The information in this article will be as useful and informative as possible for car enthusiasts who are just beginning to study the design features of a car. The question of what front shock absorber struts are, what is the importance of these elements, and how to replace them when they wear out or break down will be covered in detail.
The device of the front shock absorber struts
Many drivers mistakenly draw a parallel between concepts such as a shock absorber strut and the shock absorber itself. Some of them believe that this is an ordinary spring, or call all the elements of this system assembled together a strut. To understand that this is an erroneous opinion, it is worth studying in more detail the question of what racks are and what features of their design are present.
A shock absorber strut is a component that is required to connect components such as the body and wheels of a vehicle. This support is connected to a spring and a damper, which, by the way, is the main component of the shock absorber.
This design contains the following elements:
- Cylinders containing a piston and special hydraulic fluid.
- Hydraulic fluid, which can be presented in the form of a mixture of liquid and gas, as well as a certain mixture of gases. The composition is necessary to transfer forces between two types of shock absorbers.
- Stock. Designed to hold the piston on itself and is required to transmit serious pushing forces.
- A piston with a special bypass valve. It moves in the inside of the cylinder. Used for smooth transmission of vibrations.
- Seals, seal and high-quality sealant.
- An enclosure designed to house the various components of a rack inside.
- Fasteners necessary to connect the main parts of the shock absorber to the car body.
If you study the design of the elements, you can understand that the front shock absorber struts (AS) may or may not be equipped with springs. The choice of one or another option must be made based on the design features of the suspension and an acceptable budget.
Like all car parts, front shock absorber struts wear out over time, break and become completely unusable. If this phenomenon is detected, the front strut shock absorber should be replaced as soon as possible.
Purpose
Telescopic shock-absorbing systems are designed to absorb shocks and shocks from the road. Previously, instead of shock-absorbing systems, the assembly had springs. When assembled, they consisted of several steel sheets connected by clamps (ladders). This fastening weakened over time, which contributed to the deterioration of controllability.
In general, the springs were not bad, it’s just that with progress, cars began to be equipped with more powerful engines, speed increased, and the spring system did not allow cars to be driven at high speed. Today, trucks and trailers are equipped with such suspension. The fact is that spring suspension practically does not sag due to high loads, unlike shock absorbers.
The principle of operation of the front struts
To understand how the front shock absorber struts of a vehicle function, the MX should be divided into two main structural elements - a spring and a shock absorber. They are the ones who put the whole mechanism into action.
Spring
The main element of this part is designed to level out a variety of defects in modern road surfaces. It is also necessary to reduce vibration activity, which is reflected on the body during movement. When moving along a heavily broken road, it is thanks to the spring that the driver only feels the smooth rocking of the car. the spring absorbs the most powerful shocks, that is, completely dampens them.
The metal from which the spring is made must have optimal elasticity. Typically, the steel used is one that is optimally suited for a specific vehicle brand, its weight and general specialization.
The spring is installed with one side in a special cup of the rack, and the other part passes through a rubber spacer, which, in turn, rests against the body.
Shock absorber
This is the stand itself, which, when compared with the same spring, is a more complex part in its design. Here are the most basic design features:
- A two-chamber cylinder along which a piston moves, pre-attached to a rod. It is this that is filled with gas or liquid.
- The working composition circulates in the inside of both chambers, on the basis of which all struts, like standard shock absorbers, are divided into several types.
The main task of a shock absorber is to dampen vibrations that come from the spring. The depreciation procedure implies a serious increase in the level of pressure generated by the internal part of the part. Its reduction is carried out due to special valves, which are located directly on the piston. Depending on the general position, the elements automatically close and open so as to effectively regulate the applied loads.
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Hydraulic shock absorber
Despite the simple design of the shock absorber, it can change its characteristics due to additional built-in components. Each brand of car has individual characteristics, therefore, the racks must take into account vibration amplitudes, driving modes, and driving style. With the valves closed and fluid moving through the bypass channel, an absolutely rigid system is obtained. The open valve of the compensation chamber adds “flexibility” to the system. Different sections of the intake and exhaust valves create an asymmetrical system. Center valves on the piston create a non-linear "soft" strut system.
