What Are the Symptoms of Shock Absorber Failure?
2 Answers
Symptoms of shock absorber problems manifest in several aspects such as the steering wheel, tires, and emergency braking. The specific manifestations include: 1. Increased vibration in the steering wheel: The shock absorber is composed of many small internal parts. If these parts become worn, it may cause unstable fluid flow and issues, leading to enhanced vibration in the steering wheel. This can also be seen as a warning sign of oil leakage. 2. Uneven tire wear: Under normal circumstances, the shock absorber ensures that the car tires maintain even contact with the road. However, if the shock absorber is damaged, tire wear will become uneven, causing bumpiness during driving and affecting the driving experience. 3. The car veers during emergency turns or braking. 4. Increased stopping distance after braking.
That day when I was driving to work, I felt the car was particularly unstable, especially when going over speed bumps or potholes. It bounced so badly that it felt like riding on springs, swaying non-stop. Before this, I often heard squeaking or thumping noises from the chassis and noticed oil leakage near the rear wheels. This directly affected ride comfort, making long trips almost unbearable. Even worse, the car body leaned significantly during turns, and there was excessive nose-diving when braking, which felt unsafe. After researching online, I learned that the shock absorbers had aged and failed. Delaying repairs would accelerate tire wear and even affect steering control. Later, I went to the garage and had them replaced, restoring normal performance. Regular inspection of suspension components is crucial—don't let minor issues escalate into major faults.