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Leaking Shock Absorber: Identifying Symptoms, Understanding the Causes, and Finding Solutions
A leaking shock absorber can compromise your vehicle's performance and stability. In this article, we'll discuss the key symptoms to look out for and the common causes behind leak, and offer practical solutions, ensuring a smooth ride every time you hit the road.
Shock absorber fluid leak
A shock absorber leak is usually caused by worn seals, corrosion, or damage from road debris. Over time, the seals can deteriorate due to age, extreme heat, or exposure to harsh chemicals, leading to oil leakages. Additionally, rough driving conditions or accidents can damage the shock's body, allowing the fluid to escape.
Leaking shock absorber symptoms
In addition to a shock absorber that is visibly leaking oil, you may notice the following common symptoms:
- Excessive bounciness or body roll – a leaking shock absorber can't dampen the vehicle's movements effectively, leading to an overly bouncy or jarring ride and excessive leaning when turning.
- Uneven tyre wear – you may notice uneven wear patterns on the tyre treads, such as scalloping or cupping, due to uneven road contact, so you will need to install new tyres on your car for safe driving.
- Nose diving – the front of the car may dip or dive forward when braking as leaking shocks will not support the weight of the vehicle properly.
- Squatting or sagging – the side of the vehicle with the failing shock absorber may sag or the rear of the car may “squat” when accelerating.
- Longer stopping distances – due to reduced road contact or impaired weight distribution.
- Poor handling – particularly in harsh or bumpy road conditions.
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Rear shock absorber leaking
The main symptoms of leaking rear shock absorbers are the rear of the vehicle dipping or squatting during acceleration, bouncing at the rear, loss of wheel traction, uneven rear tyre wear, and a vibrating steering wheel. The rear of the car may feel particularly bouncy when driving, making it uncomfortable for passengers.
Front shock absorber leaking
Leaking front shocks may be the cause of the front of the vehicle dipping when braking, unstable or "floaty" steering, uneven front tyre wear, and excessive vibrations. These issues arise primarily because the shock absorbers are no longer able to adequately support the vehicle's weight or cushion the suspension from impacts.
What to do when a shock absorber leaks
When you detect a shock absorber leak, the best solution is to install a new shock absorber on your car as soon as possible. In most cases, it is not worth trying to reseal the shock as the parts are too worn and it ends up being more complicated. The other shocks may follow soon afterwards.
On average, most shocks last roughly 4 to 5 years or 50,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a replacement. However, if your car is involved in a collision or is used for offroad driving, your shocks are more likely to leak due to damage and exposure to the elements.
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