Purpose of the front pillars
Any type of elastic metal from which the spring is made, when exposed to one or another mechanical factor, forms automatic residual vibrations, which cause serious discomfort to passengers and the driver. It is to dampen such shaking and vibrations that the shock absorber was developed and is widely used. It can completely transform sharp shocks into almost imperceptible soft vibrations.
Shock absorber struts play a major role in the structure of the entire vehicle suspension. Due to the relatively small size and ease of maintenance, the manufacturer produces structures at minimal cost.
Due to their small dimensions, the racks take up minimal free space. Due to this, you can easily place additional levers and other structural elements that can make the trip as comfortable as possible.
At the same time as increasing the level of comfort, the front shock absorber strut is designed to perform the following functions:
- maintaining vehicle weight;
- transfer of adhesion force with asphalt pavement to the body;
- maintaining the optimal position of the body in relation to the car wheels;
- eliminating excess roll;
- taking on serious lateral loads.
The price of the struts is an order of magnitude higher compared to the shock absorbers themselves. The reason is a more complex design, as well as the fact that high quality materials are used in production.
Types of parts
There are several varieties:
- Oily. They are great for smooth roads. However, they cope poorly with tasks in poor operating conditions. The reason for this is quite simple - with a long and frequent stroke of the piston, the oil gets very hot, and because of this, the efficiency of this type of strut greatly decreases. This type is great for city driving. The big advantage of oil racks is their resistance to aggressive external environmental factors.
- Gas struts are much tougher in everyday use. But the service life is much longer compared to conventional oil ones. This is because gas parts cool much faster. Therefore, this rack is considered more efficient and reliable. But the price of such a rack is much higher than that of an oil rack.
- Gas-oil. Manufacturers of automobile struts sought to combine the advantages of oil and gas parts. This is how gas-oil elements appeared. Their design is more reminiscent of an oil rack, but there is a serious difference. Instead of air, high pressure gas is used in the outer cylinder. The main advantages of this rack are high efficiency, reliability and reasonable cost. But such stands took on both the advantages and disadvantages of the previous types.
The best car racks are adjustable ones. At the end of the last century, the driver himself could choose the mode of operation of the rack. There were 3 modes in total. These were sport, comfort and optimal modes. Today, the car electronics themselves select the operating mode of the racks. The front cameras installed on a premium car read the condition of the road surface, and the computer evaluates the information. Thus, the operating mode of the racks is selected. The design of this type of element may be different. Only this scheme has become widespread. The characteristics of the racks are changed using a bypass valve, which has a certain operating mode. Thus, the supply of lubricant to the rack becomes easier or more difficult, which is defined as a change in operating mode. This type of rack is installed only on new premium cars. The service life of such elements is quite long. However, do not forget that these mechanisms require care. Then they will last a long time. The price of such racks is very high.
Types of front struts
All car struts operate using a special working fluid. Based on the substance used in the cylinder device, front shock absorber struts can be divided into three main types:
- Oil or hydraulic. They are effective when traveling within the city, as well as on country roads.
- Gas. They are distinguished by higher rigidity rates. This is the best option for modern sports cars. It is believed that gas structures belong to the category of more modern devices. But if the car often moves on dirt roads, this category of shock absorbers is not very suitable.
- Gas-oil. As numerous reviews say, this is the optimal solution for any vehicle. All the positive characteristics of the categories of shock absorbers listed above are present here.
The front and rear pillars are different from each other, so you need to be careful during the purchasing process.
The front ones are slightly higher in length and have a smaller diameter. There are no steering knuckles in the rear shock absorber designs. Additionally, rear struts are much more difficult to replace than front struts.
Life time
The total operating time of front shock absorbers, as well as the frequency of their replacement, directly depends on three main factors:
- part quality;
- level of compliance with vehicle weight;
- manner of traveling by car.
For this reason, on some machines parts have to be changed every 6 months, while on others the designs last for 7 years.
Such a difference in service life is based on improper operation of vehicles, as well as poorly selected main structures and springs. Neglect of these rules can lead to the fact that the load will not be distributed evenly, which will automatically negatively affect the service life of the entire shock-absorbing system of the car.
