What are the signs of a damaged car shock absorber?
2 Answers
The signs of a damaged car shock absorber are as follows: 1. Shock absorber oil leakage. A normal shock absorber has a dry and clean exterior surface. If there is oil seepage, it indicates that the hydraulic oil inside the shock absorber is escaping from the upper part of the piston rod, meaning the shock absorber has failed. 2. Increased body roll when the car is turning, and in severe cases, side slipping may occur. This is because the damping force of the shock absorber is too small to effectively suppress the compression of the spring. 3. When the car passes over bumpy roads or speed bumps, a certain wheel makes a clunking sound, indicating that the shock absorber on that wheel has poor damping performance or has failed.
I drive quite often, and if the shock absorber is broken, the symptoms are quite obvious: the car's bumpiness increases dramatically, especially on rough roads where the body sways like being on a boat; severe body roll during turns, making it prone to losing control or even rolling over; pronounced nose-diving when braking, with the front wheels sinking noticeably; there's also noise interference, with annoying squeaking sounds; and uneven tire wear accelerates, easily noticeable by the varying depths of the tire treads. If there's an issue with the shock absorber, it must be addressed promptly—don't wait until a high-speed accident occurs to regret it. Remember, regular checks of the suspension system are crucial—it ensures safety and saves on fuel costs. Safety first is the golden rule.