What should I do if the struts are leaking?

Shock absorbers are elements of the suspension structure. They are designed to dampen the vibrations of the suspension springs. If they are out of order, the body of the car, after eating on bumps, will bounce and make oscillating movements for a long time. With such a movement, it is possible to break the bottom and suspension of the car. The shock absorber – is a protective «barrier» which removes such oscillations. Even in deep potholes, the car will not sway, allowing you to move on with confidence.

There are three types of shock absorbers:

• Oil-filled;
• Gas-oil;
• Gas ones.

Mechanism of work at all types of shock absorbers differs a little – it is cylinders filled with oil, gas or simultaneously gas and oil (separately on compartments). The main difference is in material, coating, technological processes of production. Through the cylinder there is a piston with a rod, which moves in the liquid. Due to this design, vibrations are dampened.

There are seals and special gaskets to prevent oil from escaping from the cylinder and to prevent the rod from leaking oil or gas.

But if the rod and gaskets are badly worn, oil or gas will leak out. If it is gas – the shock absorber will stay dry, if the filler is oil – it will drain and the shock absorber will get wet.Oil and gas leaking out is an indication that the shock absorber needs to be replaced. Shock absorbers leak because they have reached the end of their life or are broken after driving on bad tracks.

Shock absorbers leak because they are worn out or broken after driving on bad tracks.

Can I keep driving?

When only one strut is leaking, you may not even see it, but when two struts are leaking at once, the car will rock hard even when driving over small bumps. You need to change the struts, and the sooner you do, the better.

• When one strut is leaking, it should be replaced promptly.
• If two or three struts are leaking, it is not advisable to drive the car at all.
• When it is necessary to drive, it is better to do it carefully and at low speed.

What happens if you don't replace the shock absorbers?

If you don't replace one leaking strut, you'll have to replace the rest later. Why? The car is designed to be supported on four sides, so all the shock absorbers have to work. When one shock absorber breaks, the load is transferred to the other three sides. The struts can't take the strain and break.

It's clear that if you don't replace one strut in time, you'll have to replace the second strut a few weeks later, and so on. If you spot the problem in time, you can only replace the rear or front shock absorbers.

What are the consequences of not replacing the shock absorbers and driving a rocking car?

• The suspension and all its parts will start to break down, because the vibrations will be absorbed by the suspension. Springs, bushings, ball joints will fail.
• Because of reduced ground clearance, you can damage the underbody, muffler of the car.
• It will be difficult to control the car, it will become uncontrollable at high speed.

Shock absorbers should be diagnosed at the first signs of malfunction. When the strut is just starting to leak, it can still function normally until the oil comes out of the housing. Once the cylinder becomes empty, the strut stops performing its duties.

After the cylinder becomes empty, the strut stops performing its duties.

Professional auto repair shops use MSG Equipment's equipment and tools to diagnose and repair shock absorbers. The company's website offers a wide range of products to equip workshops whose core business is shock absorber diagnostics and repair. Service stations, which use MSG Equipment equipment for diagnostics and repair of shock absorbers, give a guarantee for all performed works.

Service stations, which useequipment for diagnostics and repair of shock absorbers MSG Equipment, give a guarantee for all performed works.

Taking timely action on shock absorber repair will help drivers to protect themselves and avoid possible accidents on the road.