Should a leaking car shock absorber be repaired?
2 Answers
As long as the shock absorber leakage is caused by normal aging and damage of the internal oil seal, it can be repaired (by replacing the shock absorber oil seal). Of course, if the shock absorber leakage is induced by factors such as strong impact, then it cannot be repaired and can only be replaced. This is also the mainstream repair method currently adopted by 4S stores and repair shops. The following is more relevant information: Shock absorber leakage requires replacement: 1. The question of whether the shock absorber needs to be replaced should be judged according to the actual situation. If the shock absorber only has slight oil seepage, it may not even need attention. Only when the shock absorber leakage is more severe should it be replaced in time. 2. Whether it is slight oil seepage or severe leakage, as long as the oil inside the shock absorber oil chamber is reduced, it will have a certain impact on the damping force for vibration filtration. The performance in the cab will be that the vehicle suspension becomes softer, the vibration filtration effect worsens, and phenomena such as loose chassis and abnormal noise from the shock absorber appear. In severe cases, on larger bumpy roads, the shock absorber may even be damaged due to bottoming out.
As a veteran driver with over 30 years of experience, leaking shock absorbers must be repaired. They affect the car's grip and handling, potentially increasing braking distance, especially making it prone to skidding in rainy conditions or at high speeds—how dangerous is that! I once had a comrade who didn't fix the leak and lost control while turning, hitting the guardrail—luckily, nothing serious happened. Leaks are usually caused by aging oil seals. Once the oil is completely gone, the springs grind dry, causing loud chassis noise and potentially damaging other suspension components. The repair isn't expensive; replacing a pair costs just a couple hundred bucks, solving the problem once and for all, ensuring stable driving and peace of mind. Safety comes first—don't wait for an accident to regret it. I recommend going to a professional shop for inspection and replacement as soon as possible.
