John Dale Motors

Suspension – Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers, sometimes known as dampers, are designed to ensure a smooth, safe and comfortable ride. They are a key part of your vehicle’s suspension set up.

What do Shock Absorbers do?

When a car hits a bump in the road, the wheel is pushed upwards. In a car without shock absorbers, this would send an energy wave through the springs to the driver, causing a very harsh and uncomfortable ride. The bouncing caused by this motion would also lead to the tyres temporarily losing contact with the road, meaning a loss of control for the driver.

The shock absorbers are there to absorb these shock waves, thereby smoothing out the ride and ensuring more control over the vehicle.

How do Shock Absorbers Work?

A shock absorber consists of two cylinders that slide into each other, and a piston. Inside, the two cylinders are filled with hydraulic fluid. The pistons job is to precisely control the flow of this fluid inside the cylinders as they move up and down as the vehicle is driven over varying road surfaces. This process absorbs the energy and reduces its transfer through to the rest of the car, resulting in a smoother and safer driving experience.

A correctly functioning shock absorber will prevent a bouncy ride, a harsh ride, rolling and swaying through corners, brake dive (when the front of the car noticeably dips when braking) and acceleration squat (when the rear of the car becomes lower than the front during acceleration).

When should my Shock Absorbers be replaced?

There are a number of common symptoms to look out for when your shock absorbers are past their best.

Bouncing: The most obvious symptom of a problem with your shock absorbers is if your ride is bumpier or bouncier than usual. This is a sign that they are no longer absorbing the energy they are designed to, and your tyres may be losing temporary contact with the road.

Knocking: If when you drive over bumps, potholes, or speed humps you hear a knocking sound, then your shock absorbers could be on the way out.

Body Roll: If you notice that your vehicle leans heavily into bends when cornering, you need to book your car in with us so that we can check your shock absorbers. This symptom is particularly dangerous, and an inspection should not be delayed.

Reduced Braking Performance: If your vehicle seems to be taking longer and further to slow down to a stop, this could mean an issue with your shock absorbers. If you notice even a slight reduction in braking performance, an inspection should not be delayed.

Diving Front End: If the rear of your vehicle rises while the front-end dives down low when you brake, your shock absorbers may need replacing. The reverse will also be true when youre accelerating – the front end goes up while the back-end squats down low.

Leaks: There are seals in place to prevent the leaking of the hydraulic fluid that fills the shock absorber. If the seals begin to fail, fluid will be seen running down the sides of the shock absorber and as it gets worse will pool on the ground underneath your car. Without sufficient fluid, the shock absorbers are useless.

Worn Tyres: Shock Absorbers in good condition will help your tyres stay in even contact with the road. The bouncing created by worn shock absorbers means that areas of the tyre’s tread are in contact with the road more frequently than others. Over time, this can result in uneven tyre wear, and mean replacement shock absorbers are required – especially if this is noticed at the same time as any of the other symptoms mentioned above.

What is the Cost of Replacement Shock Absorbers?

Here at John Dale Motors, we only fit the highest quality parts from the most reputable brands, especially when it comes to such a critical safety item as shock absorbers.

It’s always recommended to replace them in pairs. This is true even if the shock absorber on the right is in a better condition than the one on the left. They should be balanced exactly to ensure the safest possible performance from your shock absorbers.

The cost of replacement shock absorbers will vary a great deal, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of use your vehicle gets. High performance or off-road vehicles will have different requirements to small hatchbacks that are used mainly for school runs.

It’s best to contact our team of experts for professional advice on the best solution for your needs. We can then advise you of your most appropriate options and costs.