What to Do When the Front Shock Absorber of Baojun 730 Has Problems Going Over Bumps?
4 Answers
Solutions for front shock absorber issues in Baojun 730 when going over bumps: Remove the shock absorber and stand it upright, then clamp the lower connecting ring in a bench vise. Pull and press the shock absorber rod forcefully several times. There should be stable resistance during this process, with the resistance when pulling up (rebound) greater than when pressing down. If the resistance is unstable or absent, it may indicate insufficient oil inside the shock absorber or damaged valve components, requiring repair or part replacement. Below are relevant details: 1. Drive the car on rough roads for 10km and then stop. Touch the shock absorber housing by hand. If it is not hot enough, it means there is no resistance inside the shock absorber, and it is not working. At this point, add appropriate lubricating oil and test again. If the housing becomes hot, it indicates insufficient oil inside the shock absorber, and it should be refilled. Otherwise, the shock absorber is faulty. 2. Shock absorbers are wear-prone parts during vehicle use. The performance of the shock absorber directly affects the smoothness of the car's ride and the lifespan of other components. Therefore, it is essential to keep the shock absorber in good working condition to maximize your car's performance.
I had the same issue recently when driving my family's Baojun 730 on rough roads. Hitting potholes made a loud drum-like 'dong dong' noise, and the steering wheel vibrated noticeably - clear signs the front shock absorbers were shot. Don't rush into major repairs yet, first check these points yourself: crouch at the front and look for oily reflections on the shock absorber tubes indicating leaks; push down hard on the front end a few times - if the body keeps bouncing more than three times after releasing, the damping is failing; then feel the inner side of the tires for friction dents. If you also notice increased tire noise and severe nose-diving when braking, it's almost certain the shock tubes need replacement. Pay special attention to the stabilizer bar bushings - these $30 parts cause metallic clunking over bumps when worn, and replacing them shows immediate improvement. During repairs, I recommend replacing the entire spring assembly - the factory springs are too soft and sag easily when hauling heavy loads, upgrading to stiffer versions can extend service life by two years.
As a seasoned driver with six years of experience behind the wheel of a Baojun 730, I'm quite familiar with suspension noises. If you hear a clunk when going over bumps, don't ignore it—check these three spots first: Pop the hood and shake the stabilizer bar; if there's more than 5mm of play, the bushings need replacing. Next, inspect the engine guard plate screws for looseness—a loose plastic plate can create alarming resonance noises. Most crucially, check the strut mount (that rubber cushion)—when it wears out, it'll produce a rattling sound. If you're DIY-inclined, replacing the strut mount costs around 100 yuan and takes about 20 minutes with a shop press. If the car keeps bouncing excessively after speed bumps, you'll likely need to replace the entire shock absorber. This model's front suspension is designed soft—fully loaded bumps can easily damage the shocks. When hauling cargo, distribute more weight over the rear wheels to avoid overloading the front end.
Last time I helped my neighbor check their Baojun 730, it made a clunking sound when going over bumps and we found a bent connecting rod. Don’t delay fixing this, as continued driving can damage the steering gear. Simple DIY checks: On flat ground, turn the wheel slowly and listen for clicking sounds—if present, the thrust bearing is likely worn. Park and wiggle the steering wheel; excessive play indicates a steering column issue. Squat down and check the tire camber—severe toe-in means you need a wheel alignment. Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs; replacing just one accelerates wear on the old one. Aftermarket parts costing around 200 can last two years, but for durability, opt for performance versions with nitrogen chambers. Don’t rely on buffer bumpers—they create harsh impacts that damage the strut mount.
