Should the Front Shock Absorber Be Replaced If It's Leaking Oil?
3 Answers
If the front shock absorber of a car is leaking oil, it needs to be replaced. Oil leakage from the shock absorber indicates damage, and its damping effect will gradually decrease. Over time, once the oil inside the shock absorber has completely leaked out, it will lose its damping function. Therefore, a leaking car shock absorber must be replaced, and the replacement should be done promptly. The working principle of a shock absorber: When relative motion occurs between the frame or body and the axle due to vibration, the piston inside the shock absorber moves up and down. The oil inside the shock absorber cavity repeatedly flows from one cavity to another through different pores. The friction between the pore walls and the oil, as well as the internal friction between oil molecules, creates a damping force that converts the vehicle's vibration energy into thermal energy of the oil, which is then absorbed and dissipated into the air by the shock absorber.
If the front shock absorbers of your car are leaking oil, I strongly recommend replacing them immediately. When this component leaks oil, it loses its damping function, making the ride noticeably bumpier, especially on rough roads or during high-speed cornering, where increased body sway can compromise handling safety. If left unattended for a long time, tire wear will accelerate, and replacing a good-quality tire can cost several hundred dollars, ultimately not saving you money. Personally, I've noticed that leaking shock absorbers often come with strange noises. When I took it to the repair shop for inspection, they said the oil seal was damaged and couldn't be repaired—only a full replacement was possible. A pair of aftermarket parts starts at around three to five hundred yuan and works fine. Safety-wise, if you don’t replace them, braking distance may increase in rainy conditions, which is no small matter. Addressing the issue promptly ensures safety.
As a family-oriented driver, I care deeply about this. Leaking shock absorbers must be replaced immediately - otherwise the car wobbles like a sieve over speed bumps, making kids in the backseat complain of motion sickness. Oil leakage means the damping fluid has drained, reducing cushioning capacity and compromising suspension balance. Replacement instantly improves ride comfort. I also recommend checking both front and rear shocks - sometimes replacing just one pair creates imbalance. The essence of safe driving is stability. Prolonged leakage may damage springs, leading to costlier repairs. Always choose OEM parts from authorized dealers, never compromise for cheaper alternatives.