Bottom line
So, after reading this article, you can find out the structure of car racks and how they work. Every car enthusiast will draw the appropriate conclusions for himself. Before choosing a stand, you need to approach this matter with all seriousness. Because you will then drive this car for a long time. And the safety of other car owners and pedestrians also depends on your choice in favor of one stand or another. The average service life of a part on good roads is 100 thousand kilometers. On bad roads, the resource drops significantly. The stand may not last even 30 thousand kilometers. Also, the resource significantly depends on driving style.
Signs of problems
If the right or left rack fails, this can lead to an emergency situation. It is for this reason that it is so important to carefully monitor your vehicle. Timely repair work will avoid a large number of problems.
The following signs and characteristic symptoms indicate a breakdown of the front struts:
- during the movement there is a constant creaking, knocking and clicking sound;
- the car constantly rocks and oscillates from side to side;
- the car skids seriously when turning;
- To perform braking, a much longer braking distance is required than with working shock absorbers;
- the vehicle squats heavily as soon as the driver accelerates or brakes. Unpleasant sensations are present both behind and in front;
- the machine clings to the surface very poorly;
- rubber wears out very quickly and unevenly;
- Brake fluid leaks from the shock-absorbing system;
- the supports, spring and rod become covered with destructive corrosion;
- a significant increase in noise level during acceleration. This indicates that the fasteners of the built-in bushings have been damaged;
- the housing is deformed, which is why the piston cannot move normally in the inside of the cylinder;
- The springs are not positioned very correctly, as a result of which the car body begins to sway while driving.
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Such phenomena usually occur due to the poor quality of the main elements of the racks, due to improper installation, as well as due to the natural process of wear and aging of the built-in elements.
It is impossible to say which racks you need to buy. It all depends on material wealth and the vehicle itself. In any case, there is no need to save on these elements. It is worth buying designs that have a large number of positive reviews and are produced by trusted manufacturers.
The role of a shock absorber in a car suspension
The unit is designed to dampen vibrations of the car body (vertical). They occur when driving on uneven roads, dynamically accelerating, or sharp braking. Turning at speed reduces tire traction. The variety of designs and mixture compositions is due to different operating conditions of the vehicle. An increase in the viscosity of the liquid used leads to increased “hardness” and increased heat generation.
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Front strut replacement process
If the bearing, upper support and the entire strut as a complete assembly have already served their useful life, there is only one way out - replacing the front shock absorbers. This operation on the front of the car can be done with your own hands.
If the left or right strut is worn out, both will need to be replaced at the same time.
When making a replacement, you must rely on a special repair manual. Despite the fact that there are certain differences in the design of different car brands, the algorithm of action is similar in all cases. The sequence of manipulations here is as follows:
- Access to the upper support of the rack is freed. Here you will have to remove the engine compartment seal.
- The plug is removed and the fastening nut of the AC rod is unscrewed. You will need a head, as well as an extension with a knob. It is advisable to carry out this operation when the rack itself has not yet been dismantled.
- It is worth loosening the wheel fasteners, and then jacking up the car to such a position that the tires do not touch the ground. Here you definitely need to ensure that the jack does not fall off.
- The wheel is being removed. Using a metal brush, you need to clean all the structural elements located there. It is advisable to treat them with WD40 and wait for the composition to take effect.
- The fastening nut is unscrewed from the installed stabilizer joint. This must be done simultaneously with the brake hose screw. If the car has ABS, you will need to remove the tube with wiring from the sensor, which is located on the rack.
- After this, the fist fastener is unscrewed. Many experts knock out bolts with a simple hammer. It is worth knowing that some cars have separate bushings. After this manipulation, nothing holds the stand anymore.
- Now it's time to unscrew the nut holding the upper support to the body. The front shock absorber strut is removed simultaneously with the support and spring.
- You will need ties that are designed to remove the spring. Here you will need to get a gap between the cup and the outermost turn.
- Previously, the nut on the rod was already loosened, now it can be completely unscrewed. Only then will it be possible to remove the support and spring at the same time as the cup.
- If the bump stop along with the anthers are worn out, they must also be replaced.
- It is advisable to seriously pump new front struts beforehand. This process is carried out strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- It is necessary to replace the gaskets and seals, since the old seals will no longer fit.
- Reassembly is in progress.
If you follow these instructions, you can quickly replace the front struts with new ones, ensuring comfortable movement of the car and ensuring a high level of safety. The support will become strong, the suspension will stop swaying and negatively affect the overall operation of the vehicle.
