Do Short Springs Damage the Original Car Shock Absorbers?
2 Answers
Short springs will not damage the original shock absorbers. If the replaced springs lower the car body by less than 25mm and the stiffness increases within 15%, the original shock absorbers can be retained. This combination is not only economical but also maintains most of the original ride comfort while improving handling and appearance. However, if the stiffness and length of the new springs exceed these ranges, matching shock absorbers must be used to ensure the system's performance can be fully utilized. Car shock absorbers are an important part of the vehicle's suspension system. Their function is to suppress the rebound impact of the springs, absorb vibrations and deformations, and mitigate road shocks. They directly affect the vehicle's ride comfort and handling, which in turn impacts driving safety. To quickly dampen the vibrations of the frame and body and improve the smoothness and comfort of the car's ride, shock absorbers are generally installed in the vehicle's suspension system. The most widely used type in cars is the double-acting telescopic shock absorber. Shock absorbers are wear-prone components during car use, and their performance directly affects the vehicle's driving stability and the lifespan of other parts. Therefore, it is essential to keep the shock absorbers in good working condition.
I originally saw fellow car enthusiasts in the group modifying their cars with lowering springs for a cooler look, so I installed a set myself. However, just a few months later, the shock absorbers started squeaking. When I took it in for inspection, the mechanic explained that the lowering springs reduced the ride height, shortening the travel of the original shocks. This caused the shock pistons to bottom out frequently over bumps, accelerating internal wear. In less than half a year, the shocks started leaking and failed, costing me nearly a thousand to replace. Later, I researched and learned that the factory springs and shocks are designed to work together. Modifying the springs disrupts this balance—unless you also switch to shorter-travel shocks, it's best not to alter them. On rough roads or at high speeds, the wear worsens, affecting ride stability. Now, I stick with the stock setup—much safer and worry-free.
