Does a Shock Absorber Need to Be Replaced if It's Leaking Oil?
3 Answers
Shock absorber oil leakage requires replacement. Below are the relevant situations regarding shock absorber oil leakage: Minor oil seepage: Occasionally, there may be some oil seeping from the shock absorber, but it does not affect driving the vehicle and is no different from a normal shock absorber. This type of seepage can be left untreated for the time being, but continued inspection is necessary. Severe oil leakage: This leads to a deterioration in the vehicle's shock absorption effect, affecting driving. On bumpy roads, it may sometimes be accompanied by abnormal noises. Solutions: When oil leakage is detected, the oil cylinder cover nut should be tightened. If leakage persists, it may be due to a damaged or ineffective oil seal or sealing gasket, which should be replaced. If the problem still isn't resolved, pull out the shock absorber rod. If there is any sticking or uneven resistance, further inspect the gap between the piston and the cylinder barrel, check for any bending in the shock absorber piston rod, and examine the surfaces of the piston rod and cylinder barrel for scratches or scoring. Based on the findings, repair or replace the affected parts accordingly.
That day when I was driving my child to school, the car shook violently over a speed bump. Upon inspection, I found that the shock absorber was leaking oil. The mechanic said that after the shock absorber leaks oil, its cushioning function is almost lost. When encountering sharp turns or potholes, the car is prone to losing control, the braking distance can increase by several meters, and it's more likely to skid in rainy weather. I immediately replaced it with a new part because delaying would lead to uneven suspension load, faster tire wear, and accelerated aging of chassis components. The cost of replacing tires is much higher than replacing shock absorbers. From a safety perspective, it concerns the whole family's travel and cannot be ignored. During regular maintenance, take an extra look at the shock absorbers—if there's oil stains or increased bumpiness, deal with it promptly.
I remember when the shock absorbers on my old car were leaking oil, I thought I could save some money by not replacing them immediately. After driving for a few months, the fuel consumption increased, and even small bumps made my bones ache from the jolts. After delaying the repair for half a year, the tires had worn unevenly, and I ended up spending thousands more to replace all four new tires. Shock absorbers leaking oil need to be replaced because when they fail, it triggers a chain reaction: the suspension becomes unstable, the springs endure greater stress, and over time, even the brake discs can be affected. Looking back now, spending a few hundred dollars earlier to replace a single part would have been much simpler. Otherwise, delaying it can lead to bigger issues, increasing both repair costs and safety risks. Make it a habit during maintenance to check for oil stains on the ground or inspect the shock absorbers by hand.
