Shock absorbers are mechanical devices designed to absorb and reduce the shock whims. This is done by controlling the movement of the wheels. The springs absorb bumps and changes in the road surfaces. Thereafter, that the dampers limit the wheels movements. Most current cars use telescopic shock absorbers that characterized by a piston and a valve arrangement inside an oil-filled tube. In this case, oil is forced inside the shocks through small holes in the piston which controls the movements of the wheel as the spring rotates.
How they work exactly
Generally, there are two things that shock absorbers do. Firstly, they keep the wheel in contact with the ground surface throughout. Secondly, they regulate motion in springs and suspensions. Let us dig deep into this part. The absorbers first convert the kinetic energy in the springs into thermal energy which is then radiated to the atmosphere. Well, it is not as complicated as it may appear. Remember the absorbers are simply oil pumps. A piston is fitted at the back side of the piston road operates in contrast with hydraulic fluid within the pressure tubes. The fluid is pushed through the orifices contained in the piston due to the up and downward movement of the suspension. Since the tiny holes let in the only small quantity of the fluid into the piston, the piston is thus slackened, which in turn slows down the movement of the spring and suspension. For this reason, the absorbers automatically adjust to the surface conditions. This is because the resistance produced by the suspension depends on the speed with which it moves.
Types of Shock Absorbers
It is indisputable that shock absorbers play the same roles. Nevertheless, different types of cars and suspension designs bring the need for different structures and types of absorbers. The following are the common examples.
The Conventional Telescopic Shock Absorbers
It is the simplest variety of shock wave absorber. Instead of repairing, it can only be replaced. It is relatively inexpensive though and can be found on both front and rear suspension structures.
Strut type Shock Absorbers
The struts here substitute the component of the suspension system and needs to be sturdily structured to withstand greater loads along with forces. Even though it has often been found at the anterior and rearmost of small to medium automobiles, large vehicles have currently started to embrace this absorber. The product is further subdivided into sealed and repairable units. The former means components of the product can be replaced with strut cartridges while the latter implies that the product can only be replaced fully.
Spring Seat Shocks
This product utilizes the features of both telescopic and struts shock absorbers. They are, however, not to withstand heavy side loads. They are relatively expensive than the other two. The structures used in the manufacturing of spring seat shocks are similar to the ones used in the construction of the conventional shock absorber. They are therefore sealed and require complete replacement.
In a nutshell, shock absorbers control the bounce movement of the car’s springs and suspensions. They ensure that the tires of the car maintain contact with the ground surface throughout and thus appropriate braking reaction.
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