What to Do When the Shock Absorber Presses Down and Fails to Rebound?
2 Answers
There are four possible scenarios when a shock absorber presses down and fails to rebound: 1. Oil leakage or excessive internal resistance due to prolonged use prevents the shock absorber rod from effectively rebounding, resulting in an inability to provide effective counter-resistance to spring oscillations. While this poses no driving hazard, it affects ride comfort. It is recommended to replace shock absorbers in pairs and perform a four-wheel alignment after replacement. 2. Upon confirming a faulty or failed shock absorber, first check for oil leakage or signs of old leakage. If no leakage is found, inspect the shock absorber's connecting pins, rods, holes, and rubber bushings for damage, weld breaks, cracks, or detachment. 3. If the above checks are normal, further disassemble the shock absorber to examine whether the clearance between the piston and cylinder is excessive, if the cylinder is scratched, if the valve seals are intact, if the valve disc fits tightly with the seat, and if the shock absorber's extension spring is too soft or broken. Depending on the findings, repair by grinding or replace components as necessary. 4. As a wear-prone part during vehicle use, the shock absorber's performance directly impacts driving stability and the lifespan of other components. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the shock absorber in good working condition.
If I encounter a shock absorber that doesn't bounce back after being pressed down, my first thought is that it might be completely broken. First, check for any signs of oil leakage externally, such as a puddle of oil on the ground or a wet area around the shock absorber, which indicates a damaged oil seal. If there's no oil leakage, try pressing it repeatedly to listen for any unusual noises or a feeling of sticking. Sometimes, spring fatigue or worn internal components can also cause rebound failure. A faulty shock absorber not only affects comfort but also makes the car more unstable when driving, increasing the risk of losing control during turns or sudden braking. Personally, I recommend not delaying and taking it to a reputable repair shop immediately for inspection. Replacing a new shock absorber usually costs a few hundred to a thousand yuan, and DIY repairs carry significant risks. During regular maintenance, have a technician check the shock absorber's condition by hand—prevention is always better than repair after the fact.