Top Picks For Shocks Related Parts

Shock absorbers or shocks are hydraulic devices that are a part of the suspension system of the vehicle and absorb the shock generated when the vehicle moves over a rough surface. It offers a smooth ride and protects the components of the vehicle from damage caused due to sudden shocks and vibrations. Shock absorbers also control the impact and rebound movement of the springs to ensure the tires remain in contact with the road at all times, which plays an important role in the handling, braking, and overall safety of your vehicle. Shock absorbers consist of a piston that works against the fluid inside a tube. As the suspension travels up and down, the suspension fluid gets forced through a tiny orifice inside the piston. As the fluid gradually passes through this tiny hole, the movement of the piston is slowed down, which results in slowing down the movement of the spring and the suspension. This process reduces the tendency of the springs to bounce up and down, also known as dampening. Therefore, shock absorbers are also known as dampers.

Without a properly functioning shock absorber, your tire will lose contact with the road and the handling of your vehicle will worsen. Bad shock absorbers are certainly a cause for concern and they will show some symptoms when they start to fail. Some of these include steering wheel vibrations, uneven tire wear, longer stopping distances, excessive bouncing, and diving. You can also test the shocks of your vehicle when it's parked by pushing on the front of your car and see if it bounces excessively or abnormally than it usually does. A bad front shock can also be spotted if you see any fluid leaks. If you notice these symptoms on your vehicle, you should get your shock absorber checked and replaced to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

Modern vehicles are equipped with two front and two rear shock absorbers which perform the same task but differ slightly in their performance. Since the engine is located in the front of most of the vehicles and due to the extra load and vibration, the service life of front shock absorbers is less compared to the rear ones. Therefore, in most cars today, MacPherson strut suspensions are used in the front, which is a combination of a spring and shock absorber in a single unit. Whereas in rear independent suspension systems, the rear shocks are not assembled with the springs. These are generally smaller than front shocks in compact vehicles, due to the reduced load and forces in the rear. 

Control arms serve as the direct connection point between the wheel and the frame of the vehicle. The control arms are attached to the frame via bushings that allow them to move up and down with the suspension. The control arm also features a ball joint at the end where it connects to the steering knuckle, which gives the wheels the ability to turn while the vehicle is in motion. Some vehicles are provided with two (lower and upper) control arms on each side. A vehicle that uses MacPherson strut suspension features only a lower control arm, whereas vehicles with double-wishbone suspensions systems feature a lower and an upper control arm. The latter type is mostly used on pickup trucks, SUVs, luxury vehicles, and race cars.

Although the control arm is a sturdy component that can withstand stress and rough use, over time, it can undergo wear and tear, causing it to fail. The ball joints on the control arms wear out with time due to exposure to harsh driving conditions, road salt, and dirt. If your control arm and ball joint assembly start to fail, it will show some symptoms like sloppy steering, steering wheel vibrations, clunking noise from the wheels and uneven tire wear. A worn-out ball joint can also cause the vehicle to make noises as the vehicle goes over bumps or around a corner. The control arms can also get damaged because of a forceful impact from the road while driving, causing them to bend or flex. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is necessary that you get your control arm assembly checked and replaced if damaged. 

Shock absorber bushings are made from hardened steel or aluminum layer and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or nitrile rubber on the lining, which helps in cushioning the movement and vibrations in the suspension system. Shock bushings are attached to the bottom part of the shock absorber where it attaches to the control arm of the vehicle. The bushings are designed with precision to ensure they are not too stiff or too soft because a stiff bushing maximizes the tire adhesion but increases vibrations and noise, whereas a soft one produces less noise but can compromise handling. Therefore, the right balance is critical when it comes to bushing design and selection.

Although there is no service schedule for the replacement of the bushings, they can wear out and fail over time. Shock bushings are vulnerable to friction, heat and are exposed to dust, dirt, and road salts which cause them to wear out. The excessive heat and stress cause the rubber to harden and crack. A simple inspection allows you to know if you have a worn-out or damaged shock bush and you can notice that by looking for breaks in the rubber or rubber-to-metal bonding. A failing bush will also lead to abnormal creaking noises while accelerating or braking, clunking noise on rough roads, and metal-to-metal rubbing noises. If you notice these signs, then you should get your shock bushings replaced or it can put more stress on the joints and other components.

Shock mounts are attachment points for shock absorbers that insulate the vehicle from the noise and vibrations generated while driving on the road. A rubber bonded to metal is used for the construction of a shock mount, as it provides the necessary cushioning. The rubber-like material helps to mitigate the noise and is sandwiched between the shock absorber and the vehicle's body. As the wheels move up and down with the suspensions, the shock mounts cushion the impact and reduce the jarring effect and noise generated from entering the vehicle's cabin. This helps in reducing the overall NVH levels and offers a comfortable ride.

Shock mounts can wear out with time due to corrosion, driving styles, and age. Shock mounts & hardware includes several parts like insulators, spacers, and other suspension-related hardware required for the repair. Bad or worn-out shock mounts can crack, split, or deteriorate, causing noise and steering, and handling problems. Worn-out shock mounts can also create excessive clearance and metal-to-metal contact, which creates noises when the vehicle goes over bumps or rough roads. If you notice these symptoms, you should get your suspensions and mounts checked for any damage and get them replaced to avoid any further issues.