Shock Absorber Bushings
All vehicles will undoubtedly experience some level of turbulence during their lifetime, which is why automobile manufacturers include shocks, suspension systems, wheels with exceptional traction, and other mechanical precautions that limit the amount of wear and tear incurred over time. One such component that is designed to absorb pressure and energy is a shock absorber, which is a mechanical device that effectively absorbs and dissipates some of the kinetic energy that is transferred from the tires to the axle, drivetrain, and frame of the vehicle as it rides over bumps and experiences turbulence. Shock absorbers, also known as a dampers or dashpots, are manufactured and distributed in several types, with the most popular types being cylinder shaped containers with a single piston and hydraulic fluid or air on the inside.
What Are Shock Absorber Bushings
Just as shock absorbers are designed to mitigate and minimize the pressure placed on various components of the vehicle, shock absorber bushings are designed to alleviate some of the pressure that the shock absorbers themselves experience. In general, shock absorber bushings are comprised of durable and flexible rubbers that can last for years without being replaced. Shock absorber bushings not only limit wear and tear on the shock absorber itself, but also keep the shock absorber from making high frequency sounds that are both annoying and embarrassing. Alternatively, some vehicle owners choose to fill the shock absorber with a compressible gas to limit the sounds produced by the device. Without shock absorber bushings, the overall lifetime of your shock absorber will be reduced, and after a short while you'll have to deal with unpleasant sounds every time you go over a bump.
How Shock Absorber Bushings Are Replaced
Since shock absorber bushings are an essential component of a vehicle's suspension and steering system, it is absolutely necessary to replace them if they become damaged, as continually riding around with damaged shock absorbers or shock absorber bushings can create a dangerous situation. The majority of vehicle owners contract the assistance of a professional mechanic when they need their shock absorber bushings to be replaced. However, a set of basic mechanic skills and the right guidance can help you quickly and easily replace your own shock absorber bushings. All you'll need is a chock blocks, a lug wrench, car jack, jack stand, a socket set with a wrench, and a shock bushing set with the plate hardware included. After the aforementioned materials and tools are required, the vehicle owner would then park their automobile on a level spot, turn off the engine, engage the parking brake, and then place the chock blocks behind the rear wheels of the vehicle before continuing with the replacement/installation. If you're looking for and in depth guide on replacing shock absorber bushings, a simple web search should suffice.
The Typical Cost of Shock Absorber Bushings
Fortunately, shock absorber bushings are relatively inexpensive, with prices ranging from $5-$30, depending on the retailer, manufacturer, and overall compatibility of the part. The more expensive shock absorber bushings are distributed by the car manufacturers themselves, and can range in price from $20-$50. Shock absorber bushings that are designed for off-road vehicles or rear wheel drive vehicles may also be slightly more expensive than conventional bushings. Because this vehicle performance part is relatively lightweight, the shipping and handling cost associated with purchasing online are comparatively low. Unfortunately, shock absorber bushings are not made in a one-size-fits-all configuration, so if you're shopping for one in a local shop or online you'll need the specifications of your vehicle; particularly the model, make, and year. With this basic information you should be able to find compatible parts for every component of your vehicle relatively easily.
