Auto shock absorption parts

Shock absorption: key insights into component performance, mounting, diagnostics, and durability

A damping system is a set of elements which transfer and distribute loads that occur between the suspension and wheels during driving. They also carry the vehicle’s weight and dampen vibrations which appear when driving over road irregularities. They counterbalance the inertial forces which affect the vehicle during acceleration and braking.

Design of the damping system

The main components of the damping system are shock absorbers, coil springs, and leaf springs.

Hydraulic (twin-tube) shock absorbers comprise a metal housing containing a cylinder filled with oil. Inside the cylinder, there is a moving piston fitted with holes of various sizes. When the piston rod moves, the fluid flows from one chamber into another through the holes, thus creating resistance that dampens oscillations. Mono-tube (gas-charged) shock absorbers have a floating piston that divides the working cylinder into two chambers. The lower compartment is filled with pressurised gas and the upper one with oil.

The main aim of shock absorbers is to dampen vibrations which appear when the spring extends.

Coil springs consist of a spiral wire with a constant or variable cross-section. They support the vehicle’s body weight.

Leaf springs consist of metal sheets of various lengths joined together with special clamps. They dampen vibrations.

Maintenance tips

• Do not overload your car. All parts in it are designed for particular loads. If a vehicle is overloaded, shock absorbers, springs, and leaf springs, together with the suspension, are the first to be damaged as vibrations which occur when driving on bad roads become several times stronger.
• Avoid driving aggressively. Shock loads which occur when you run over a bump at a high speed, for instance, have a devastating effect on the elements of the damping system.
• Check the condition of dust boots. If they are torn, the shock absorber rod can wear out prematurely.
• Replace faulty components on time as driving with broken parts causes other elements to fail. For example, neglecting to replace bushings on time leads to damage to the leaf spring eyes. Driving with worn-out shock absorbers results in spring failure.

Symptoms of malfunction

Streaks on the housing, excessive rocking of the vehicle while driving over road irregularities, uneven tyre wear, poor steering response, and reduced braking performance indicate shock absorber issues. Car body sagging, its deformation, reduced ride height, hitting the vehicle bottom while driving on bumpy roads are symptoms of bad springs. Similar signs can be observed in case of failing leaf springs.

Causes of malfunction

Temperature fluctuations, dirt, and aggressive chemicals have a destructive effect on rubber parts such as dust boots, bushings, and bump stops. They lose their elasticity and crack. Springs may rust for the same reasons. The rod of the shock absorber deteriorates because of torn boots. Over time, it may even get stuck. Deformed housings of mono-tube dampers caused by impacts lead to similar consequences.

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At our online shop, you can buy components of the damping system for your car without any problems. If you need assistance, our specialists will help you to choose suitable components, and you can count on rapid delivery.