they affect driving comfort. Then disturbing knocks are heard in the cabin, indicating the wear of the pillows. Another possible symptom is suspension instability. This is typical for pillows. You will notice them when accelerating and braking. The car will then pull to one side depending on the faulty suspension component.

Damaged shock absorber cushion and other symptoms

The symptoms of damage we have described are not all. The wear of the pillows is felt not only when driving through holes and driving at high speed. Another sign is the "floating" of the chassis. This is a very characteristic symptom, noticeable mainly when cornering. When the shock absorber pads wear out and the car enters a turn, you will feel the instability of the suspension. The car will begin to roll, as if it does not want to go into the turn you are entering. Or will be delayed.

Driving with a damaged shock absorber cushion and the consequences

If you suspect their wear, pay attention to one more thing - the stability of the car when starting off with the wheels turned out. Why is it important? The shock absorber cushion is partially responsible for the torsion of the entire strut. If the bearing is broken, the shock will have difficulty turning. How will you feel it? The suspension will be unstable and the wheel will begin to "jump". It can be a bit like riding a so-called. scar.

Replacing the shock absorber cushion - how to do it?

If you diagnose a malfunction of this automotive part, you will have no choice but to dismantle the entire rack. How to replace shock absorber pads? You need to open: 

• stabilizer unit;
• the end of the stick;
• the shock absorber itself. 

At the very end, you will have the upper front shock mount. Don't forget to unscrew the screw from the upper bearing after loading the spring with a special puller! Otherwise, the expanding element will make it difficult for you to unscrew the shock absorber. If you don't have a puller, don't try to replace it because you won't be able to put the spring back on.

Replacing the pillow and other column elements

The durability of a shock absorber is usually determined at 80-100 thousand kilometers. So if you are approaching such a mileage, and the shock absorber seems to still be working properly, you can try replacing this element as well. Thanks to this, you will save yourself costs and time, because replacing the pillow itself, spring or shock absorber involves the same amount of work.

Airbag repair and element replacement on one axle

Mechanics do not recommend changing the pillow on only one rack. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the operation on both wheels of a particular axle. This is justified as these components are used to the same extent. The failure of one element causes faster wear of the other. Therefore, it is better to skip a visit to the workshop or disassemble the speaker yourself in a month or two for apparent savings if you only want to replace one part.

The price of replacing shock absorber pads - work, repair and spare parts

The cost of replacement depends on the brand and year of manufacture of the car. If you have a little space and mechanical knowledge, the whole operation won't cost you much. Prices for shock absorber cushions start from a few tens of zł per piece. In extreme cases, however, this can be a cost exceeding even 100-20 euros. Labor starts at 5 euros per unit. Shock absorber cushions, however, are different from each other, like entire struts, so the replacement price may be higher. This is especially true for premium cars.

What should be considered when replacing? First, you can do it yourself. Necessary condition? A few wrenches, a jack, some space and a compressor for the springs. But the basis, of course, is your knowledge of the subject. Also remember to replace the shock absorber pads in pairs, even if you think everything is fine on the other side.