What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Shock Absorber?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a bad shock absorber are as follows: 1. Oil leakage. Use a flashlight to inspect the shock absorber through the wheel arch. If oil leakage is observed on the exterior of the shock absorber, it indicates damage. 2. Loose chassis. When driving on bumpy roads, if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing or unstable swaying, it usually indicates an issue with the shock absorber. 3. Abnormal noises. If the shock absorber makes unusual noises while driving on bumpy roads, it is highly likely damaged. 4. Uneven tire wear. When the shock absorber is damaged, the wheels will vibrate unevenly during driving, causing phenomena like wheel tilting. This leads to severe wear on the part of the tire in contact with the ground, while the unaffected part remains intact, resulting in uneven wear patterns.
If the shock absorbers fail while I'm driving, the car will bounce excessively, like riding a trampoline, especially when going over potholes or speed bumps. The vehicle shakes uncontrollably in all directions, feeling as if it's falling apart. The issue becomes even more noticeable during turns, with the car tilting so much it seems like it might roll over, making the steering wheel hard to control. Additionally, the noise is annoyingly loud—every bump produces a loud thud—and the tires wear unevenly, often with the inner edges wearing out faster. If not repaired promptly, long-distance driving can lead to back pain and may even affect braking performance. I usually check by pressing down on the front or rear of the car; if it doesn't rebound properly or continues to bounce several times before settling, it's a clear sign of shock absorber failure. It's best to get it checked at a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid safety risks and further damage to the car.
