What are the symptoms of a faulty front shock absorber?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty front shock absorber include: 1. Abnormal noises from the shock absorber when driving on bumpy roads; 2. Oil leakage on the exterior of the shock absorber; 3. Excessive body bouncing and instability when driving over uneven surfaces; 4. High temperature on the shock absorber casing after driving. The working principle of a shock absorber: When relative motion occurs between the frame or body and the axle due to vibration, the piston inside the shock absorber moves up and down. The oil inside the shock absorber chamber repeatedly flows from one chamber to another through various orifices. The friction between the orifice walls and the oil, as well as the internal friction among oil molecules, creates a damping force that converts the vehicle's vibrational energy into heat energy of the oil, which is then absorbed and dissipated into the air by the shock absorber.
Last time the front shock absorbers on my car were broken, and it felt extremely uncomfortable to drive. Even going over small bumps made the body shake violently, jolting me around. When braking, the front of the car noticeably dipped, making it hard to control. My wife in the back seat said it felt like riding a trampoline and made her carsick. When checking the tires, I noticed uneven wear, with the inner sides much more worn down. Talking to a friend about it, he said it might be due to leaking shock absorbers or loose springs, and not fixing it promptly could accelerate the aging of the entire suspension. I immediately drove to the repair shop, and the mechanic spotted oil stains all over the wheel hub at first glance. It's best to regularly inspect the chassis, especially for older cars that have been driven for several years. Otherwise, driving feels unsafe and can easily lead to accidents, particularly when turning in rainy conditions when the car is prone to losing control. Discovering and fixing the issue early for a few hundred bucks saves you from constant worry and extends the car's lifespan.
My car has been running for eight or nine years, and the front shock absorbers have failed several times. Experience tells me the symptoms are quite obvious. While driving, the body sways significantly, and bumps on the road directly transmit vibrations to the steering wheel. During turns, the car leans severely, making it feel like it might roll over. After stopping, the front of the car sinks noticeably, sitting lower than usual. More importantly, there are increased noises—creaking and thumping sounds that affect driving. Not repairing it promptly poses significant safety hazards, such as reduced tire grip on slippery roads, making skidding more likely. It's advisable to regularly inspect the shock absorber casing for oil stains and address any issues immediately. Such failures usually stem from aging, oil leaks, or spring failure. Delaying repairs can increase fuel consumption and the cost of replacing tires. Don’t take driving safety lightly—getting problems checked early can save a lot of money.
