What are the signs of a faulty car shock absorber?

1. Drive the car for 10 kilometers on a rough road and then stop. Touch the shock absorber housing with your hand; if it is not hot, it indicates there is no internal resistance and the shock absorber is not functioning. You can try adding an appropriate amount of lubricating oil and testing it again; if the housing heats up, the unit was simply low on oil and should be topped up. If it still does not heat up, the shock absorber has failed.

2. Press down firmly on the bumper and then release it. If the car bounces no more than once or twice, the shock absorber is working well. If the car continues to bob up and down excessively, it indicates a malfunction.

3. If the car vibrates violently when braking hard while driving slowly, it indicates a problem with the shock absorber.

4. Remove the shock absorber, hold it upright, and clamp the lower mounting eye in a bench vise. Pull and push the piston rod vigorously several times; there should be steady resistance. The resistance when pulling upward (extending) should be greater than when pushing downward (compressing). If the resistance is unstable or absent, the unit may lack oil or have damaged valve components, requiring repair or part replacement.