Will replacing one shock absorber have any impact?
4 Answers
Replacing one shock absorber will have an impact. The functions of a shock absorber are: 1. To suppress the vibration deformation absorbed by the spring and the oscillation during the spring rebound; 2. To absorb the impact force from the road surface, improving the ride comfort and handling of the car. Methods to check if the shock absorber is working properly include: 1. If the shock absorber does not get sufficiently hot when the car is driven on poor road conditions, it indicates the shock absorber is not working; 2. Press down hard on the bumper and then release it—if the car bounces 2 to 3 times, it indicates the shock absorber is working well; 3. If the car vibrates violently when braking sharply at a slow speed, it indicates there is a problem with the shock absorber.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've personally dealt with shock absorber replacement issues. Replacing just one shock absorber leads to inconsistent damping effects between the old and new units, resulting in uneven ride quality—one side feeling stiff while the other remains soft, compromising handling stability. The vehicle tends to pull during turns, posing risks during emergency braking at high speeds. This imbalance in handling also accelerates wear on tires and springs, incurring additional repair costs. In the long run, saving money on one shock absorber isn't worth the trade-offs. I recommend replacing shock absorbers in pairs to maintain suspension balance and extend overall lifespan. Additionally, modern vehicles have complex suspension systems, and replacing just one may trigger false sensor fault codes, leading to repeated shop visits. Regular inspections and replacing them in pairs every 80,000 kilometers or so ensure both safety and cost-effectiveness.
I'm a young car enthusiast who loves tinkering with my vehicle. Last time, I saved some money by only replacing the right rear shock absorber. But after a few days of driving, the car started tilting and felt extremely bumpy over small potholes, like riding a pirate ship. The handling was poor, and I could feel slight body sway, which made me worry about the risk of tire blowouts at high speeds. The new shock wore out quickly, and the old one soon started squeaking. In the end, I had to replace the other one too, wasting labor costs. The lesson is that it's best to replace shock absorbers in pairs to avoid safety hazards caused by imbalance. Trying to save money ended up costing me more. It's better to make a one-time investment to ensure a smooth ride. Also, remember to slow down when going over speed bumps to reduce shock damage.
As a parent who drives my child to school every day, vehicle safety is of utmost importance. Replacing just one shock absorber definitely has negative effects. The mismatch between old and new parts can cause the car to lean higher on one side and lower on the other, making it prone to skidding when turning on rainy days and increasing braking distance, which creates accident risks. Uneven shock absorption also accelerates chassis fatigue and causes faster tire wear that may lead to blowouts. I strongly recommend replacing them in pairs to ensure stable and comfortable rides for your family. During regular maintenance, spend an extra hundred yuan or so to have the shocks checked, preventing minor issues from becoming major problems. Safety always comes first.
