Do You Have to Replace a Whole Set if One Shock Absorber is Damaged?
2 Answers
For safety and long-term considerations, it is advisable to replace the entire set if one shock absorber is damaged. Introduction One: If only one damaged shock absorber is replaced, the damping on both sides will be different. When braking, the driver may feel one side lower than the other, causing shaking issues, which could potentially lead to other faults. Introduction Two: Shock absorbers can be mainly categorized into hydraulic and pneumatic types based on the damping material used, and there is also a type with variable damping. Shock absorbers are primarily used to suppress the oscillation from the spring's rebound after absorbing shocks and impacts from the road surface.
My old car had a broken left rear shock absorber the year before last, and I was tight on money at the time, so I only replaced that one. After driving for two months, I clearly felt the car pulling to the right, especially when going over bumps or taking sharp turns, and the tires on one side wore out much faster than the other. My friend, who’s a mechanic, warned me that this could accelerate wear on the suspension system and have serious long-term safety implications. So, I recommend replacing the whole set at once, even if it’s more expensive, to avoid future hassles. Also, regularly check the shock absorber seals and rubber bushings under the car—spotting issues early can prevent major repairs. Most importantly, a stable ride gives peace of mind; don’t risk bigger problems to save a little. Now, I get my suspension system checked at the shop every six months, and it’s been much smoother.
