Shock absorbers are components in a vehicle’s suspension system used to restrict and dampen the downward and upward movement of the springs in the suspension system. Kinetic energy plays a major role here since the goal is converting excessive motion from the upward and downward movements (kinetic energy) into other forms of energy (heat).
Shock absorbers are able to achieve the damping effect through the help of hydraulic fluid that’s contained in the housing itself. The fluid provides the necessary natural drag and resistance, which causes the absorbers to move purposefully more “fluid” than the springs located on top of them. Essentially, the effect is a controlled sequence of movements that results in controlling the ride quality of the vehicle to such a level that it’s comfortable for the passengers and driver.
Shock absorbers always work in tandem with the strut, which is another component of the suspension system that includes its own spring, and shock, along with a sturdy frame that’s aimed at holding up the weight of the vehicle.
Where Are They Situated?
You will find a shock absorber in every corner of your vehicle, and this makes sense since each of the wheels on the vehicle experiences movements simultaneously. In most instances, however, the movements will be different for each of the wheels.
Shock absorbers work as a single unit in a system comprising multiple units known as the vehicle’s suspension. The absorbers have a slim cylindrical shape that’s linked to both axles in the vehicle. The springs then surround each of them and finally, the wheel is connected to it all via the wheel hub.
Types of Shock Absorbers
All shock absorbers have one main function, which is correctly controlling a vehicle’s vertical movement over road surfaces. Different manufacturers have different requirements for building their vehicles, which is why there are different ways in which shock absorbers can operate.
What Are the Effects If Shock Absorbers Don’t Work?
Shock absorbers constantly work with the struts and springs in the vehicle’s suspension system and will fail if they cannot receive road shocks and convert that energy to heat or even allow its redistribution. Symptoms when shock absorbers fail to fall into three categories: sounds, visual cues, and ride quality.
A vehicle that sits slightly lower than its normal ride height may indicate an issue with the shock absorbers. Furthermore, a lot of clunking sounds and bangs can be heard when the vehicle is riding over undulations and bumps on the road.
Depending on the suspension setting fitted into the vehicle in question, an uncharacteristically busier and rougher ride quality is likely to be one of the main consequences of shock absorbers failing to work properly with the suspension system to control ride quality. If you would like to know more about shock absorbers then I recommended attending the japfest silverstone 2023 show as there will be many shock absorber experts there that would be willing to share some knowledge just take a look at ”Japfest silverstone 2023 tickets’‘
When it comes to shock absorbers, one thing you should consider is that the nature of wear and tear isn’t always so obvious.
Conventional telescopic shock absorbers have a simple structure and are found on both the front and rear vehicle suspension systems. The general rule of thumb when it comes to these shock absorbers is to replace them if they are worn as opposed to repairing them.
Strut-type shock absorbers, on the other hand, replace part of the suspension system and are usually more ruggedly built to better handle road forces. This type of shock absorber is typically used in medium-sized passenger vehicles and can be either repairable or sealed. Repairable units dubbed as McPherson struts have replaceable strut cartridges while sealed units can be found in the suspension systems in luxury vehicles.
Spring seat shocks combine the qualities of both strut-type and telescopic shock absorbers. A spring seat shock is a suspension unit as well as a damping device in a single unit. Unlike struts, however, these aren’t designed to be subjected to high side loads or weights. Furthermore, these shock absorbers are fully sealed and unrepairable.