Understanding how the front shock absorber of a car works is very useful because this component is one of the safety and comfort components of the car. This component can be said to be a shock absorber when the car passes over uneven or damaged road surfaces. Let's not waste time, let's directly observe how it works as follows.

How the Front Shock Absorber Works 

The front shock absorber of a car has a working mechanism that is divided into two steps, namely the compression step and the expansion step. To understand it more deeply, you need to pay attention to the following review.

1. Compression Step

The first working method of the front shock absorber is the compression working method. This working method occurs when the car's wheels press the front shock absorber due to shocks from the uneven road surface. This condition will cause the size of the front shock absorber to shorten, causing the piston to move upward. The movement of the piston makes the top part of the piston narrow, thus releasing fluid. Next, the fluid flows to the bottom part of the piston that widens, allowing the shocks in the car's suspension system to be dampened.

2. Expansion Step

The next working method is the expansion working method. When the compression process is complete, the front shock absorber will return to its original position before the compression step. This condition occurs due to the rebound force generated by the spring. As a result, the front shock absorber that shortened due to compression will extend back to its initial position. This condition causes the fluid that flows from the top of the piston to the piston part to rise back up. The return of this fluid will slow down the movement of the piston so that shocks from the road surface can be effectively dampened. 

Read Also: What is the Function of Shock Absorber Oil? This is the Type & Signs of Damage

Functions of the Front Shock Absorber 

After you understand how the front shock absorber works, next, you need to know what functions this component has.

1. Dampen Shocks

The first function of the front shock absorber is to dampen all shocks that occur when the car crosses uneven or damaged road surfaces. This front shock absorber will work together with other suspension system components to dampen the shocks that occur. 

2. Maintain Safety and Comfort While Driving

This compression and expansion working method will convert large shocks into very small shocks so that the driver and passengers do not feel uncomfortable when the car is moving. Thus, car passengers are spared from panic and prevent motion sickness. In fact, cars have now been created that can dampen shocks very well, such as the Daihatsu Terios and Daihatsu Rocky. These cars are claimed to be able to dampen large shocks as if there were no shocks at all, even when crossing quite steep roads. 

Signs of a Damaged Front Shock Absorber

Considering the many benefits provided by the front shock absorber, you must always regularly check the condition of this component. There are several signs you need to know when this component starts to get damaged. Here are the complete signs.

1. The Car Becomes Tilted

The first sign of a damaged front shock absorber is that the car's position, which was initially level, becomes tilted due to being unbalanced. 

2. Oil Leakage on the Shock Absorber Tube

The second sign is that there will usually be oil seepage on the shock absorber tube. If this happens, it indicates that the front shock absorber must be replaced immediately because the damage to this component causes the oil leakage.

3. Shocks Cannot Be Dampened Well and There is a Sound of Impact

The last sign is that the car will sound as if there is an impact between the piston and other suspension system components when passing over damaged roads. In addition, the shocks felt can be twice as large as the condition of the damaged road. 

If these signs occur in your beloved car, it is best to take your car to the nearest Daihatsu workshop for the best handling.