What Happens If You Don't Replace Leaking Shock Absorbers?
3 Answers
Shock absorbers that are leaking oil need to be replaced. If not replaced, the following issues may arise: 1. Affects comfort and handling: Shock absorbers and springs together form the suspension system. Leaking oil indicates a problem with the shock absorber, and its failure will not only affect comfort but also the vehicle's handling. 2. Safety hazards: In severe cases, it can cause the car to pull to one side, especially at high speeds, posing safety risks. Additional information: The main function of shock absorbers is to suppress the rebound of suspension springs after absorbing shocks and to mitigate impacts from the road surface. When a car travels over uneven roads, suspension springs filter out road vibrations, but the springs themselves still undergo reciprocating motion. Shock absorbers are used to control this spring oscillation.
If the shock absorbers are leaking oil and not replaced, the car will shake severely when driven. I've encountered similar issues when taking my family out. When turning a corner, the car would drift, and it's even more prone to skidding on slippery roads during rain. Long-term neglect until the oil leaks completely and the shock absorbers fail will result in strong vibrations on bumpy roads, with passengers in the back constantly complaining about discomfort. Worse, the suspension springs will overwork, potentially damaging the control arms or bearings, leading to skyrocketing repair costs. A few months ago, a friend's car had this problem and wasn't repaired in time, resulting in a major suspension overhaul costing over 4,000 yuan, not to mention the inconvenience to daily use. Replacing the shock absorbers early for a few hundred yuan is a much more worry-free solution.
I experienced shock absorber oil leakage for quite some time, with increased chassis noise while driving on the road. Even small bumps made the ride uncomfortably shaky. This led to a significant decline in vehicle handling, making high-speed driving unstable and prone to tail swings, also affecting braking distance. More critically, the oil leakage accelerated wear on other components, like tires thinning too quickly requiring early replacement, and suspension links deforming. Once while driving in mountainous areas, the shock absorbers failed to function, nearly causing a rollover. The repair cost, initially just three to five hundred, ballooned into several thousand along with safety risks. Regularly inspect the chassis for minor issues and don't delay repairs.
