Worn dampers speed up tyre wear and lengthen braking distances. The limits of DIY checks and professional bench testing.
Shock absorbers damp body movements by turning mechanical energy into heat. MSG Equipment warns that if a faulty damper is not replaced in time, other suspension parts suffer, tyres wear faster and braking is affected.
The classic check of rocking the car often fails to reveal weakened dampers. Knocking noises from the suspension and uneven tyre wear are more reliable warning signs. Consequences include loss of control, longer braking distances and reduced stability.
For a definitive result, dampers should be tested on a bench after checking alignment and tyre pressure. The MS1000+ bench can test all types of shock absorbers before and after repair.