How to detect whether the shock absorbers of a car are working effectively?

The main function of shock absorbers is to rapidly reduce the vibration between the vehicle frame and the body, improving the smoothness and comfort of the car's ride. So how to detect whether the shock absorbers of a car are working effectively? AIRONE modified car shock absorption expert tells you the method.

At present, the double-acting cylinder type shock absorber is widely used in automobiles. Shock absorbers are vulnerable parts during the use of a car. The performance of shock absorbers will directly affect the smoothness of the car's driving and the lifespan of other components. Therefore, we should keep shock absorbers in good working condition all the time. Generally, the following methods can be adopted to check whether the shock absorber is working well.

Press the bumper hard and then release it. If the car jumps 2 to 3 times, it indicates that the shock absorber is working well.

2. When a car is moving slowly and brakes suddenly, if the car vibrates severely, it indicates that there is a problem with the shock absorber.

3. Remove the shock absorber and stand it upright. Clamp the lower connecting ring in a vise. Pull and press the shock absorber rod several times with force. At this point, there should be a stable resistance. The resistance when pulling upwards should be greater than that when pressing downwards. If the resistance is unstable or there is no resistance at all, it may be that the shock absorber is short of oil inside or the valve parts are damaged. Repair or replacement of parts should be carried out.

4. Drive the car for 10 kilometers on a road with poor conditions and then stop. Touch the outer shell of the shock absorber with your hand. If it is not hot enough, it indicates that there is no resistance inside the shock absorber and it is not working. At this point, an appropriate amount of lubricating oil can be added and the test can be conducted again. If the casing gets hot, it indicates that the shock absorber is short of oil inside and should be filled with sufficient oil. Otherwise, it indicates that the shock absorber has failed.

After confirming that the shock absorber is faulty or has failed, one should first check whether it is leaking oil or has any signs of old oil leakage.

The oil seal gasket and the sealing gasket are cracked and damaged, and the nut of the oil storage cylinder cover is loose. It might be that the oil seal or the sealing gasket is damaged and ineffective. New sealing parts should be replaced. If the oil leakage still cannot be eliminated, pull out the shock absorber. If you feel that there is a hairpin or uneven weight, further check whether the gap between the piston and the cylinder barrel is too large, whether the shock absorber piston connecting rod is bent, and whether there are scratches or pull marks on the surface of the piston connecting rod and the cylinder barrel.

If there is no oil leakage from the shock absorber, it is necessary to check whether the connecting pins, connecting rods, connecting holes, rubber bushings, etc. of the shock absorber are damaged, de-welded, cracked or fallen off. If the above checks are normal, the shock absorber should be further disassembled to check whether the fit clearance between the piston and the cylinder barrel is too large, whether the cylinder barrel is scratched, whether the valve seal is good, whether the valve disc and the valve seat are tightly attached, and whether the extension spring of the shock absorber is too soft or broken. Repair should be carried out by grinding or replacing parts according to the situation.

In addition, shock absorbers may produce noise during actual use. This is mainly caused by collisions between the shock absorber and the leaf spring, frame or axle, damage or detachment of the rubber pad, deformation of the dust cover of the shock absorber, and insufficient oil. The cause should be identified and repaired.