Does a Leaking Vehicle Shock Absorber Need Replacement?
3 Answers
Vehicle shock absorber leakage requires replacement, and the replacement method is as follows: 1. Loosen the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence; 2. Lift the vehicle using a jack; 3. Remove all wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence and take off the wheel; 4. Disassemble the brake caliper; 5. Remove the control arm fixing bolts and loosen the fixing nuts of the spring strut arm; 6. Open the engine hood, loosen the upper body fixing nuts of the shock absorber, and remove the shock absorber for replacement. The shock absorber is used to suppress the oscillation when the spring rebounds after absorbing shock and the impact from the road surface, accelerating the attenuation of the frame and body vibration to improve the vehicle's ride comfort.
Last time I discovered oil leakage from the shock absorber, I specifically consulted an experienced mechanic. He told me to focus on two key points: first, whether the leakage area exceeded the size of a coin, and second, whether the rear of the car would continuously bounce up and down when going over speed bumps. In my case, oil stains from the right rear wheel were dripping onto the ground, and passengers in the back seat were jolted so badly when hitting potholes that they bumped their heads. The mechanic said this situation required immediate replacement; otherwise, the springs wouldn't be able to support the vehicle's weight, and continuous jolting could potentially wear through the chassis. He showed me photos of an accident vehicle where the shock absorbers weren't replaced in time—the rear wheel alignment was completely off, causing the tires to wear bald within three months. Now, I check for oil stains under the car every month. I recommend that if you find oil leakage, first take photos of the leaking area with your phone to document the spread rate before making a decision.
The severity of shock absorber oil leakage determines the treatment. Last year, I noticed oil stains on my daily commuter car, and the mechanic said minor seepage could be temporarily ignored. But later, I clearly heard thumping noises when going over speed bumps. Inspection revealed the shock had leaked all its oil and turned into a rigid metal rod, causing the spring to harshly impact with every bump. This not only damages the suspension mounts but also causes uneven tire wear. Now during every maintenance, I personally check: if oil stains spread over one-third of the shock absorber tube, it must be replaced. Otherwise, it's like running with worn-out knee cartilage. Special reminder for friends who often drive on rough roads: sand and gravel hitting the oil seal will accelerate leakage. Dealing with oil sludge early can save you the cost of replacing control arms.
