Is it necessary to replace a leaking shock absorber in a sedan?
2 Answers
A leaking shock absorber in a sedan must be replaced promptly, as it not only affects the vehicle's comfort performance but can also indirectly cause damage to other components. Here are the specific details regarding this issue: Function of Shock Absorbers: Shock absorbers are designed to dampen the oscillations from spring rebound after absorbing shocks and to mitigate impacts from the road surface. They are widely used in automobiles to accelerate the attenuation of vibrations in the frame and body, thereby improving the vehicle's ride smoothness. When driving on uneven roads, while the suspension springs can filter out road vibrations, the springs themselves still undergo reciprocating motion. The shock absorber is used to suppress this spring oscillation. Composition of Shock Absorbers: The vehicle's suspension system consists of both springs and shock absorbers. The shock absorber is not intended to support the vehicle's weight but rather to dampen the oscillations from spring rebound and absorb the energy from road impacts.
I previously had a shock absorber oil leak in my car, and I realized that this issue really shouldn't be ignored. Oil leakage indicates that the internal oil seal is damaged, leading to a significant drop in shock absorption performance. The car body wobbles like a boat when driving, and going over speed bumps produces uncomfortable thumping noises. More importantly, safety is compromised—sharp turns become prone to losing control, braking distance increases, and the car is more likely to skid in rainy conditions. Tire wear becomes uneven, and over time, other chassis components also suffer. The mechanic told me that shock absorbers are consumables to begin with, normally requiring inspection every five to six years. If the oil leakage exceeds one-third, it's recommended to replace the entire set. After I got new ones installed, the car immediately felt much more stable—definitely money well spent.