Some Facts About Shocks

by S PER

Pioneering vehicle manufacturers were faced early on with the challenges of enhancing driver control and passenger comfort. Early suspension designs were designed in the way that front wheels were attached to the axle using steering spindles and kingpins. This allowed the wheels to pivot while the axle remained stationary leaving passengers worry free of rolling cars because of rocks and other hindrances that can cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle. Additionally, the up and down oscillation of the leaf spring was damped by device called a shock absorber .

Also known as damper, a shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out a sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy. The basic purpose of shock absorbers is to manage the movement of the spring and suspension done by converting the kinetic energy produced by the suspension to thermal or heat energy degenerated by means of hydraulic fluid.

Shock absorbers are basically oil pumps. A piston is attached to the end of the piston rod and works against hydraulic fluid in the pressure tube. The up and down movement of the suspension forces the hydraulic fluid to the tiny holes called orifices, inside the piston. However, these orifices let only a small amount of fluid through the piston. This slows down the piston, which in turn slows down spring and suspension movement. Technologically advanced shock absorbers are equipped with velocity hydraulic damping devices which provide increased speed in the movement of the suspension to attain greater resistance. The outcome is a versatile shock absorber that can match various types of roads. Acceleration squat are then reduced even when you bounce, sway or brake dive.

In a vehicle, it reduces the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality. Without shocks , the vehicle would have a bouncing ride, as energy is stored in the spring and then released to the vehicle, possibly exceeding the allowed range of suspension movement. Shock absorbers allow the use of soft (lower rate) springs while controlling the rate of suspension movement in response to bumps.