What are the signs of a damaged car shock absorber?
2 Answers
The signs of a damaged car shock absorber are: 1. Shock absorber oil leakage; 2. Wheels make noise when driving on bumpy roads or speed bumps; 3. Noticeably increased body roll when turning, and in severe cases, skidding may occur; 4. After driving on rough roads for a while, touch the outer shells of each shock absorber—if one is cold, it indicates that shock absorber is damaged; 5. When the car is stationary, press down on one corner of the body and release it. If the body rebounds under the spring force and oscillates several times before stopping, it indicates poor damping performance of the shock absorber. The main function of a shock absorber is to ensure smooth vehicle operation, cushion vibrations, and provide greater comfort for passengers by suppressing springs to absorb oscillations and impacts from the road surface.
I noticed that my shock absorbers were damaged while driving. The most obvious symptom was severe shaking when driving on bumpy roads, as if there were no shock absorbers at all, making the ride extremely uncomfortable. Additionally, when cornering or braking, the car felt unstable, with noticeable body sway, as if it might lose control at any moment, which forced me to slow down immediately. There were also frequent strange noises, like a gurgling sound when going over bumps. After parking, I checked the tires and found uneven wear on one side. More seriously, upon inspecting near the shock absorbers, I spotted oil stains, indicating a leak. If ignored for too long, handling would deteriorate, posing significant safety risks and potentially damaging other components. Therefore, I recommend regular checks of the shock absorbers. If you notice oil stains or excessive shaking, take your car to a repair shop immediately—don’t delay.
