How to Tell if a Shock Absorber is Bad?
3 Answers
Signs of a damaged shock absorber: 1. Check for oil leakage from the car's shock absorber. If there is any leakage, repair it immediately; 2. If there is no oil leakage, drive the car on an uneven road surface and check if it heats up. If it does not heat up, it indicates that the shock absorber may have lost its damping function due to lack of oil or damage to key components. It should be removed for inspection, repair, or replacement of parts; 3. If it heats up, it means the shock absorber is working normally, with the fluid inside continuously flowing, being compressed, and generating heat through friction. The shock absorber is used to suppress the oscillation when the spring rebounds after absorbing shock and the impact from the road surface. It is widely used in cars to accelerate the attenuation of frame and body vibrations, thereby improving the smoothness of the vehicle's ride.
There are several obvious signs that your shock absorbers are failing and need replacement. First, oil leakage—if you notice small puddles of oil where you park and the shock absorber cylinder is wet, it means the oil seal is broken. Second, excessive bouncing while driving, especially over speed bumps, making the car feel like a trampoline, with no comfort left. Third, unstable body movement during turns or braking, swaying back and forth, resulting in poor handling. Fourth, uneven tire wear—if you see the tire edges wearing out faster, it indicates poor support. Fifth, strange noises, such as squeaking or rattling sounds when driving over bumps. Don’t ignore these signals—otherwise, driving at high speeds becomes much more dangerous and increases the risk of losing control. It’s recommended to inspect them every 20,000–30,000 kilometers or perform a simple bounce test by pressing down on a corner of the car—if it bounces back quickly multiple times, get it fixed immediately.
I had this issue with my car before. Normally when driving over road seams, it would shake violently, and the steering wheel would wobble along. It was even more noticeable on the highway—when turning, the car body felt like it was about to drift off, and friends sitting in the back seat would complain of motion sickness. Later, I found out the shock absorbers were done for—severe oil leakage, stains all over the cylinder, and even causing wear marks on the tires. If you notice these signs, don’t push through—stop and check for leaks or try replacing the part. Actually, before driving, pressing down on the front of the car to feel whether the rebound is fast or slow can give you a preliminary idea. This problem is quite common; aging or too much rough-road driving can easily cause it. Fixing it early ensures safety and peace of mind.
