What are the car shock absorbers?

When it comes to choosing a car lift, there are manyreinforced suspension kitsinclude orshock absorbers, already configured for your specific vehicle and application, or the ability to upgrade shock absorbers. Ourcustomer support servicefrequently receives questions about the different types of shock absorbers and the differences in their characteristics. This blog is designed to help answer these questions in advance.

Content:

• Why are shock absorbers needed?
• Single-tube shock absorbers
• Two-pipe shock absorbers
• Adjustable shock absorbers
• Coilovers
• Bypass shock absorbers

Why do you need shock absorbers?

Shock absorbers do exactly what their name suggests: they doabsorb shocks and impacts from the road surface. It's a simple concept, but the different types of shock absorbers, how they're made, and why some work better than others can turn into a complex science that could take a college course on understanding shock absorbers. Fortunately, in this article we'll start with the basics and then delve into more details about shock absorbers in other articles on our blog.

Single-tube shock absorbers

One of the most common types of shock absorbers used in suspensions is called monotube or monotube. It was first developed in 1954 by the companyBilstein. A monotube shock absorber has one piston. On one side of the piston is hydraulic oil. On the other hand - gas under pressure (usually nitrogen). Hydraulic fluid slows the up and down movement of the tire and wheel, dampens impact forces and dissipates heat energy. Pressurized gas also helps dampen and absorb shock.

Two-pipe shock absorbers

Unlike the first type, a two-tube shock absorber is a less productive version of a single-tube shock absorber, which is more often found in cars and trucks that are not focused on high performance characteristics. Twin-tube shocks are less expensive than single-tube shocks, but the twin-tube design allows gas to mix with hydraulic fluid, creating air bubbles in the oil called cavitation, which can cause the piston to move more freely. This makes the shock absorber practically useless, and this phenomenon is called "damping of the shock absorber".

But today, many manufacturers use technologies to combat cavitation and increase the performance of double-tube shock absorbers without increasing the price. For example, we recommend paying attention toreinforced double-tube shock absorbersIronman (with technology that almost completely eliminates cavitation - FoamCell), which are very popular among off-road tuners.

Still, their reliability and performance is inferior to other types of shocks, and off-road suspension companies use reinforced single-tube shocks, or bypass shocks, which are vital to off-road performance to keep the tires pressed to the ground and the suspension under your control.

Adjustable shock absorbers with a removable reservoir

Upgrading shocks often involves installing adjustable monotube shocks that have an external reservoir connected to the shock housing by a rubber hose. The shock absorber disc can be used to adjust the position of the piston, providing a smoother ride on roads or improving off-road performance.

The external reservoir allows the shock to store more oil for better heat absorption and dissipation. The size of the shock absorber body and the material from which it is made are also important. Hard anodized aluminum conducts heat better than steel and is less prone to rust. The larger shock housing holds more fluid and has a large surface area for better heat dissipation. It can also have a longer piston rod that is less likely to break in extreme conditions.

Coilovers

There is also a so-called shock absorber with a spring (Coilover). The body of such a shock absorber consists of mounting points for a coil spring to obtain a single shock absorber and spring, i.e.2 in 1. This allows for a more compact shock when space may be an issue, and also allows for more adjustment of spring preload.

Coilover type shock absorbers are offered in various link travel options with adjustable coil spring mounting options. The shock absorbers themselves are also usually monotube shock absorbers and may have a remote reservoir.

Bypass shock absorbers

One of the most effective types of shock absorbers is a bypass shock absorber. This type specially designed for high-performance off-road vehiclesdue to its exceptional ability to dissipate heat. Coilover shocks are often the primary shocks for trophy trucks, rally cars, and other vehicles designed for fast cross-country driving.

They also offer a huge amount of adjustability, allowing you to get exactly the ride and performance you want for your car. In addition, if you don't completely destroy the shock absorber during operation, the bypass shock absorber can be rebuilt, which will ultimately save you money.

When you do an SUV suspension lift and have the opportunitymodernize the car's suspension, pay attention to the selection of the shock absorber, because the quality of the ride and the performance of the suspension during high loads in "combat" conditions will depend on this.

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