What to Do If a Car Shock Absorber is Leaking Oil?
2 Answers
If oil leakage is detected, first tighten the oil cylinder cover nut. If the shock absorber continues to leak, it may be due to damaged or failed oil seals or sealing gaskets, and new seals should be replaced. If the leakage persists, pull out the shock absorber rod. If you feel resistance or uneven movement, 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 or cylinder. Here are the symptoms of a damaged car shock absorber: 1. Drive the car on a road with poor conditions for 10 kilometers and then stop. Touch the shock absorber housing by hand. If it is not hot enough, it indicates there is no resistance inside the shock absorber, meaning it is not working. At this time, add an appropriate amount of lubricating oil and test again. If the housing becomes hot, it means the shock absorber is low on oil and should be refilled. Otherwise, the shock absorber is faulty. 2. Press the bumper firmly and then release it. If the car bounces no more than once or twice, the shock absorber is working well. 3. When the car is driven slowly and emergency braking is applied, if the car vibrates severely, it indicates a problem with the shock absorber. 4. Remove the shock absorber and stand it upright. Clamp the lower connecting ring in a bench vise and pull and press the shock absorber rod several times. There should be stable resistance during this process, with the resistance during upward recovery being greater than during downward pressing. If the resistance is unstable or absent, it may be due to insufficient oil inside the shock absorber or damaged valve components, which should be repaired or replaced.
Recently noticed a thumping noise while driving, looked down and saw oil stains on the shock absorber. Quickly took it to a professional mechanic for inspection, and sure enough, the shock was leaking oil. Never delay in such situations—oil leakage worsens damping performance, causes excessive body roll during cornering, and increases braking distance. The mechanic said minor seepage might last a while, but if you see oil dripping on the ground or the spring seat caked with sludge, the entire unit must be replaced. Last time I delayed replacement, it caused uneven tire wear, costing me hundreds extra for new tires. Remember to replace shock absorbers in pairs (left and right together), otherwise mismatched wear can lead to vehicle misalignment.
