Are Front Shock Absorbers Left and Right Specific?
1 Answers
Front shock absorbers are indeed left and right specific, and they are usually marked with clear "L" and "R" indicators for identification. Besides their primary function of vibration damping, front shock absorbers also serve as the mounting points for the vehicle's front anti-roll bar. Swapping the left and right positions of the front shock absorbers would alter the mounting points of the anti-roll bar, leaving its left and right supports with no place to install. Signs of damaged front shock absorbers include: 1. Unusual noises from the shock absorbers when driving on bumpy roads; 2. Oil leakage on the exterior of the shock absorbers; 3. Excessive body bouncing and instability when driving over uneven surfaces; 4. Overheating of the shock absorber casing after driving.