What noise does a broken shock absorber make?
2 Answers
Methods to determine the condition of a shock absorber are as follows: 1. If oil leakage is found: First, tighten the oil cylinder cover nut. If the shock absorber still leaks oil, it may be due to damaged or failed oil seals or sealing gaskets, and new seals should be replaced. 2. If the oil leakage still cannot be eliminated: Pull out the shock absorber rod. If you feel any sticking or uneven resistance, further check whether the gap between the piston and the cylinder is too large, whether the shock absorber piston rod is bent, and whether there are scratches or marks on the piston rod surface and the cylinder. 3. If there is no oil leakage from the shock absorber: Then check whether the shock absorber connecting pin, connecting rod, connecting hole, rubber bushing, etc., are damaged, desoldered, cracked, or detached. 4. If the above checks are normal: Further disassemble the shock absorber to check whether the fit clearance between the piston and the cylinder is too large, whether the cylinder is scratched, whether the valve seal is in good condition, whether the valve flap fits tightly with the valve seat, and whether the extension spring of the shock absorber is too soft or broken. Depending on the situation, repair by grinding or replace parts as needed. 5. In addition, the shock absorber may produce noise during actual use: This is mainly caused by collisions between the shock absorber and the leaf spring, frame, or axle, damaged or detached rubber pads, deformation of the shock absorber dust cover, insufficient oil, etc. The cause should be identified and repaired accordingly.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I can tell you that the sounds of a broken shock absorber are quite typical, with several common types. The creaking sound, like an old door turning, is often caused by worn rubber bushings or oil seal leaks leading to insufficient lubrication, especially noticeable when going over speed bumps. Then there are the thumping or knocking sounds, indicating internal piston or spring damage, which are more obvious during sharp turns or on bumpy roads. Additionally, if the car makes a metallic clanking sound when going over potholes, it might be due to a broken shock absorber strut. These sounds aren't just noise issues; they can lead to unstable vehicle handling, longer braking distances, accelerated tire wear, and significantly compromise safety. It's advisable to pull over and inspect as soon as you hear these sounds to avoid losing control on the highway, and to pay extra attention to the chassis condition during regular maintenance.
