Why shock absorbers fail

When braking, the weight will shift farther forward than anticipated causing a nose dive. In addition to nose diving when applying the brakes, it takes extra time for the vehicle to take up all the piston rod length if uncontrolled and this adds time and extends the stopping distance required to come to a complete stop.

A worn shock is unable to keep the tire firmly on the road surface. This causes a slight bounce as the vehicle moves over the road surface. The part of the tire that is in contact with the road will wear but the part of the tire that is not in contact with the road will not, causing uneven tire wear. As the tire rotates this contact area constantly changes with road speed, frequency of bounce, etc.

The changing contact area will show up as excessively worn patches in the tire tread. Sometimes the seals surrounding the shaft extending from the body of the shock will begin to leak and this leaking fluid will run down the side of the shock towards the ground. The loss of fluid will cause a loss in the ability of the shock to perform its function as there will be less and less fluid in the the chamber to work with.

The shock has points at each end that allow it to be bolted to the vehicle. These attachment points have rubber bushings and if those rubber bushings crack or break out then a tapping will be heard as the vehicle is driving over bumps. If you notice any of these symptoms then it is recommended that you contact YourMechanic.

The YourMechanic professional technician will advise you as to the condition of your suspension including the shock absorbers and give you a quote for their replacement if necessary. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Suspension Inspection. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools.

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2, U. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Suspension Inspection Cost. Service Location. Vibrations while driving If the valving or piston seal inside the shock is wearing out then it may not sit properly, allowing fluid to flow uncontrolled past the valve or piston seal and thereby allowing every tiny bump in the road to cause an overreaction that you will actually feel with your hands on the steering wheel.

Swerving or nose diving while braking If the valving or piston seal inside the shock is wearing out then the fluid flows uncontrolled and even the slightest steering wheel movement or the slightest brake application by the driver allows extreme movement of the piston within the cylinder.

Brakes take more time to stop the car In addition to nose diving when applying the brakes, it takes extra time for the vehicle to take up all the piston rod length if uncontrolled and this adds time and extends the stopping distance required to come to a complete stop.

Uneven tire wear A worn shock is unable to keep the tire firmly on the road surface. Leaking fluid Sometimes the seals surrounding the shaft extending from the body of the shock will begin to leak and this leaking fluid will run down the side of the shock towards the ground.

Cracked bushing at attachment points The shock has points at each end that allow it to be bolted to the vehicle. Home Suspension Inspection.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details. Excellent Auto Repair Ratings. If that does not happen, you are likely to be having faulty shocks. This is a sure sign of broken shock absorber, precisely broken seals. Leaking shock absorber symptoms include oil on the sides of the shock or even an oily patch on the ground.

Leaking shocks are of no use. They will not control the oscillations of the chassis and suspension spring. In addition to causing vehicle handling issues, the problem of leaks can lead to uncomfortable and tiring rides. They also help to dampen vibrations through the bushings.

When the bushings wear out or break down, they can no longer prevent vibrations. You may, as a result, hear rattling sounds when on the road. It can be front shock absorber noise or rear shock absorber noise.

It depends on the particular shock. Shocks stabilize a vehicle. If they are old and worn, they cannot perform this function properly. The vehicle then sways uncontrollably, especially if the winds are strong. Should you encounter this problem and suspect shock absorber failure, it is advisable to replace the whole device.

At the end of either side of a shock absorber are bushings. The bushing are ever exposed to the harsh conditions of the atmosphere. After thousands of miles on the road, the bushings may to crack and deteriorate. Worn bushings cannot cushion the shock mounts from the suspension it attaches to. As a result, the car makes a lot of noise, especially when driving in rough conditions. The shock absorber problems described above many indicate many things.

They do not necessarily mean broken shocks. Unless the symptoms involve something that can be ascertained such leaks, it is essential to carry out tests first. Visual observation- park the car on flat ground. Observe the front from some distance. Both the right and left sides should be the same distance from the ground. If one side leans more than the other, you have shocks that need replacing.

Bounce test- here is how to check rear shock absorber and that in the front of the car. Press one of the corners of the car downward and bounce it three times. If the vehicle stops bouncing almost immediately the shock absorbers are intact. If it continues with the up and down movement for a considerable amount of time, they need changing. This course is sponsored by Cloyes.

Click Here to Read More Advertisement Shock absorbers and struts dampen the motions of the suspension to provide a smooth, comfortable and safe ride. Some OEM shocks even have electronic valving that allows the driver or a body control module to adjust the dampening characteristics of the shocks or struts to changing driving conditions. Electronic dampers may use a solenoid or an electric stepper motor for this purpose. Foaming creates bubbles in the fluid, which offer less resistance to the piston.

Advertisement Gas shocks and struts come in one of two basic varieties: monotube or twin tube. Monotube dampers have all the major components contained within a single large tube and typically use a very high-pressure charge.

The gas charge is separated from the hydraulic fluid by means of a floating piston in the top or bottom of the tube. Monotube shocks are used primarily on performance vehicles with stiffer-handling suspensions.

Twin tube shocks and struts are the more common design. The gas charge is contained in the outer chamber fluid reserve tube that is typically lower than that of a monotube design. Advertisement Because the damping characteristics of shocks deteriorate gradually over time, the decline in ride control often occurs unnoticed.

Consequently, many motorists are unaware of how weak their original shocks and struts have become. They get used to the way their vehicle rides and handles, and may not realize they need new shocks or struts.

Advertisement Ask For the Sale Asking your customer how his vehicle has been riding lately may get him thinking, and may reveal a need for replacement or upgrading.

Ask him how his vehicle handles when cornering, stopping, accelerating or driving in a crosswind. Excessive body sway or rocking is a sure sign of inadequate ride control.