Why Doesn't the New Shock Absorber Rebound?
2 Answers
Reasons and solutions for the new shock absorber not rebounding: Reasons why the shock absorber doesn't rebound: If the shock absorber rod cannot effectively rebound, it will fail to provide adequate reverse resistance to spring oscillations, resulting in ineffective filtering of spring vibrations. While this poses no driving danger, it affects ride comfort. It is recommended to replace shock absorbers in pairs and perform a four-wheel alignment after replacement. Solutions for shock absorber not rebounding: First, check whether the shock absorber is leaking oil or shows signs of old oil leakage. If there is no oil leakage, inspect the shock absorber connecting pins, rods, holes, and rubber bushings for any damage, weld fractures, cracks, or detachment. If these components appear normal, further disassemble the shock absorber to examine whether the clearance between the piston and cylinder is too large, whether the cylinder is scratched, whether the valve seals properly, whether the valve disc fits tightly with the seat, and whether the extension spring of the shock absorber is too soft or broken. Depending on the findings, perform repairs by grinding or replacing the faulty parts.
I also encountered the issue of non-rebound when installing new shock absorbers before. The most common cause is improper installation, such as misaligned shock rods or loose mounting bolts—you might have applied force incorrectly, causing parts to jam. Sometimes, newly purchased components have quality defects, like insufficient hydraulic fluid or leaking seals, especially if the internal piston was damaged during shipping. In extremely cold weather, the oil thickens and responds sluggishly; after installation, it needs time to adjust to the temperature. The solution is to recheck the installation, ensuring the shock absorber is vertically positioned and all connections are tight. If you're doing it yourself, try gently pressing the car body to see if it rebounds smoothly—if not, you’ll likely need to return it for a replacement. Don’t underestimate this issue: prolonged non-rebound forces the suspension system to absorb impacts rigidly, making the car bounce uncontrollably on rough roads and increasing rollover risks. Regular shock absorber maintenance can prevent problems. After replacing mine once, I developed a habit of visually inspecting them every season for leaks or deformations.
