As one of the main components of the vehicle suspension system, shock absorbers and struts absorb vibrations and impacts caused by road bumps and keep the car running smoothly.
Once the shock absorber is damaged, it will seriously affect your driving comfort and even threaten your safety. One of the most typical car shock absorber failures is leakage.
Many car owners often ask why their shock absorbers leak oil and what to do if their shock absorbers leak oil. In the rest of this article, we will discuss this issue and hope that the information provided will be helpful to you.
Why do shock absorbers leak oil?
1. The seal is damaged
If the vehicle is regularly driven over rough roads, potholes, and mud, external debris can cause premature seal wear. When the oil seal is damaged, the shock absorber begins to leak.
2. Shock absorber life
Typically, rear and front shocks can last over 50,000 miles, depending on road conditions. As your shock absorbers age, they will eventually wear out and cause fluid leaks.
3. Piston bends
Extremely strong impacts can bend the shock absorber pistons and cause leaks.
What to do if the shock absorber leaks oil?
Oil leaks are one of the warning signs to replace your shock absorbers. When you notice a leak in your shock absorbers, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. They will diagnose whether the shocks or struts need to be replaced.
Sometimes it's normal for the seals to leak slightly, but if it leaks too much, replacing the shock is the most common solution. If you just replace the damaged oil seal, but the shock absorber itself is old and weak, it won't last long.