Can a shock absorber leak oil?
A shock absorber or strut consists of one or more pistons that flow through a thick oil as the wheel to which it’s attached moves up and down. The seals can become brittle or torn, allowing fluid to leak out; after some fluid (about ten percent of the total) is lost the shock loses its ability to absorb energy.
What causes a car shock to leak oil?
Every strut and shock contains oil. Over time the shock’s piston seal can wear slightly, allowing some oil to “weep” past the piston seal. This leaking strut or shock will have a small moist area on the exterior of the unit down from the piston seal area. Many unscrupulous shops will see this and tell you your struts or shocks must be replaced.
How are air shocks similar to oil filled shocks?
They are similar in function to conventional oil-filled suspension shocks, however, instead of using hydraulic fluid and pressure to absorb the road shocks, they use air and air pressure to suspend the vehicle and absorb road impacts. Because they are subject to the harsh impacts of the road and weight of the vehicle,…
Why is my shock absorber leaking hydraulic fluid?
If your shock absorber is leaking, it is probably leaking hydraulic fluid. Your shock absorber is probably made of a fluid-filled cylinder with a sliding piston inside of it. The piston absorbs energy through viscous friction, which occurs when the hydraulic fluid presses against it and slows down its motion.
How does oil get out of a shock absorber?
The oil and the piston are sealed within a closed container and under normal conditions oil doesn’t get out and none ever needs to be added. Note that a shock absorber doesn’t actually absorb the shock of a bump; that’s the job of the springs and certain other components of the suspension.
Every strut and shock contains oil. Over time the shock’s piston seal can wear slightly, allowing some oil to “weep” past the piston seal. This leaking strut or shock will have a small moist area on the exterior of the unit down from the piston seal area. Many unscrupulous shops will see this and tell you your struts or shocks must be replaced.
When do shocks and shock absorbers need to be replaced?
The most common problem with shocks and struts is when they start leaking. See these photos: leaking front strut and leaking rear shock absorber. Struts and shock absorbers are filled with oil.
If your shock absorber is leaking, it is probably leaking hydraulic fluid. Your shock absorber is probably made of a fluid-filled cylinder with a sliding piston inside of it. The piston absorbs energy through viscous friction, which occurs when the hydraulic fluid presses against it and slows down its motion.
The oil and the piston are sealed within a closed container and under normal conditions oil doesn’t get out and none ever needs to be added. Note that a shock absorber doesn’t actually absorb the shock of a bump; that’s the job of the springs and certain other components of the suspension.