Do You Need to Replace the Spring When Changing Shock Absorbers?
2 Answers
Replacing shock absorbers does not require changing the springs, although the suspension system consists of both springs and shock absorbers, as these are inherently two separate components. Here is some relevant information about shock absorbers: 1. Definition: A shock absorber (Absorber) is used to dampen the oscillations from the spring's rebound after absorbing shocks and impacts from the road surface. They are widely used in automobiles to accelerate the attenuation of vibrations between the frame and the body, thereby improving the vehicle's ride comfort. 2. Working Principle: When relative motion occurs between the frame (or body) and the axle due to vibrations, the piston inside the shock absorber moves up and down, causing the oil in the shock absorber chamber to repeatedly flow from one chamber to another through different orifices.
Last time I replaced the shock absorbers, the mechanic checked the springs and said they were still sturdy, so they didn't need to be replaced. If the springs were rusted or deformed, they would have to be replaced together. The shock absorber is like the brake pads—it mainly absorbs impacts, while the springs support the entire weight of the car body. Springs usually last longer than shock absorbers, but you need to carefully check for cracks or softening. If you replace the shock absorbers without checking, the old springs will cause the new parts to malfunction, making the ride bumpy and uncomfortable. My experience is that if the springs are fine, save money and keep them; if there's a problem, it's more cost-effective to replace them together to avoid repeated hassles. Additionally, measuring the height and elasticity of the springs during regular maintenance can prevent suspension system imbalance from affecting safety, especially when driving at high speeds and experiencing body sway. Usually, try to avoid overloading to slow down spring wear and improve the system's durability.
