How to Determine if the Shock Absorber Has Issues?
3 Answers
Methods to determine if the shock absorber has issues: 1. Check for overheating. Generally, you can check after driving more than 10 kilometers. During a long-distance trip, take a break and inspect it. If the shock absorber is hot to the touch, it indicates a problem, usually due to insufficient internal lubrication. In such cases, you can try refilling the oil and testing again. If overheating persists, the shock absorber must be replaced. 2. Listen for abnormal noises from the shock absorber. Noises typically occur when driving on bumpy roads, requiring a test drive to confirm. Only replace the shock absorber if the noise is confirmed to come from it, as many parts of the chassis can produce sounds on rough roads. In winter, some vehicles may produce noises when driving on bumpy roads due to cold weather. This does not require replacing the shock absorber, as even new vehicles can experience this. It is caused by the low winter temperatures making the hydraulic oil inside the shock absorber too thick and less fluid. 3. Check for oil leaks. The shock absorber relies on hydraulic oil to function properly. If there is a leak, the performance of the shock absorber will inevitably decline.
When driving feels excessively bumpy, I know the shock absorbers might be having issues. For example, when going over speed bumps or potholes, the car body shakes significantly, making it feel like riding a boat—this indicates poor shock absorption. Another method is to press down on a corner of the car after parking; if it bounces several times before stabilizing, it means the shock absorber lacks sufficient support, usually due to internal component wear. I also frequently check the exterior of the shock absorbers for oil leaks, as leakage can dirty the parts and lead to increased noise over time. Additionally, I pay attention to uneven tire wear—if one side wears out faster, it might be due to unbalanced shock absorbers. Ignoring these issues can compromise handling safety. I recommend having a technician inspect them during routine maintenance every six months. Don’t underestimate them—they can prevent accidents in critical moments.
As a parent, I pay special attention to shock absorber issues because they affect the comfort and safety of my family while riding in the car. If my child complains about bumpiness while driving, I suspect the shock absorbers are failing; when cornering, if the car body tilts abnormally and feels unstable, it can easily cause discomfort to rear passengers and even pose a risk of rollover. I use a simple press test when parked to check—if the car rebounds too slowly after pressing down, it indicates the shock absorbers are worn out. I also listen for noises, like squeaking from the shock absorbers, which suggests internal components are loose. Long-term neglect can lead to increased tire wear and higher fuel consumption. I regularly track mileage changes on my phone and have them checked every 10,000 kilometers or so. Safety comes first—if I spot any issues, I take the car to the repair shop immediately, avoiding the temptation to save money now only to face bigger problems later.
