What is a shock absorber on a car?
The shock absorber, also called vibration damper, absorbs shocks and vibrations transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle. The structure of a shock absorber is quickly explained. It consists of a cylinder and a piston. Inside the cylinder is gas or oil. By moving up and down, the gas or oil is forced through fine openings or sucked back again. This causes the vibrations to lose intensity.
When does the vibration damper need to be replaced?
The durability of a shock absorber depends on several factors. Bad roads with many potholes, frequent driving on dirt or forest roads or driving too fast in curves will cause a shock absorber to become defective more quickly than would be the case under normal conditions.
The shock absorber is a wearing part and should be checked approximately every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers.
Shock absorber wear is gradual and one quickly becomes accustomed to a shock absorber that no longer functions properly. However, there are simple ways to determine if a shock absorber is defective. Unevenly worn tires, high tire wear, a vibrating steering wheel or even rumbling noises can be signs. An unmistakable sign of a defective shock absorber is leaking oil.
Shock absorber replacement is often difficult. Usually the tire and the brake caliper have to be removed; sometimes also the tie rod, which is part of the steering system. Work on brakes or steering should only be carried out by specialist workshops.
At least the front shock absorbers are usually assembled with the spring to form a single unit: The spring strut. To separate the shock absorber from the spring, the complete strut must be removed and the spring tensioned with a special tool so that the shock absorber can be removed. Tensioning the spring releases enormous forces, which many a mechanic has paid for with broken bones. It is therefore essential to consult a specialist workshop. If a shock absorber is not connected to a spring, it can easily be removed by anyone with technical experience.
What does a shock absorber replacement cost?
The cost of a shock absorber replacement varies, of course, and depends on the type of vehicle. Shock absorbers for an SUV or a sports car are significantly more expensive than shock absorbers for a mid-size car and can sometimes reach a 4-digit amount. A normal shock absorber costs between 50 and 150 euros. However, you should bear in mind that it makes sense to change the shock absorbers in pairs. That means on one axle right and left.
Of course, one must not forget the workshop costs. Here, too, there are big differences and a price comparison is always worthwhile. Some workshops offer all-inclusive prices and thus make the costs for a shock absorber change clear.
On average, the work per axle will cost around 150 to 200 euros. If we calculate the maximum in each case, you will have to pay about 500 euros per axle for a shock absorber replacement. The minimum is only about 250 euros.
However, your safety and that of others should be worth it.
