What are the signs of a broken car shock absorber?
2 Answers
When a car's shock absorber is damaged, there are usually signs such as body shaking and abnormal heat. Below is a detailed explanation of these symptoms: Body Shaking: For sedans, shaking the car body can help determine the performance of the shock absorber. Alternatively, you can observe the vehicle's rocking state after emergency braking. If the shock absorber fails, the car will rock significantly more times than under normal conditions. When the vehicle is stationary, forcefully hold the bumper or hood and shake it. When the shaking reaches its maximum amplitude, suddenly release your grip. Abnormal Temperature: The shock absorber converts the mechanical energy of wheel and body vibration into heat, which is then dissipated, thereby reducing vibration. The more vibration energy it absorbs, the higher the temperature of the shock absorber. When the shock absorber's energy absorption reaches saturation, the temperature basically stops rising. Typically, it takes about half an hour to reach a thermal equilibrium state.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I know all too well the signs of bad shock absorbers. The car sways like a boat when driving, bouncing two or three times after hitting a speed bump. The body roll during turns is terrifying, and the steering wheel even shakes. The most obvious sign is the loud 'thudding' noise from the chassis on rough roads, as if someone is hammering it. It's even more dangerous on rainy highways, as the reduced tire grip makes skidding more likely. Don't hesitate—if you see oil leaking from the shock absorber, it's a red flag. Get to a repair shop and replace them immediately. The difference after replacement is night and day—the car handles bumps smoothly and feels tight and stable in corners.
