What does it feel like to drive with a broken rear shock absorber?
2 Answers
If the car's shock absorber is damaged, the rear wheels will produce excessive bouncing when driving on bumpy roads, and there may be abnormal noises from the rear wheels when passing over rough surfaces. Here are the related details: 1. Oil leakage: Inspect the shock absorber through the wheel arch using a flashlight. If oil leakage is observed on the exterior of the shock absorber, it indicates that the shock absorber is damaged. 2. Loose chassis: When driving on bumpy roads, if the vehicle's body exhibits excessive bouncing or unstable swaying, it generally indicates a problem with the shock absorber. 3. Abnormal noise: If the shock absorber produces abnormal noises when driving on bumpy roads, it is highly likely that the shock absorber is damaged.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I've encountered several instances of rear shock absorber failures. The most memorable was driving on a bumpy rural road when the rear of the car would violently shake over potholes, making the entire body bounce up and down like it was on springs. It was so jarring you couldn't sit properly, and the steering wheel felt loose, especially prone to skidding during turns. There were also loud banging noises from the chassis that were particularly annoying. Over time, the tires wore out faster, braking distances increased, posing significant safety risks. Back then, I developed a habit of shaking the rear of the car before driving to check for any looseness, ensuring safety before setting off. My advice to fellow drivers: if you notice anything unusual, don't try to save money by ignoring it—get it checked at a repair shop immediately. Don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.