Spring and shock absorber: two tasks in suspension

Useful to know

The spring and shock absorber work together, but have different roles. ZF describes the spring as an element that takes the movement from the bumps, and the shock absorber - as a means of damping the fluctuations. In a hydraulic shock absorber, a piston moves fluid through limited openings and creates resistance. [1]

Imagine a spring that, after contracting, continues to swing. The task of attenuation is that the movement should not be repeated freely for too long. This is a simplified model of explanation, not a test of a specific suspension.

A change in the behavior of the car should not be judged only by the comfort of the seat. The components are also involved in the contact of the wheels with the road. In the event of an unusual swing or visible leak, a check is required according to the vehicle, without concluding on the exact cause only by a short description.