How to Know Current Condition of Your Car's Shock Absorber

Points to check if car's shock absorber are working in tip top condition

Suspension system of any car is an integral part for a comfortable and smooth journey. In fact the comfort level of any vehicle in general, be it a two wheeler or a four wheeler depends upon the quality of shock absorbers involved. To simplify things, shock absorbers are basically springs that tend to take in the shocks that a vehicle can undergo on riding over speed bumps or potholes and prevent them from being transferred to the driver. On Indian roads these shock absorbers are doubly important as a lot more taxing conditions on our roads can affect our backs. But like other machineries, these shock absorbers are also a piece of hardware and are susceptible to wear and tear thus, gradually ceasing to work. Therefore, it is important to know what is the current situation of your car's shock absorber and how much more life can they provide you. So let us take a look at some of the ways or indications that can apprise you whether or not something is wrong with the suspension of your car.

1. Cranking sound of the car when going over speed breakers or potholes

If your car is making an unusual squeaking noise when it goes over a bump or a pothole, then be rest assured that it's time to change the shock absorbers or get it checked. Since suspensions are suppose to absorb the rebound pressure, confirmation would only come after the vehicle has been placed in a position of absorbing shock.

2. Stopping duration after brakes being applied

Not many people know that suspensions do have an effect on the braking quality of a car. If the braking quality is good, it can stop a car without requiring long distance after the brakes has been applied. This means shorter the distance the car stops in after pressing the brakes, better the braking system you have. If that stopping distance has been increasing, it would be a good idea to get the suspension system checked. An inadequate suspension system can lead to a 20 percent increase in stopping distance which can be dangerous if not looked into or a life saver if addressed on time.

3. Swerving and nose dives

If the car is under less control than it normally is, especially when the vehicle takes a dip or a swerve, it is time to get your shock absorbers checked. If neglected, repercussions can be dangerous under wet road conditions.

4. Vibrations

One of the major roles of shock absorber is to keep the tyres in complete contact with the road which provides maximum control over the car. However, when the contact reduces, you will feel vibrations in your steering wheel which is a true indicator that your suspensions have serious problems and need to be dealt earnestly. In such circumstances, it is better not to drive at high speeds so as to regain control of the car and preventing any accidents.

5. Uneven tyre wear

As discussed above, due to lack of proper contact between tyres and the roads, there can be uneven wear and tear on the former. This can be a result of shocks that the tyre is unable to bear due to the failing suspension system. If that is the case, the shock absorber need to be replaced

So there we have it. Top five indicators for a worn out shock absorber. Hope we have become more informed after going through the list.

Adjustable shock absorbers classification

 Adjustable shock absorbers classification

The following classification is limited to my own understanding of the current adjustable shock absorbers, if wrong place, please correct me clear to you:
Adjustable shock absorbers
Adjustable from object points can be divided into:
1, the damping force adjustable: by adjusting the damping force size to optimize their comfort and maneuverability;

2, height adjustable shock absorber itself: by adjusting its height, to suit different types of vehicles; shock absorbers and springs itself height adjustable height adjustable

3, height adjustable shock absorber spring: by adjusting its height to suit different load or road conditions. Height-adjustable spring and damping force
 

Adjustable from way points can be divided into:
1. Manually adjustable, such as shock absorbers adjustable height itself, that is manually adjustable to different heights mounted on a vehicle height of the spring and damping force can also be manually preset level sub-file adjustment;

2. Active adjustable sensor input data by the electronic control unit of the damping force shock absorbers Promise optimized to meet different road conditions and condition requirements.

 

LEACREE Air suspension for Land Rover (Air pressure force adjustable)

How to distinguish the Shock Strut Absorbers on different car?

I found that there are many shock Strut Absorbers that can be fitted more than 1 car,but how can we find and know about it? Then we can make it easy to replace the old one.

Key Buying Tips: Jump Starter

You’ve probably heard of a jump starter or battery jump starter before. I consider it to be a great emergency device that is a must-have if you are at risk of your car’s battery going dead, or you own two or more cars. If used properly, it is also one of the more reliable devices to bring back a dead battery that I know of.

