Updated: 04/22/2021 15:09:39
Expert: Boris Evgenievich Kononov
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Shock absorbers are designed to combat road unevenness in a car. Shock absorber supports are used to connect these units to the car body and suspension. They differ in design and dimensions, durability and price. Today, the Russian market offers a full range of shock absorber supports from different manufacturers. To choose the most suitable unit in terms of price and quality, we invite you to get acquainted with the recommendations of experts.
Support bearing mechanism design
In fact, the weight of the front of the car (including the engine) rests on this unit. When the front wheels turn, the bearing experiences lateral loads, which accelerates its wear.
Important! Operation of faulty supports can lead to damage to shock absorber struts and steering.
A typical arrangement of support bearings can be seen in the diagram:
Diagram of support elements
Even a minor malfunction or critical wear of a bearing immediately affects the operation of the suspension and steering.
Subtleties of the process of replacing the shock absorber support
The shock absorber support does not require a tie when replacing. The tooling base and fixtures are the same (standard, according to the size of the nuts and bolts). The replacement shock absorber support involves the following manipulations:
- unscrewing the support fastening;
- raising the vehicle until the shock-absorbing rod comes out of the support;
- it is allowed to drown the rod by hand and squeeze out the old shock-absorbing support;
- cleaning the support seat from dirt;
- recessing the shock-absorbing rod and supplying a new support;
- fastening the support without inserting the rod into the support;
- placing the car in place implies parallel monitoring of the correct installation of the shock-absorbing rod to its place in the support;
- After successful installation of the rod, the nuts are screwed in and tightened, and the jack is lowered.
TYPES OF SUPPORT BEARINGS
There are several most popular types of bearings used in modern cars. These include:
- bearing with built-in ring. This arrangement of the front strut support bearing is considered the most convenient to install. The built-in ring can be external or internal. The main feature of this type of bearings is the presence of special holes for installation. Its installation does not require the use of clamping flanges. The bearing ensures the rotation of parts using both the inner and outer rings;
- with outer detachable ring. The inner ring provides connection to the vehicle body;
- with detachable inner ring;
- single divided. This type of bearing is practically no different from all others, but its peculiarity is that it is made of more durable materials.
Checking serviceability: do-it-yourself diagnostics
A more detailed check can be done using the assistant:
- Open the hood and have a helper turn the steering wheel (if you have power steering, start the engine). When you place your hand on the support, you will feel impacts and clicks. The fault can be more accurately determined using a car stethoscope.
If you don’t have a car stethoscope, a regular medical stethoscope will do.
- Rock the car from side to side with the help of a partner. A faulty support will make knocking noises.
