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Shock absorbers, in their simplest form, are hydraulic (oil) pump-like devices that help control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle’s springs and suspension. In addition to smoothing out bumps and vibrations, the primary function of shock absorbers is to ensure that the vehicle's tires remain in contact with the road surface at all times. This contact is crucial for maintaining safe control and braking response.
This concept is part of what we call the Monroe Safety Triangle, which encourages motorists to check their tires, brakes, and shock absorbers with every service to ensure optimal stopping, steering, and stability.
Shock absorbers are pump-like devices which keep your vehicle’s tyres in contact with the road surface by controlling the rebound of its suspension springs. As long as your vehicle’s tyres remain in contact with the road, steering, road handling and braking response will be optimal, helping to keep you safe.
Shock absorbers, in their simplest form, are hydraulic (oil) pump-like devices that help control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle’s springs and suspension. Beyond smoothing out bumps and vibrations, their primary function is to ensure that the vehicle's tires remain in contact with the road surface at all times. This continuous contact is crucial for maintaining safe control and effective braking response.
This principle is part of the Monroe Safety Triangle, which encourages motorists to check their tires, brakes, and shock absorbers with every service to ensure optimal stopping, steering, and stability.
To delve deeper into the mechanics, shock absorbers function by converting the kinetic energy (motion) of your suspension into thermal energy (heat), which is then dispersed into the atmosphere through heat exchange.
However, it's not as complex as it may seem.
As previously mentioned, shock absorbers essentially operate as oil pumps. A piston is affixed to the end of a piston rod and interacts with hydraulic fluid within the pressure tube. When the suspension moves up and down, the hydraulic fluid is pushed through orifices (small openings) inside the piston. These orifices restrict the flow of fluid, slowing down the piston and consequently, the movement of the spring and suspension.
Shock absorbers adjust automatically to road conditions; the faster the suspension moves, the more resistance they provide.
While all shock absorbers perform the same function, various types of vehicles and suspension designs necessitate different shock absorber configurations, which may appear significantly diverse.
Regardless of the application, all shock absorbers fall into one of three broadly defined categories: conventional telescopic shock absorbers, struts, or spring seat shocks.
While all shock absorbers perform the same function, various types of vehicles and suspension designs necessitate different shock absorber configurations, which may appear significantly diverse.
Regardless of the application, all shock absorbers fall into one of three broadly defined categories: conventional telescopic shock absorbers, struts, or spring seat shocks.
This type of shock absorber is the simplest and is typically replaced rather than repaired. It can be found on both front and rear suspension systems and is relatively inexpensive.
Struts perform the same basic function as conventional shock absorbers but replace part of the suspension system and must be more robustly constructed to handle greater loads and forces. They are commonly found on the front and rear of small to medium cars, with larger cars increasingly adopting strut-based suspension designs. Struts are further categorized into sealed and repairable units. Sealed units are designed for complete replacement, while repairable (McPherson) struts can be fitted with replacement strut cartridges.
Spring seat shocks combine characteristics of both telescopic and strut type shock absorbers. Similar to struts, a spring seat shock functions as both a suspension unit and damping device in a single unit.
However, unlike struts, spring seat shocks are not intended to withstand high side loads. Constructed with components similar to conventional shock absorbers, spring seat shocks are also sealed units, necessitating full replacement.
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