How to Tell if a Shock Absorber is Damaged?
4 Answers
Shock Absorber Damage Manifestation: The hydraulic oil inside the shock absorber leaks out from the piston rod. Below is relevant information about shock absorbers: Working Principle: The working principle involves the piston inside the shock absorber moving up and down when there is relative movement between the frame (or body) and the axle due to vibrations. The oil inside the shock absorber chamber repeatedly flows from one chamber to another through various orifices. Purpose: To accelerate the attenuation of vibrations between the frame and the body, thereby improving the vehicle's ride smoothness (comfort), most cars are equipped with shock absorbers inside their suspension systems.
My old car rides extremely bumpy, just like a roller coaster, so I suspect the shock absorbers might be broken. First, crawl under the car to check for oil stains around the shock absorber area—oil leaks are a clear sign of damage. Then, try pressing down on each corner of the car body and observe the rebound speed. If it bounces slowly or unevenly, the shock absorber is faulty. If the car vibrates excessively when going over speed bumps or rough roads, with the body bouncing heavily and accompanied by rattling noises, that also indicates bad shock absorbers. Additionally, check for uneven tire wear, as faulty shock absorbers can cause tire pressure imbalance. I recommend doing this inspection when the car is cold, in a safe location, and taking your time—don’t rush to drive. If you notice these signs, get it fixed by a mechanic ASAP, as driving with bad shock absorbers is unsafe and damages the tires.
If you feel excessive shaking while driving, especially severe body roll during turns or braking, it may indicate damaged shock absorbers. As a car enthusiast, I make it a habit to check during car washes: first inspect the shock absorber housing for cracks or oil leakage marks, then press down on the vehicle edges to see if it rebounds quickly and evenly. Excessive vibration when driving over potholes also alerts me to potential issues, such as strong bumpiness even at low speeds. Additionally, turn off the audio system to listen for squeaking noises, which may indicate aging shocks. I recommend regular maintenance - faulty shock absorbers affect handling and accelerate wear on other components. If self-inspection doesn't reveal the problem, visit a repair shop promptly rather than waiting until an accident occurs.
After years of driving, I've summarized a simple method to check shock absorbers. First, visually inspect around the shock absorbers for any oil stains or damage, as these are clear indicators. Then, press down on one corner of the car body and observe if the rebound is smooth; if it's slow or shaky, it means the shock absorber is failing. While driving, pay attention to the vibration amplitude on bumpy roads and whether the car body leans excessively when braking. Shock absorber aging is often caused by oil leaks from the seals, and timely detection can prevent safety issues. Remember to test on flat roads, not on slopes.
