What causes shock absorber knocking, how oil leaks and a bounce test reveal it, and how a faulty damper affects braking distance.
A shock absorber damps vibrations from rough roads and protects the car from impacts. A faulty one hurts passenger comfort, lengthens braking distance and reduces tyre grip in corners, raising accident risk.
According to MSG Equipment, knocking is usually the result of a fault that has gone unnoticed for a long time. Possible causes include:
- Oil leakage — the main failure that calls for replacement
- Advanced wear or mechanical deformation
- Loss of hydraulic fluid in the outer cylinder letting air in
A simple bounce test on the wing gives a first indication; for an accurate diagnosis and repair, a workshop visit is recommended.