It could happen to you! You wake up in the morning, get ready for work, and head for your car. You go to start it and you get that awful sinking feeling because the car doesn’t turn over. Your battery is dead or at least doesn’t have enough power to start your car. What do you do? Wake up your neighbor to help you jump your car? Do you even have jumper cables?

If you had the time you could hook up a battery charger and wait for the battery to recharge. You don’t have the time because you’re late for work.

Here are some things to remember when purchasing a battery booster pack or a batteryjump starter:

Some Basic Jump Starter Advice

Battery jump starters come in a variety of sizes, styles, and with different features and technology. Be aware of the features, power, and any accessories it comes with. As you know, the best price is not always the right choice. A cheap version might now give you the features, capability, and reliability you need. On the other hand, getting all the bells and whistles may cause you to spend more than you should. Remember that your focus is the jump starter itself and not the additional options. Look first to the capability of the jump starter and second to the options and additional features. We highly recommend that you take a look at our article Jump Starter Battery Key Functionality You Need To Know before buying one.

It’s More Than Just A Battery

Although at the heart of a jump starter is a battery powerful enough to start a car, a battery jump starter has additional features built-in that make it ideally suited to the task. For example, it will usually have a built-in charger so that you can make sure the jump starter is always available when you need it. It also has plenty of power. If you’re ever in an emergency situation where you’ve have absolutely drained your battery, such as leaving your lights on at the airport while you’re on vacation, you will appreciate the capability of a more powerful jump starter. Check the specifications carefully and make sure your choice has the extra capability to revive dead batteries. With greater power comes extra weight which reduces portability. Lugging around a very heavy jump starter that has more capability than you need doesn’t just hit you in the wallet it can hit you in the back as well.

It’s Easy To Use

A battery jump starter is much safer and easier to use than a typical extra battery.

You just hook up the cables properly and start your car. The battery booster has positive and negative cables typically with alligator clamps that match up with the positive and negative terminals on your battery. It’s as easy as connecting positive to positive, negative to negative, and turning on the device. Then try to start your car. The peak power of the jump starter will usually start your car. If it won’t start right away, depending on how dead your battery is, you may need to give the booster a few minutes to boost your battery sufficiently to start the car.

How to Choose and Buy the Right Shocks for Your Car

 

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Vehicle owners should keep their vehicles in proper working order to ensure safety and minimize maintenance expenses. This process includes making sure vehicle shocks work properly. Shocks that don’t work adequately or need replacement can equate to an uncomfortable ride, or even a loss of vehicle control, and could eventually lead to vehicle damage. If the shocks show signs of extensive wear, such as the vehicle bouncing upon stopping, or tires that are worn on the outside as opposed to the middle of the tire, it is time to replace or repair the shocks.

When replacing shocks, vehicle owners should seek the help of an automotive specialist if they don’t feel confident in doing the task themselves. If they decide to replace the shocks, owners should make sure they have the correct replacement shock. Also when replacing shocks, it is better to replace both shocks at the same time, as the other shock will be weaker than the new shock and could cause unevenness over time.

Types of Shocks

Vehicle owners can choose from a variety of shocks for their vehicle. All shocks work along the same principle. They dampen the shock created by driving over a bumpy road surface by absorbing kinetic energy into the oil, springs, or air contained within a shock absorber. The following table lists the different types of shocks available, including pneumatic, coil spring, and gas-charged, as well as how they work.

Shock Type	Description
Pneumatic Shock	Pneumatic shocks use air as the primary source of dampening the shock from the road; a sensor monitors the air pressure within the reservoir and turns on a compressor to fill it when low
Coil Spring Over Shock	A coil spring shock combines a shock absorber with a spring coil; some coilovers allow for the adjustment of ride height
Gas-Charged Shock	Filled with hydraulic fluid and charged with nitrogen gas; prevents oil from foaming which can reduce dampening power

Vehicle owners should not mix and match shock types. If replacing all of the shocks at the same time, it is okay to switch to a different type of shock if desired.

How Shocks Work

A shock absorber works through the use of either a fluid, air, or spring that helps dampen the kinetic energy imparted to a vehicle as it travels over the surface of the road or ground. How this energy is dampened largely depends on the type of shock absorber used. A gas-charged shock absorbs the kinetic energy into the oil used in the shock which is converted to heat which is then dissipated from the shock. The gas in a gas-charged shock is added to prevent the oil from foaming; however, some say this design is not as effective in the dampening effect.

