Should Shock Absorbers Be Replaced in Pairs or Individually?
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If a car has been used for a long time without replacing the shock absorbers, it is recommended to replace them on the same axle to maintain balance on both sides. However, this does not mean that shock absorbers must always be replaced in pairs. The decision depends on the specific situation, and generally, a single damaged shock absorber can be replaced individually. Below are the relevant details: 1. Impact of replacing a single shock absorber: Since shock absorbers affect the overall ride comfort of the vehicle, replacing only one can lead to differences in wear and hardness between the two sides. This can result in one side being stiffer and the other softer, with varying rebound damping, causing the car to feel uneven on bumpy roads. This not only affects driving comfort but also compromises vehicle stability. 2. Reasons for replacement: The typical lifespan of a shock absorber is around 70,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Oil leakage and abnormal noises are the most common issues. Once a shock absorber starts leaking oil, its performance deteriorates. If the leakage is significant, it must be replaced to ensure proper functionality.