What are the symptoms of a broken front shock absorber top mount?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a broken front shock absorber top mount: 1. Oil leakage. 2. Difficulty controlling the vehicle when changing lanes or turning, resulting in poor handling. 3. Abnormal noises when driving on uneven roads. 4. Reduced ride comfort. 5. Increased tire noise and vehicle deviation. Here is some related information about car shock absorbers: 1. The car's shock absorber is also called the "suspension" and consists of both a spring and a shock absorber. The shock absorber is not used to support the weight of the vehicle but to dampen the oscillations after the spring absorbs shocks and to absorb the energy from road impacts. The spring serves to cushion the impact, converting a large single impact into multiple smaller impacts, while the shock absorber gradually reduces these smaller impacts. 2. If you have driven a car with a broken shock absorber, you can experience the lingering bounce after the car passes over every pothole or bump. The shock absorber is designed to suppress this bounce. Without a shock absorber, the spring's rebound cannot be controlled, leading to severe bouncing when the car encounters rough roads. Additionally, during turns, the up-and-down oscillations of the spring can cause a loss of tire grip and tracking ability.
I remember that time driving on a bumpy road, there was a loud knocking sound from the front of the car, like metal hitting metal, and the steering wheel trembled slightly when turning, making the car unstable. I asked an experienced driver, who said it might be the front shock absorber top mount that was broken. That's the small rubber cushion at the top of the shock absorber, used to buffer vibrations. When it's broken, the vibrations are directly transmitted to the car body, making the ride feel bumpier, especially over speed bumps. Over time, it can damage the shock absorber or suspension system. Replacing the top mount doesn't cost much. After I got it fixed, the noise disappeared, and the car felt much more stable. Regularly checking for suspension noises can help detect problems early, preventing them from escalating into major repairs.