Shocks filled with air, or pneumatic shocks, dissipate the energy imparted to them into the air of the shock. The transfer of energy is sometimes accomplished via a piston that extends into the housing of the shock, which contains the fluid or air. In some cases, there are additional shock absorbing properties gained through the use of springs that are a part of the shock assembly. While the springs cannot dissipate energy, only store it, they do assist in the whole dampening process. The action of the shock absorbers, working in conjunction with the torsion bars on the rear axle, help to make a ride in a vehicle smooth and give drivers more control while driving.

Spring Rates

Spring rate is the rate that a spring compresses when weight is applied. When referring to shocks, it plays a large part in determining how hard or soft the spring is when reacting to the shock from the road. Too hard or soft and the spring becomes ineffective. That is why it is important to get the right shock with the correct spring rate for a vehicle. If unsure as to which spring rate matches a vehicle, shoppers should check with an automotive professional for further guidance.

Shocks play a large part in the overall stability of a vehicle. The stiffer, or harder, the shock, the firmer the ride. A harder shock also makes for a rougher ride overall. A softer shock does not dampen the shock from the road as much, causing the vehicle’s tires to bounce and lose contact with the road, lessening vehicle control.

When to Replace Shocks

Shocks typically have a life expectancy based on a certain number of miles. Factors such as the type of driving and road conditions affect the life of a shock. A vehicle owner can test the condition of a vehicle’s shocks by finding a secluded parking lot, accelerating to 10 mph, and hitting the brakes. If the vehicle bounces after coming to a complete stop, then the shocks need replacing.

Vehicle owners can also inspect the shocks, looking for dents in the shock tubes or any leaking oil. A slight oil film on the lower portion of the shock is normal and doesn’t signal a need to replace the shocks. While inspecting the shocks, vehicle owners should also check for loose mounting bolts or a worn mounting bushing.

Make sure to maintain the shocks and replace them when worn. Failure to do so can harm the vehicle suspension and reduce the efficiency of the brakes, the ability of the vehicle to turn corners, and the overall effectiveness of the antilock brake system, as well as reduce the comfort level while driving.

Replacing Shocks

Once a vehicle owner knows that the shocks need replacing, there are two options. An owner can pay an automotive professional to replace the shocks or do it him or herself. If the vehicle owner feels confident enough to replace the shocks, this can save both time and money. The section below includes instructions on how to remove and install shocks on a vehicle. In order to successfully remove and install shocks, vehicle owners need a socket wrench and the appropriate sockets.

Step 1: Find out the type of shock needed. Vehicle owners should replace both of the shocks. If owners choose to upgrade, they should make sure that it is okay to use the new shocks on the vehicle. 
Step 2: Elevate the vehicle to gain access to the shocks. This means using safety stands to safely elevate the vehicle. It might also help to remove the front or rear tires to allow better access to the shocks. 
Step 3: Find the shock mountings and loosen the hardware using a socket wrench. Also remember to unplug electric shocks; look for a piston rod that spins when removing the upper mount. Anchor the piston rod in place with vice grips. 
Step 4: Pry the old shocks out, removing them completely. 
Step 5: Before installation, the new shocks might need the air bled out of them. To do this, hold the new shock in the upright position, extend it, turn it around, and then compress it. Do this several times. 
Step 6: Follow the installation instructions that come with the new shocks. Vehicle owners should apply a thread-locking compound to the studs to ensure the stability of the shocks’ connections to the vehicle.

Popular Shock Brands

Popular shock brands include Bilstein, KYB, Monore, and LEACREE, among others.

• Bilstein
• Gabriel
• KYB
• Monroe
• LEACREE

Buy Shocks Online with Confidence

Shoppers can quickly and easily find shocks on eBay and Amazon.. Before bidding or making a Best Offer, read the details in the shocks listings, including delivery costs, product quality, money-back guarantees, shipping insurance, and product cost. Ask the seller more questions by clicking the Ask a Question link. Always read the seller’s feedback rating to ensure a positive and secure transaction while shopping on eBay.