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Almost every car owner is concerned about the same question - when should a replacement be madeshock absorberand whether it is necessary at all. In this article, we will not only answer it, but also analyze in detail the main signs of a decrease in shock absorber performance. So, let's get started:
How to determine the malfunction of the shock absorber
Experienced car enthusiasts distinguish two types of shock absorber malfunction factors - obvious and behavioral. The first are those changes in the design that can be determined visually, the second are manifested when the car is moving, so to speak, "you can feel them on yourself." Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Visual signs of a damaged rack:
- Oil is leaking.
- Worn outsilent blocks.
- Damaged shock absorber - cracks, bent housing, damaged bolts.
- Corrosion of the spring support.
Behavioral factors of shock absorber failure:
1. Longitudinal slopes of the car.
2. Rocking during acceleration.
3. Stiffness, shaking when moving.
4. Deviation from the direct path.
5. Body roll (rocking).
6. Suspension breakdowns.
7. Tire wear.
8. Loss of traction.
When to change the shock absorber
You should know that the shock absorber, like all car parts, is subject to wear and tear. Many manufacturers recommend checking this design every 20-30 thousand km. mileage As for replacement, the approximate term of shock absorber wear is 60-100 thousand km. At this stage, we recommend a more thorough inspection of the device and, if necessary, replace it.
If you want to extend the life of the shock absorber as much as possible, the experts of our online store advise you to follow the following rules:
| Operation | After each use | At the end of the season | Annually |
| Thorough cleaning of the compression buffer area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| External cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inspect the stem for damage or corrosion | Audit | Inspection / Replacement | Inspection / Replacement |
| Checking the sealing head for leakage or loosening of the installation | Audit | Audit | Audit |
| Checking all fasteners for loosening of the tightening | Audit | Audit | Audit |
| Checking the hinges of the supports | Audit | Audit | Audit |
| Oil, piston, ring replacement, maintenance of internal parts, oil pressure check | Every six months or a year, depending on the conditions of use (carried out by an authorized repair service) | ||
How to replace a shock absorber: a step-by-step guide
Buying a new shock absorber does not guarantee the efficient operation of the car. Even the highest qualitystandmay fail if installed incorrectly. Therefore, if you do not trust the employees of the car service and decide to replace the shock absorber yourself, we suggest that you follow the following step-by-step instructions:
1.Unscrew the screws securing the air filter cover and pull out the latches.
2.Unscrew the fastening of the vacuum sensor and disconnect the connector from it.
3.Disconnect the clamp securing the air supply nozzle and, in fact, the nozzle itself.
4.Remove the air filter cover and cover the air inlet with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust and dirt from entering the system.
5.Clean and slightly loosen the fastening of the upper support of the shock absorber.
6.Raise the front part of the car and fix it on stands.
7.Unscrew the wheel mounting bolts.
8.Clean the fasteners of the ABS sensor and the brake hose.
9.Disconnect the wiring and brake hose from the bracket on the shock absorber.
10.Clean the attachment of the stabilizer rod to the shock absorber strut and the steering knuckle. Remove the rod from the device.
11.Unscrew the lower mounting of the shock absorber strut to the steering knuckle and support the steering knuckle with a hydraulic strut.
12.Remove the mounting bolts and disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber.
13.Unscrew the upper fastening of the rack support.
14.Remove the shock absorber.
15.Install a new shock absorber in the wheel arch.
16.Screw in the upper mounting of the support of the shock absorber. Do not delay.
17.Process the seat of the rack on the rotary fist and its fastening (use a metal brush). Secure the structure.
18.Install the mounting bolts. Remove the support from under the steering knuckle. Tighten the lower support of the rack.
19.Attach the anti-roll bar strut to the shock strut.
20.Connect the ABS sensor cable harness to the rack. Fasten the brake system hose on it.
21.Clean the seat of the wheel disc (use copper grease) and tighten the upper strut mount.
22.Connect the air flow sensor connector and tighten
A shock absorber is a very necessary device that will last as long as possible with proper and careful use. Product quality also plays an important role. Buy only licensed racks from verified stores.
As for the replacement - in this case it is better not to delay, but to immediately change the problem nodes, so as not to carry out latershock absorber repairwith your own hands or do not look for the nearest car service.
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