Valves are located either in the piston or at the base of the shock. The rate of flow will control how much force it takes to move the piston. Valving works in both directions of compression and rebound, and, in most shocks, both are independent rates. Valving in most replacement shocks is vehicle specific. When a vehicle is designed, the shock or strut is designed to dampen certain spring rates, work with a specific tire package and is tuned to vehicle dynamics desired by the OEM.
This is important to remember when selecting a replacement shock and strut. A replacement that is too stiff could create a ride complaint from the customer. Conventional shocks and struts are sometimes limited by their valving. Their performance is generally a compromise between a comfortable ride and one that is more controlled.
Some shocks and struts have tapered grooves in the walls of the tube that allow the fluid to freely flow around and through the piston. The result is a smooth and comfortable ride. When the piston travels beyond the tapered grooves, fluid is directed totally through the valving in the piston. This results in a stiffer shock. Remember, this shock is height sensitive and installing this type of unit on a vehicle with an altered ride height can negate its benefits.
The newest type of shock introduced into the aftermarket can sense changes in road conditions. The ability to sense between changes in the road surface and vehicle pitch allows the shock to provide a comfortable ride, in addition, to control in panic situations. Struts are part of the suspension and they effectively replace the upper control arm and ball joint.
Struts perform two main jobs. First, struts perform a shock-damping function like shock absorbers. Internally, a strut is similar to a shock absorber. Internally, a strut is similar to a shock absorber. A piston is attached to the end of the piston rod and works against hydraulic fluid to control spring and suspension movement.
Just like shock absorbers, the valving generates resistance to pumping forces created by the up and down motions of the suspension. Also like shock absorbers, a strut is velocity sensitive, meaning that it is valved so that the amount of resistance can increase or decrease, depending on how fast the suspension moves. Struts also perform a second job.
Unlike shock absorbers, struts provide structural support for the vehicle's suspension. As a result, struts affect riding comfort and handling, as well as vehicle control, braking, steering, wheel alignment and wear on other suspension components, including the tyres.
When I am driving highway and go over any dips it sways in rear. I have put new tires, ball joints, steering rod ends, shocks and struts. I recently bought a travel trailer with sway bar. What should I try next? Great post and thanks for sharing this educative and informative article with us. Keep up the good job. I hope to set this leak sealed as I cannot afford a whole new strut. What do you think? I have a squeaky sound coming from drivers side when i go over bumps and turn the wheel..
My bmw f10 steering wheel is not going back to centre if I turn. This will compress the spring and give us the ability to handle it. If you have a question or comment, write to me. Sponsored By:. Watch Full Episodes. Shock absorbers A shock absorber on an automobile does one thing and one thing only, keeps the car from bouncing. Strut spring But if you want to replace them yourself, the shock is not much of a problem.
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