Shock absorbers are a fundamental part of our vehicles. They not only provide comfort while driving by softening road irregularities and providing stability, but they also reduce the impact of terrain conditions and their potential repercussions on the chassis, which can cause structural asymmetries. They also reduce engine fatigue, which can lead to engine and other vehicle components. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor their operating condition and replace them if necessary.
Symptoms of worn shock absorbers
1- Excessive bounce
When a shock absorber loses its ability to absorb impacts, the oil inside it has no restrictions to flow through the two internal compartments that are separated by a piston. The restriction generated by the latter makes its movements slow, ending up producing rebound by not limiting the function of the springs that accompany each shock absorber.
2- Excessive movement
If the vehicle oscillates excessively when driving over bumps and takes a long time to stop, this may indicate that the shock absorbers are losing their effectiveness in limiting the transmission of road irregularities to the chassis.
3- vehicle inclination
If you notice your car leaning or tipping more than normal to one side when cornering or braking, this is a clear sign that your shock absorbers may need to be replaced.
4- Unusual noises
If you hear abnormal sounds such as knocking, creaking, or scraping while driving, it could be a sign that the shock absorbers are damaged, although it could also be the shock absorber pads. It’s important to differentiate the source of the noise in order to replace the correct part.
5- Irregular wear on tires
If the tread on the outside of the tire is worn unevenly, this could be due to worn shock absorbers.
6- Decreased vehicle control
A vehicle with poor shock absorbers makes steering less stable and therefore makes it more difficult to control, especially on rough road conditions.
Important considerations
Before purchasing replacement parts, it’s important to consult a trusted auto repair shop that can diagnose your vehicle’s entire suspension system to determine exactly which components need replacing. Keep in mind that shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs. For example, if the front left shock absorber is damaged, you should replace both front shock absorbers.
