Despite the fact that it is a well-known name of the parts, shock absorber is a collective term in automotive industry, shipbuilding, aircraft, and even in military equipment designing for different countries. At the same time, the main function of the shock absorber is the absorption of various shocks and vibration damping.

To understand the shock absorber functions and its importance for vehicles a simple example is given. Without shock absorber, the load it takes upon itself when slightest shocks occur, would take the car body. Of course, if it occurs just one time, the body will remain undamaged, but there is no guarantee for subsequent shocks.

By the way, almost the same role shock absorber plays in planes and it is terrible to imagine if there wouldn’t be damping when landing. It is even incomparable to the role of the shock absorber in a car. Today there are several suspension types – axle and independent suspensions that differ in guide member construction. The latest word of carmakers is an adaptive suspension. Its other name is an active suspension.

Shock absorber replacement is required when the shocks are not absorbed or there is liquid leaking. No matter how seriously it sounds, to replace the shock absorber by yourself you will need only a tool, tightening the shock absorber spring and a spanner. You can purchase new shock absorber, as well as brake pads and tie rod for your cars, including Mercedes, Seat, and many others, in the online store at a price much lower than in the service station or specialty stores.

Shock Absorber for

• the piston rod is moving freely at the beginning of the tensile/compression course;
• leaking shock absorber;
• lack of adequate resistance at tensile/compression.

• increase of braking distance;
• bad handling;
• abnormal sounds during driving;
• rocking body;
• reduced comfort in the cabin;
• premature and uneven tire wear.

• loosening the nuts of the tank or the piston;
• a reduced fluid level in the shock absorber;
• worn piston, cylinder;
• deformation of the rebound valve disc;
• foreign matter;
• increased fluid pressure in the gaps;
• clog or damage to the valve parts;
• contamination of the shock absorber fluid with mechanical impurities.

It is important to check the condition of the shock absorbers every 20,000 kilometers. The easiest way is visual inspection. Rust or oil traces on the shock absorbers is the first sign that you should expect the item repair or replacement. Be sure to also inspect tires (a bad sign is uneven wear spots). The most popular method of diagnosis is rocking the vehicle front or rear. If you count more than one stroke swing after removing the load, it says that the shock absorbers are faulty. One of the best options is to call on the diagnostic stands, where professionals will make measurements and announce the verdict.

If you have any problems with the shock absorbers, qualified employees at specialized services can help:

• replace gaskets, seals, corrosive or bent rods;
• eliminate leaks;
• fill shock absorbers with nitrogen;
• replace fluid in the part;
• check the shock absorbers on the two-speed post;
• restore the rods by means of spatter or polymer.

In normal operating conditions, the shock absorbers should be replaced every 3-4 years, in the conditions of aggressive environmental impact every 40-50 thousand kilometers. Both shock absorber should be replaced on the same axis to avoid skidding while driving. To carry out replacement you need:

• remove the wheel;
• dismantle the brake hosess without disconnecting them from the calipers in order to not pump the brake system;
• dismantle the upper strut mountings;
• unscrew all the shock absorber mountings at the bottom;
• compress the spring with a puller (it is important that it is not twisted);
• replace the defective shock absorber with the new one;
• mount each of the elements in reverse order (also be sure to make damage assessment of spring for cracks).

Shock Absorber replacement - instructions, descriptions and repair