Telltale Signs of Failing Shock Absorbers
Posted on: 14 February 2017
When it comes to your vehicle maintenance, there are a number of auto parts that need to be replaced after certain mileage has been reached. However, this is not the case with shock absorbers. Thus, some motorists may not be aware that their shock absorbers are either past their shelf life or if they have acquired irreparable damage. Therefore, it would be essential for motorists to know what the symptoms of malfunctioning shock absorbers are because driving your vehicle in this condition poses a risk for you and other road users. So what are some of the telltale signs of failing shock absorbers?
Your vehicle keeps nose-diving
Your car is supposed to stay stable whenever you are driving whether you are braking, navigating corners or even accelerating. This stability is essential in ensuring that you stay in full control of your vehicle. If you begin to notice that your vehicle has started to nosedive whenever you attempt to engage the brakes, this is a sign of failing shock absorbers. You should also have cause for concern if the rear end of your vehicle starts to squat when you begin to accelerate. Lastly, signs of your car flipping to the side when you are navigating corners is also a red flag for malfunctioning shock absorbers. It would be necessary to seek auto repairs before you lose complete control of your vehicle as you drive.
Fluid is leaking from your vehicle
Your shock absorbers are made of a piston that contains hydraulic fluid. When you are driving over rough terrain, the shock absorbers will compress to enable the piston to apply pressure to release hydraulic fluid, hence absorbing the force being exerted by the piston. Generally, minor leaks may occur from time to time from your absorbers. In the event that the leaks end up dousing the shock absorbers entirely with wetness, then chances are there is a serious problem at hand. It would be advisable to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible to prevent the issue from becoming aggravated.
Your vehicle keeps bouncing
An auto part found in all types of vehicles is the coil spring. These springs are connected to the frame of the vehicle as well as its wheels. When your vehicle is driven over rough or bumpy terrain, it is capable of rebounding smoothly due to the coil springs. The shock absorbers then function to ensure that your car is not bouncing as it is rebounding through this rough terrain. If you find that your vehicle does not stop bouncing when driving over bumps and rough terrain, chances are your shock absorbers are not in optimum condition.
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