Oil leakage from shock absorbers does not mean that they must be replaced immediately, but it requires immediate attention and professional inspection. The final replacement decision should be based on the severity of the oil leakage and the actual performance degradation, rather than simply imposing a "death sentence" upon seeing oil stains.

Do not replace it as soon as oil leakage is detected

The difference between normal oil leakage and faulty oil leakage

01 Normal oil seepage (oil stains)

When the shock absorber is in operation, it generates heat, causing the internal oil to slightly vaporize. After long-term use, an extremely small amount of oil vapor may seep out through the oil seal, forming a thin, uniform, non-diffusive oil film or dry oil mark on the shock absorber rod. This situation usually does not affect performance.

Faulty oil leakage (leakage)

If the oil seal is severely worn or damaged, the liquid hydraulic oil will continuously flow out in streams, forming obvious, moist and accumulated oil stains on the lower part of the shock absorber cylinder, the spring and even the inner side of the wheel, and may even be accompanied by oil sludge formed by dust adhesion.

02 Misjudgment of External pollution

Other oils on the chassis (such as transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and grease) splashing out may be mistaken for shock absorber leakage. The key to distinction lies in thorough cleaning and re-observation.

The four-step diagnostic method makes a correct judgment

01 Cleaning and Observation (The most crucial step

Operation method: After oil stains are found, thoroughly clean the shock absorber cylinder and piston rod with carburetor cleaner or diesel first.

Judgment criterion: After cleaning, drive for tens to hundreds of kilometers and then check again.

No obvious new oil stains: This indicates that there was oil seepage or contamination before. There is no need to replace it. Just continue to observe.

The appearance of obvious fresh and moist oil stains indicates that there is indeed an oil leak, and the next step of assessment is required.

02 Assess the severity of the oil spill

Mild oil leakage: Only a slight oil film appears on the piston rod, with no oil droplets formed. It can be temporarily not replaced, but it needs to be included in the regular inspection scope.

Moderate oil leakage: There are obvious oil stains on the piston rod, with oil droplets already adhering, but no continuous dripping trend has yet formed. It is recommended to plan for replacement. The vehicle can still be used for short distances with caution.

Severe oil leakage: The oil has flowed down in streams, and the lower part of the shock absorber is covered with oil sludge. It must be replaced immediately. At this point, the vibration damping function has been basically lost.

03 Experience the dynamic performance of the Vehicle (subjective but important)

The following tests were conducted under safe road conditions (such as a flat parking lot) and compared with the normal state.

Press test: After parking, press the four corners of the vehicle body forcefully and then release. A normal shock absorber will cause the vehicle body to rebound 1-2 times and then stabilize quickly. If the shock absorber is broken, the car body will shake up and down like a spring many times before stopping.

Driving experience

When driving on bumpy roads: Do you feel looser, more bumpy, and even have a "clank" sound of metal colliding? (The shock absorber is unable to absorb shock.

When cornering or changing lanes: Does the body roll increase significantly and feel unstable?

Braking: Is the "nodding" phenomenon more severe?

If the performance experience drops significantly, even if the oil leakage is not severe, replacement should be considered.

04 Professional Inspection

Lift the vehicle and check if the shock absorbers have any physical damage (such as collision deformation).

Check if the tires have uneven wear (" wavy "wear), which is a typical by-product of shock absorber failure.

A leaking shock absorber does not necessarily have to be replaced, but it is an important warning signal. The correct approach is to reject the crude diagnosis of "replacing at the first sign of oil leakage", and instead make a comprehensive judgment through the method of "cleaning - observing - experiencing". When in doubt, seeking a reliable repair shop for a professional inspection is the most responsible approach for your own safety and your wallet.

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