What to Do if the Shock Absorber is Leaking Oil?
3 Answers
The solutions for a leaking shock absorber are: 1. Tighten the oil cylinder cover nut; 2. Replace the new oil seal and gasket; 3. Check if the gap between the piston and the cylinder is too large, and adjust it if necessary; 4. Inspect whether the shock absorber piston rod is bent, and check for scratches or marks on the piston rod surface and cylinder, then repair or replace parts accordingly. The shock absorber is used to absorb vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces, ensuring a comfortable ride. It is divided into: 1. Hydraulic shock absorber: Utilizes the compressibility of liquid and its ability to absorb energy when compressed and dissipate energy when flowing, achieving the purpose of reducing or eliminating vibrations; 2. Mechanical shock absorber: Features good damping effect, long working life, and high cost-performance ratio.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and whenever I encounter shock absorber oil leakage, I deal with it promptly to avoid major issues. Oil leakage is usually caused by aging seals or damage from bumps. When oil drips down steadily, the car body becomes unstable while driving, making it prone to skidding during turns. Safety comes first—never delay! I recommend immediately checking for oil stains, such as under the car for any signs of oil. Minor leaks might not seem serious, but if left unchecked, they can accelerate tire wear or damage other suspension components. It's best to go straight to a reliable repair shop to replace the shock absorbers—typically, replacing them in pairs yields better results. Regularly check road conditions and avoid hitting potholes too hard. If not repaired promptly, driving becomes nerve-wracking.
Last time my beloved car's shock absorber was leaking oil, and I actually found the ride quite comfortable, like sailing on a boat, haha! But then it made a loud bang over a speed bump, and I realized the leak was serious. I rushed to the repair shop for a check, and the mechanic said the seal was broken and all the oil had seeped out. After replacing it, the car became as stable as a rock, and even the fuel consumption dropped a bit. I suggest you don’t push it either—minor leaks might be fine for short trips, but long-distance or mountain driving could be dangerous. Get a professional evaluation, and replace it if needed. I opted for a branded part myself—more durable—and also got an undercarriage inspection to ensure other components were fine. Delaying repairs will only make them more expensive!
