How It Works: Shock Absorbers

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Shock absorbers are an essential part of your vehicle’s suspension for controlling movement, but they also allow engineers to tune the ride for comfort and handling. In the case of an active or adjustable suspension, that level can change even as you’re driving.

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The springs bear the vehicle’s weight, and they bounce to absorb energy when you hit a bump. But if they keep bouncing, the car will be difficult to control. That’s where the shock absorbers come in; they dissipate the spring’s energy, making for a smooth ride. They also ensure that the tires stay on the road, instead of bouncing along as well.

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Shocks are basically tubes filled with oil. When the car bounces over a bump, an internal piston travels inside the cylinder. It squeezes the oil into a secondary chamber through ports that restrict its flow, which slows the piston’s movement. The kinetic energy from the spring is dissipated through the oil as heat, keeping the car level by reducing the spring’s tendency to bounce up and down. It’s a process called dampening, and so shocks are also called dampers.

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The size of the ports helps determine the ride. Smaller ports create more resistance and a firmer ride, while larger ports provide a softer ride.

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Gas shocks contain pressurized nitrogen as well as hydraulic oil. The gas reduces the possibility of the oil foaming under hard use, which can reduce the shock’s effectiveness.

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