Can I Just Replace One Rear Shock Absorber If It's Broken?
2 Answers
It is generally recommended to replace both rear shock absorbers in pairs for small cars. If only one is replaced, the damping force will differ between the two sides, which may cause uneven vehicle height during braking. Replacing both simultaneously can resolve the issue of uneven wobbling. Today, we'll discuss the symptoms when one shock absorber fails, why it's necessary to replace them in pairs, and the pros and cons of air suspension systems. Follow along if you're interested - we hope this proves helpful. Everyone knows the function of shock absorbers. A good shock absorber provides excellent driving comfort. As long as the vehicle is moving, the shock absorbers are constantly at work, bearing most of the vehicle's weight. Therefore, their service life isn't as long as other components. If shock absorbers develop issues, they typically don't pose safety risks unless driving on mountain roads. However, they can cause minor inconveniences - most notably reduced ride comfort, increased noise, and potentially even causing driver motion sickness.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and if the rear shock absorber is broken, it must be replaced. You can replace just one, but it's better not to. I tried replacing only one side, and the car always drove crookedly, with significantly increased shaking over bumps. Not only was it uncomfortable, but tire wear also accelerated, and there was even a risk of rollover. Shock absorbers mainly absorb shocks—if one is broken, the other old one might not be far behind. It's best to replace both with new parts at the same time for better balance. The replacement process is simple: buy a new shock absorber of the matching model (usually starting at around 200-300 RMB), find a repair shop, and it can be done in 20 minutes, with labor costs possibly around 100-200 RMB. I recommend checking other parts of the suspension system while you're at it, such as springs or bushings, to avoid unnecessary expenses later. Don’t wait for an accident to deal with it—safe driving depends on maintaining these small details.
