Shock absorbers are essential for passenger comfort and vehicle handling, but their importance can easily be overlooked. Your car will still run without them, however vehicle safety could be severely compromised.
Sometimes called dampers, shock absorbers are perhaps one of the hardest working components on a vehicle's chassis. They are designed to help control the movement of a vehicle's suspension springs, making sure that the tyres maintain their contact with the road surface.
A shock absorber is an oil-filled tube that contains a piston. It resists the movement of the suspension springs by restricting the flow of oil inside it through a number of control valves. The oil prohibits the movement of the piston, preventing continual suspension movement.
Some shock absorbers contain a high pressure gas instead of oil, and are generally more expensive but offer better performance.
The front suspension system in most new vehicles has a built-in shock absorber making the suspension more compact and lightweight. This is commonly called the 'MacPherson Strut'.
Driving around with worn or faulty shock absorbers is dangerous, and because they tend to wear out gradually, you might not even realise they're not up to scratch. That's why it's important to have the suspension system checked regularly by a TACC Automotive Repairer.
There are many different signs that your car has worn or faulty shock absorbers.
Often suspension problems are indicated through the steering system. If you are driving along and the steering wheel shakes excessively after hitting a bump or pothole, or the car seems unusually unstable, particularly over rough, unsealed roads, the shock absorbers could be worn.
Worn shock absorbers can also affect braking performance. Sometimes the vehicle will tend to nosedive, where the front of the vehicle dips under braking. The vehicle might take longer to stop, and sometimes might swerve to the side when the brakes are applied.
If you suspect there is a problem with your vehicle's shock absorbers, check the tyres. Uneven wear or bald patches are a good indication that something is wrong.
Also look at the side of the shock absorber tube. If there is any oil leaking, the shock absorber will be unable to perform effectively.
Another test you can make is to push down on the bonnet of your vehicle, and if it doesn't stabilise and tends to move for more than one and a half bounces, you should have the suspension checked.
The type of shock aborber your vehicle will need depends on the conditions you predominantly drive in (for example on highways or rough roads), the load your vehicle carries or tows, the type of vehicle and your budget.
There are a variety of shock absorbers available on the market, and a TACC Automotive Repairer can advise you on the most suitable type for your vehicle.
Issued by TACC, the Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce.