A Close Look at Bilstein Shocks
The vehicle’s suspension system gives a comfortable ride in the vehicle, helping to keep the wheels in contact with the road. Many people put less consideration to shock absorbers because they are seldom seen. However, vehicle’s shock absorbers have a significant role in maintaining car control. Bilstein shocks ensure a comfortable ride and prolong the life of other components.
There are two usual types of automotive shock absorbers. It can be a gas-charged or conventional absorber. The movement of a piston within a cylinder is damped by the passing of oil through one or more orifices. In gas-charged shocks, pressurized nitrogen inside the shock helps prevent the formation of tiny air bubbles that reduce the effectiveness of the damping oil. This formation is called cavitation. The purpose of the shock absorber is to manage the movement of the suspension, while the action of the spring in particular, is to maintain stability of the chassis and body even while road irregularities have the wheels pumping up and down madly. As with the serious function of the shock absorber, it is one car component that really helps much in the car’s performance.
Bilstein shocks are intended to provide a specific amount of resistance whenever the wheels on the vehicle bounce up and down, or when the vehicle’s chassis leans while turning. Shocks can wear out in as little as 25,000 to 30,000 miles due to the constant motion of the car, truck or SUV. It is a very good idea to have shocks checked about once a year or so for the owner’s safety and ease.
If the ride is not so comfortable anymore, it is time to personally check the suspension system out or by some expert technicians. When checking the system alone, get on by using the hands and knees then look at the shocks. If there is any oil seeping, either on the outer tube or on the piston rod, then there is a need to replace the shocks. If the outer tube was dented, that shock is toast. One approach to investigate the effectiveness of the shock absorbers is to drive to a safe area like an empty parking lot, get up to about 10 mph, and then hit the brakes hard. When the vehicle comes to a stop and the front end keep bobbing like one of those sipping birds on the side of a glass, fresh shocks must be at hand. Stand at one corner of the vehicle and rapidly push down on it and let it go to compress and release the spring.
Other signs of bad shocks or struts or worn springs include a bouncy or uncomfortable ride, bottoming out and diving the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, there is a loss of control while making a sudden stop; the vehicle swerves more than normal while changing lanes, and vehicle sags in the front or in the rear.
It is better to use a high quality suspension system and avoid using cheap out old shocks because it will just literally increase the risk of driving the wheels off. Worn shocks increase braking distances, build up prematurely wear tires, and can hasten aquaplaning in the rain. There are other good quality replacements parts like Mercury shocks and these are all available online. It will be better to keep every part of the vehicle functions as it should be.