Leaking shock absorber: what to do?

The real guarantors of your safety, shock absorbers also provide comfort while driving. Located at the front and rear, they dampen the movement of the suspension springs and prevent the vehicle from swinging. These are details that should not be neglected, especially if you find them leaking. In this article, we will give you all of our tips to understand the role of your shock absorbers and how to properly maintain them!

🚗 What is the role of the shock absorber?

The main function of shock absorbers is to dampen the movement of the vehicle, preventing it from rebounding on the road. This spring must not be too flexible or it will bounce a lot. Particularly effective for dangerous turns sur-le-et bad roads Rugged with potholes, they make driving your vehicle more comfortable and flexible. Shock absorbers are integrated in podcast especially with a stand for built-in shock absorbers.

In addition to damping, shock absorbers prevent the feeling of vibration in the vehicle interior, make braking and driving easier. As for their work, the shock absorbers dissipate the energy of the springs using a piston and cylinder sealed oil-filled. Thus, this oil will circulate between the chambers thanks to the movable piston.

💧 Why is my shock absorber leaking?

Usually shock absorber wear is caused by the driving style adopted by the driver of the vehicle. This is why you should avoid overloading the vehicle, drive slowly on speed bumps, and avoid potholes in your path if possible. In the case of a leaky shock absorber, there may be several reasons:

• Seals worn : Over time, the gaskets may break or even completely break. Due to this wear, the oil will flow and the movable piston will lose its absorption capacity;
• The piston moves : Also called shock, it moves inside the shock absorber and can bend under the impact of the shock. If it is bent, it may leak;
• Interior details are worn out : These small parts inside the shock absorber will wear out with use.

To make sure your shocks are leaking, you need to inspect the entire shock body. It must be dry and free from grease. If not, then your shock is indeed leaking.

🛠️ Is it possible to pass the technical inspection if the shock absorber is leaking?

During your technical inspection, what happens every 2 years, the technician will check numerous checkpoints on your vehicle. This includes, in particular, checking the steering column and shock absorbers. If they have a bad fixation with risk of detachment or a risk to the safety of the vehicle, you will not be able to pass the technical control. A shock absorber leak is classified as a serious suspension malfunction, so you will have to have the shock absorbers repaired and then have a follow-up inspection after you fail technical inspection.

🛑 Why is it dangerous to ride with a leaking shock absorber?

If you continue to ride with a leaky shock absorber, it will completely lose its effectiveness in a very short time. It is very dangerous because you will experience loss of retention car on the road, braking distances higher and higher risks D 'aquaplaning.

At the first sign of shock absorber wear, contact a mechanic as soon as possible to carry out the necessary repairs.

💶 How much does it cost to replace a shock absorber?

On average, shock absorbers should be replaced every 80 to 000 kilometers... This mileage may vary depending on your vehicle model and your driving style. However, if you do find signs of wear and tear, they will need to be changed sooner than expected. The shock absorbers are replaced in pairs, there are a pair of front shock absorbers and a pair of rear ones. It should also be noted that when replacing a shock absorber, the shock absorber cups must also be replaced. Count between 50 and 70 € for cups and between 100 and 200 € for shock absorbers... To this we must add the cost of labor, the change in the cost of the shock absorber between 250 euros and 500 euros.

Shock absorbers guarantee the safety of your vehicle and its good handling on the road while traveling. If you find an oil leak on the shock housing, wait no longer and you must intervene. Entrust your car to a secure garage by using our garage comparator to find the closest one to your home and at the best price on the market!