What Happens If You Don't Replace a Leaking Shock Absorber?
2 Answers
The disadvantages of not replacing a leaking shock absorber include: 1. It will reduce the vehicle's shock absorption effect, causing abnormal noises when driving on bumpy roads and damaging the entire suspension system; 2. Prolonged neglect will also affect ride comfort; 3. It can lead to uneven force distribution on both front wheels, resulting in impaired vehicle handling, and over time, may cause the tires to pull to one side. If a car's shock absorber starts leaking, it is undoubtedly a very dangerous situation for the shock absorber itself. The vehicle can still be driven normally after the shock absorber starts leaking, but the immediate effect of losing damping is a reduction in comfort. If the vehicle is driven at high speeds, even on smooth roads, it can cause significant up-and-down motion, severely reducing the vehicle's stability.
Driving with leaking shock absorbers is like walking barefoot – the bumpiness is extremely noticeable. I remember that time when I didn't fix the leak, even small potholes would jolt everyone in the car uncomfortably, with the trunk thumping loudly. The handling deteriorates, the car body sways unsteadily during high-speed turns, and I almost scraped the roadside several times – it felt particularly dangerous. Over time, tire wear accelerates; my old car had uneven wear and I ended up replacing two new tires in one year, wasting money. Other chassis components also suffer damage, such as suspension ball joints, increasing repair costs. It's best to inspect promptly and replace if leaking, don't wait until safety issues escalate. When parked, you can also check for oil stains near the shock absorbers as a simple DIY inspection.
