What is the secret to the longevity of shock absorbers

The harsh Russian reality is such that the roads of our vast country have long become a favorite topic for jokes, heated debates and complaints. Let's be honest, the quality of Russian roads leaves much to be desired. Not only people suffer from this, but also cars. And their most vulnerable part is the shock absorbers.


If the average shock absorbers need to be changed every 40-50 thousand kilometers, then in relation to our cars this indicator changes significantly. Russian motorists are forced to change spare parts much more often. However, there are effective ways to help extend the life of shock absorbers.

Competent installation

We do not advertise service stations. Moreover, we are sure that you will be able to replace the shock absorbers yourself if you have successfully coped with this task more than a dozen times. But if you only know in theory how to replace a key suspension element, don't bother. Otherwise, in a week or two you will still come to the service station for the services of intelligent craftsmen.

Worst of all, the installation defect does not immediately make itself felt. Therefore, it is better to entrust the work to the guys who have been doing this business for more than a year. Before installation, the shock absorber should be "pumped". To do this, the rod is pushed until it drops to its lowest position. After that, you should wait for the element to return to its original position. The procedure is repeated 1-2 times.

Why is this important?

The need for this procedure is due to the rules for storage and transportation of shock absorbers. At the top of each of them there is a small amount of oil. It lubricates the mechanism during operation. Accordingly, the gland does not dry out and works properly. During storage and transportation, the stem does not move. Accordingly, the seal is not lubricated. To prevent this, the shock absorber is stored in a horizontal position. As a result, the lubricating fluid envelops the oil seal, preventing it from drying out.

Accordingly, in this position, the correct distribution in both chambers is violated. Therefore, pumping the shock absorber allows you to return the lubricating component to its place, ensuring the correct operation of the mechanism.



Why is it important to trust the installation of shock absorbers to specialists? The fact is that the final tightening of the fasteners must be carried out with a certain moment recommended by the manufacturer. The use of pneumatic tools for these purposes is strictly prohibited. Moreover, if you fix the stem with improvised means, you can damage the chrome coating of the stem, which inevitably leads to damage to the upper gland.

And one more thing regarding the installation of shock absorbers. Any non-compliance with the rules of installation and operation is an unconditional reason for the manufacturer to void the warranty. In other words:

• ✦ if you install it yourself - 2 weeks warranty for the part;
  
• ✦ if the installation takes place at the service station - 6 months warranty.
  

Therefore, the duration of operation of shock absorbers largely depends on who, where and what installed on the car.

The quieter you go, the further you'll get

A well-known saying is often used in everyday life. It can also be applied to the running elements of the car. The shock absorber takes on the lion's share of shock loads. It is in the interests and powers of the driver to minimize them. The driving style directly affects the performance of running elements and their life expectancy.



This means that driving tactics directly affect the condition of the running gears and components of the car.

Attention to anthers

It is necessary to change the stuffing box and anther in a timely manner. Consumables protect shock absorbers from dust, moisture, chemicals and dirt. If the boot fails, the stem seals are damaged. This means that the appearance of rust on work surfaces is just a matter of time. Moreover, the upper coils of the springs can easily break off due to excessive load.

Regular diagnostics

Any problem is easier to prevent than to get rid of its consequences later. The entire suspension should be inspected regularly for damage and potential vulnerabilities. A car suspension is a complex mechanism, each element of which performs a specific function. If at least one fails, the breakdown of the entire system itself will not take long.

Broken bearings, just like worn bushings, will inevitably lead to problems with a key suspension element. As a result, the shock absorber begins to absorb not only the vertical load. As a result, seals fly first, and then, like a snowball, other breakdowns accumulate.

Avoid overload

The carrying capacity of an ordinary passenger car is 400–500 kg. This is along with all the people sitting inside. The greater the load that the car pulls, and the speed - the more load falls on the chassis of the car. Is it worth saying that this is not the way to do it?



This is of course an exaggerated version. But a double-loaded car is not a rare phenomenon among our motorists. If you practice this on a regular basis, then the sealing part of the piston wears out right before your eyes .. However, this also applies to the inner walls of the working cylinder. The valve plates are also deformed.

Operation under recommended conditions

Do not operate the machine in extreme temperatures. This applies to both severe frost and scorching heat. At low temperatures, the oil in the shock absorbers freezes. Therefore, if you move too quickly, without allowing the suspension elements to warm up, the struts can be deformed.

Experts advise to drive the first few kilometers at a low speed to allow the mechanisms to warm up and enter the operating mode. This is reasonable in relation to shock absorbers. The oil gradually heats up and lubricates all elements. Do not overuse the machine and hot weather. At high temperatures, the oil liquefies, which is not good for mechanisms.

For extreme racing only special shock absorbers

In conventional machines, designed for the same normal operating conditions, there are more "delicate" components. Therefore, they easily fail when the recommended loads are exceeded.

If the car is used in extreme conditions (rally, off-road racing, etc.), it is necessary to install shock absorbers designed for intense loads. As a rule, in them the elements of the valve-piston group are able to withstand powerful blows.

Defective shock absorbers significantly affect the handling of the car. The braking distance of the car is growing, the electronics responsible for safety begin to fail, and constant pitching noticeably affects the well-being of the driver and passengers. In addition, broken shock absorbers significantly increase tire wear. Therefore, their condition should be regularly monitored, and replacement and installation should be entrusted exclusively to competent specialists.