What are the symptoms of aging shock absorber buffer rubber?
4 Answers
Shock absorber buffer rubber aging will lead to a decline in vehicle comfort, causing abnormal noises when the car passes over bumpy roads. The installation method for shock absorber buffer rubber is: 1. Park the car on level ground and prepare buffer rubber, a jack, and soapy water; 2. Use the jack to lift the relevant part of the car body until the shock absorber spring is fully visible; 3. Spray soapy water to clean the spring, and also lubricate the buffer rubber with soapy water. Rinse off the soapy water promptly after installation to prevent rusting and cracking of the shock absorber spring, a critical safety component; 4. During installation, clean the spring with soapy water and soak the shock absorber rubber in soapy water to make it more pliable and easier to install.
While driving, there's a noticeable clunking noise coming from the chassis, especially when going over speed bumps or rough roads where the sound is particularly clear. The steering wheel transmits more vibrations, passengers complain about painful bumps, and water bottles in the back seat can even topple over. Last week during maintenance, the mechanic pointed to the cracked rubber block at the bottom of the shock absorber and said this part had aged—its cushioning effect was gone, causing the spring to directly hit metal components. Continuing to drive not only damages the suspension but also makes wheel grip unstable during turns. I touched it myself and found that the once flexible rubber block, which used to be as resilient as a tire, has now hardened like a rock.
After driving tens of thousands of kilometers, the suspension system became increasingly noisy, with that dull thumping sound being particularly annoying. Once when driving my boss, he complained it was bumpier than a tractor after going over a manhole cover. Later inspection revealed the shock absorber's buffer rubber was completely cracked—the mechanic said it was like the soles of shoes wearing flat. These rubber blocks actually endure tremendous pressure, being compressed thousands of times with every bump. Once aged, the cushioning layer disappears, not only causing metal components to knock against each other but also accelerating uneven tire wear. Now, I check the rubber blocks every six months by squatting down—if cracks exceed two millimeters, I prepare to replace them.
When rubber bushings harden, the suspension feels like a bed without a mattress. The most noticeable issue during daily driving is that even small pebbles cause a rattling noise, and the vehicle's response becomes sluggish. A mechanic explained that aging rubber bushings can trigger a chain of problems: first, springs frequently hit the strut towers, causing noise; next, shock absorbers are prone to leaking; finally, control arm bushings wear out prematurely. Especially in cold regions, rubber becomes brittle faster, and you might even hear metal clanging when driving over icy roads in winter. Typically, these should be inspected and replaced every 5-6 years. Though they cost just a few dozen dollars, neglecting them can shorten the vehicle's lifespan.
