Reasons for Abnormal Noises in Car Front Shock Absorbers During Winter
3 Answers
Causes of abnormal noises in shock absorbers during winter are as follows: 1. Extremely low temperatures causing the shock absorber rubber to become too hard. 2. Lack of lubrication between the metal rod and shock absorber sleeve due to prolonged use. 3. Shock absorber oil leakage or gaps in the connecting ball joint. Please promptly inspect and repair the shock absorbers if the following phenomena occur: 1. Poor vehicle handling during sharp turns, with a tendency to drift towards the outside of the curve. 2. Inaccurate steering feel during large-radius turns, with a tendency for the car to sway. 3. Noticeably increased front suspension vibration transmitted through the steering wheel when driving on rough roads. 4. Dull impact noises perceptible to occupants when encountering road bumps. 5. Wheel hopping during acceleration, resulting in sluggish acceleration.
I've been driving for decades, and every winter I notice a squeaking noise from the front shocks, which is particularly annoying. This is mainly because the temperature is too low, causing the rubber components of the shock absorbers, such as the bump stops and dust covers, to harden and become brittle, losing their elasticity. When driving over bumps, they rub and make noise. The hydraulic oil also tends to thicken and congeal, leading to insufficient lubrication, and the shrinkage of seals creates gaps, resulting in noise. The ice and snow on the road make it even harder, increasing the impact. My old Ford had the same issue last year. After checking, I found that minor squeaking is fine, but persistent or severe noise might indicate internal wear or oil leakage, which could affect handling safety. I recommend warming up the engine for a few minutes before driving in the morning to let the temperature rise and alleviate rubber hardening. During regular maintenance, remember to check if the cushioning components are aging or cracked.
My new car is only a year old, and this winter the front suspension suddenly squeaks when going over speed bumps, which gave me a scare. I asked my neighbor uncle, and he said it's caused by the hardening of rubber parts in cold weather, like the dust cover or suspension cushion freezing up and losing elasticity, making it prone to friction noises. Additionally, the grease might freeze, leading to insufficient lubrication, and when the road is slippery, the bumps are more intense, amplifying the sound. I also checked online posts, and many people shared that the noise tends to lessen automatically as temperatures rise. But if the sound is too loud or persistent, you should be careful about whether parts are damaged or leaking oil. They advised not to delay like me and to go to a repair shop for a simple check and add some lubricant to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.
