Is your vehicle’s shock absorber leaking? Is there a slight misting of oil?

Does your car’s suspension appear to have poor damping effect? Is there a knocking noise? It could be a worn top mount bearing on your car’s McPherson strut? Autoexperts Medway Gillingham can replace or renew all types of suspension components.

Shock Absorber explained:

A shock absorber is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and dampen shock impulses.
Pneumatic and hydraulic shock absorbers are used in conjunction with cushions and springs. A vehicles shock absorber contains a spring-loaded valve to control the flow of oil through an internal piston.
In general terms, a shock absorber helps cushion vehicles on uneven roads. Consequently leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling.
Spring-based shock absorbers commonly use coil springs or leaf springs. The manufacturer will choose the correct rate of spring based on the weight of the vehicle.

The Macpherson strut is typical to many types of cars suspension systems today, is the correct name for a coil over spring. Coil over shock absorbers are usually a kind of twin-tube gas or oil charged shock absorber around which has been mounted a large metal coil.

Common faults:

The most common fault of a shock absorber is leaking oil. A slight misting of oil is acceptable when your vehicle has its mot. The old fashioned bounce test has now been removed from the mot testing procedure; therefore poor damping effect no longer constitutes a mot failure. This particular fault although is not dangerous is likely to give you a poor uncomfortable ride.

The top mount bearing is another common part that becomes worn within the Macpherson strut. Read more about Macpherson struts and top mount bearings in our coil spring section.

Why Choose Autoexperts Medway?

We at Autoexperts Medway have established a superb reputation for high quality replacement and repair services. Refer to our testimonials from our customers from Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester on our testimonial page.
On many occasions when carrying out a diagnosis a partial strip down is necessary. Should you agree to have any necessary work completed at this time, this initial diagnosis becomes free due to the fact that your vehicle has been partially stripped down already.
So take our advice a slight misting of oil does not mean that your shock absorber needs to be replaced but a poor damping effect or excessive oil leak does mean repair or replacement. Come to Autoexperts Medway in Gillingham. We are close to both Chatham and Rochester in Medway making us the idea garage to use.