What are the symptoms of shock absorber oil leakage in a car?
2 Answers
Oil leakage in car shock absorbers can cause symptoms such as bumpy rides and shock absorption failure. As one of the most vulnerable components during vehicle use, the performance of shock absorbers directly affects the smoothness of driving and the lifespan of other mechanical parts. Here are methods to check whether the shock absorber is functioning properly: 1. After driving the car for 10 kilometers on rough road conditions, stop and touch the shock absorber housing with your hand. If it's not hot enough, it indicates there's no internal resistance in the shock absorber, meaning it's not working. At this point, you can add appropriate lubricating oil and test again. If the housing becomes hot, it means there's insufficient oil inside the shock absorber; otherwise, it indicates the shock absorber has failed. 2. Press down hard on the bumper and then release it. If the car bounces 2-3 times, it shows the shock absorber is working well. 3. When performing an emergency brake during slow driving, if the car vibrates violently, it indicates there's a problem with the shock absorber.
Last time I was driving, I noticed the car was especially bumpy over speed bumps. After checking, it turned out the shock absorbers were leaking oil. The most obvious feeling was that the car's vibrations became very noticeable, and even small potholes made it sway like a boat. If I took turns too fast, the body roll was particularly severe, making me feel uneasy. When braking, the front end dipped noticeably, and traction was significantly worse in the rain. During one maintenance check, I saw the shock absorber covered in black, greasy dirt, and the mechanic said it was a sign of oil leakage. If not addressed in time, the tires would wear unevenly, and eventually, even the steering system would suffer. Don't ignore such problems—replace the shocks early for safety.