Car Shock Absorber
The car shock absorber is part of the vehicle's suspension system and plays an important role in making sure the vehicle is operating safely and correctly. Before you can understand how a car shock absorber works, you should also understand all of the parts of the suspension system and how they work together to ensure safe vehicle operation. Then you will be better able to understand the role that the car shock absorber plays in this process.
A car's suspension system consists of several parts and helps a driver to control the vehicle. The suspension system increases friction between the road and the car's tires, makes passengers more comfortable inside the car, and give the car stability when it's being handled by a driver. The car's suspension system consists springs, anti-sway bars, and dampers. The springs in a suspension system can be coil springs, leaf springs, air springs, or torsion bars.
Dampers are any component of the suspension system that dampen and absorb shock. One of these components is the car shock absorber. Without dampers in place, all of the energy absorbed by the springs in the suspension system would be released without any sort of control. This would make riding in a car or other vehicle extremely bumpy and uncomfortable for the driver and passengers. The car shock absorber controls the motion of the springs by dampening the shock. This is accomplished by cutting down on the vibrations that are made when the car hits a bump or another type of shock happens.
The shock absorber has two mounts, the upper mount and the lower mount. The upper mount of the car shock absorber is attached to the frame and the lower mount is attached to the axle. When your car hits a bump, the car shock absorber dampens the shock through a simple process. The spring's energy is transferred from the car shock absorber into the piston. Fluid is allowed to leak as the piston moves up and down. The release of fluid slows the piston down, which results in a slowing down of the spring's movement.
Most car shock absorbers rely on fluid friction as described above, but there are also several other types of shock absorbers available for vehicles. Pneumatic systems can be used where the compression of gas dampens the shock to the vehicle and reduces the spring's movement. Magnetic dampers are used in some vehicles, but this is not a widely used shock absorption method.
Many people think that it is okay to drive with a damaged car shock absorber since it just dampens the shocks received while driving. However, this assumption is incorrect. Shock absorbers have important functions related to safety including controlling rolling and swaying of the vehicle. In addition, shock absorption can help protect other parts of the vehicle, reducing damages and cutting repair costs. If you suspect your car shock absorber is damaged, take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out as soon as possible. Your mechanic will be able to tell you if your vehicle needs a new car shock absorber or if other repairs need to be made.
Your car shock absorber should be replaced from time to time for maximum vehicle performance. There are many ways that replacing your car shock absorber can help your car perform better. Handling of the car will be more consistent, as will braking the vehicle. Your spring and suspension movement will also be better controlled. Other benefits include prevention of early tire wear, reduction of wear and tear on other parts of your car, and keeping the wheels aligned properly.
Comment by Diarmuid on 27 April 2009:
I have to replace a leaky rear shock/strut in my car - I hear differing opinions as to whether shocks/struts should be replaced as a set, i.e. in my case I would have to replace both rear shocks/struts not just the faulty one? what is the correct practice on this?
Comment by Cliff Thompson on 18 May 2009:
Hello, I need new rubber bushes for a shock, the shock is o.k. but the four rubber bushes/grommets have perished, any ideas where i can get them?
Comment by Mike S. on 27 July 2009:
Need to find a rebuilder or parts supply source for a left rear hydraulic shock absorber and the servo valve that serves is and the car brake system for a 1986 Bentley Mulsanne. Can anyone help? Reply to ekims1@aol.com