Can the leaking rear shock absorber of a motorcycle be left unreplaced?
3 Answers
Whether the leaking rear shock absorber of a motorcycle needs to be replaced can only be determined by testing the performance of the shock absorber. Introduction to Shock Absorbers: The shock absorber (Absorber) is used to dampen the oscillations caused by the rebound of the spring after absorbing shocks and the impacts from the road surface. It is widely used in automobiles to accelerate the attenuation of vibrations in the frame and body, thereby improving the ride comfort of the vehicle. When driving over uneven surfaces, although the shock-absorbing springs can filter out road vibrations, the springs themselves still undergo reciprocating motion. The shock absorber is designed to suppress this spring bounce. Working Principle of Shock Absorbers: In the suspension system, elastic components generate vibrations when subjected to impacts. To enhance ride comfort, shock absorbers are installed in parallel with the elastic components in the suspension. Most shock absorbers used in automotive suspension systems are hydraulic shock absorbers. Their working principle involves the piston inside the shock absorber moving up and down when relative motion occurs between the frame (or body) and the axle due to vibrations. This causes the oil in the shock absorber chamber to repeatedly flow from one chamber to another through various orifices.
As a motorcycle rider, I once experienced shock absorber oil leakage. At first, I thought the amount of oil lost wasn't significant, so I tried to ride with it to save some money. However, I soon noticed increased bumpiness, severe rear wheel bouncing over potholes, unstable handling, and even nearly slipping during turns. A friend warned me that oil leakage causes the shock absorber to lose its cushioning effect, and once the oil is completely gone, parts wear out quickly, potentially damaging other components like the spring. I attempted cleaning the leakage point or temporarily adding some oil, but the effect was short-lived. Eventually, I went to a repair shop and replaced it with a new one, costing 500 yuan. If not addressed promptly, the riding risks increase, and you might end up spending more on subsequent repairs. Therefore, I recommend getting it checked as soon as oil leakage is detected. For minor cases, observe for a few days, but if it's severe, replace it immediately.
During my cycling days, I experienced a rear shock absorber oil leak. At first, I didn't pay much attention to the small oil stains, but later I felt a significant drop in comfort. Every time I braked or went over obstacles, the vibrations made my whole body uncomfortable. This is because the oil leakage caused the shock absorber to stiffen, losing its cushioning effect and affecting the bike's weight balance, especially making it prone to losing control on slippery roads. It's recommended to check the extent of the oil leak. If oil keeps dripping, don't delay to avoid more severe issues like connecting parts breaking. You can temporarily use a sealant to alleviate the problem, but you must monitor it for a few days. If it doesn't work, replace it with a new one. From a safety perspective, addressing the issue early is more worry-free. The repair cost is a few hundred yuan, which is better than an accident. Regularly cleaning oil stains can prevent aging and ensure a smooth ride.
