How Shocks & Springs Work (Shock Absorbers & Coil Springs)

Ever wonder why cars need both springs and shock absorbers? What does a car spring look like? Can a car work with just springs? Would a vehicle work with just shock absorbers? This video on these two basic suspension parts will explain these two parts, how they work together, what happens when they fail, and what happens when you have one without the other.
This video took a more simple approach to shock absorber engineering, explained it in a way that can be built upon further later, and hopefully got you more interested in learning more about automotive suspension!
• How do Car Springs Work?
Coil springs take the shape of a coil and have a certain height when not under stress/weight. The vehicle pushes down on the spring and deforms its shape. When the force is increased, it the spring compresses. When the force is reduced, the spring returns as close to its original shape as it can. Leaf springs are a different shape, but still resist being compressed, and return to their normal shape when they can.
• How do Shock Absorbers Work?
A basic shock absorber is filled with a hydraulic fluid. The chamber containing that fluid is attached on one side, while the other side is attached to a rod with a restriction on the end, inside the tube, that fluid can flow through with difficulty. This makes it hard for the suspension to travel up OR down, so it dampens the bouncy effect of the spring.
• What's The Difference Between a Strut and a Shock Absorber?
A strut is a shock absorber that also functions as an integral part of the steering and suspension. In other words, you can remove a shock absorber and the vehicle could still drive around (although in a bouncy and unsafe manner) while removing a strut would mean the suspension is incomplete and the suspension will collapse immediately when weight is put on the wheel.
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[@ExtraSimplified]

Do you prefer coil springs or leaf springs?

[@gx455]

Coils are usually better but leaf is tougher and tends to resist better big weights

[@davemcguigan218]

Shocks and springs compliment each other. It is amazing how new shocks improve the ride on an older car where the original shocks are worn out. Makes the vehicle safer when replacing worn out suspension components.

[@kennyhughes3880]

Amazing video. Subscribed, and gave me the answer I was looking for for quite some time.

[@soldiersvejk2053]

Great video. Thanks!

[@xxxxblowmexxxx]

Great description thanks

[@dirtyminerapparel]

FYI new shocks can mean the difference between being able to stop or hitting something in a panic brake situation. A tire that bounces doesn’t grip there for can skid

[@mickeybinas]

Thank you I never understood that they worked together with each other

[@daviderhahon]

Tried compressing the spring at the end. I expected to see some 'Incredible Hulk' moves. 😂😂

[@MrSupernova111]

This makes sense. I think at least one of the springs in my car is shot. The car feels like it rides low and it feels like it bottoms out on just about any road imperfection. Thanks!

[@Jonny-xj7hj]

Wouldnt that be shocks?

[@MrSupernova111]

@@Jonny-xj7hj . I replaced the shocks (springs included) shortly after my original comment. I replaced the old ones with KYB struts. They've been good so far.

[@MrWontstopthefunk]

So when I go over speed bumps, it seems like my car bottoms out and I can feel it hit the rubber stopper. Particularly on the left side. Not sure if this means I have worn spring or worn shock? There is a decent amount of stuff in the trunk, but I’ve never had this issue with other similar cars

[@josephrobi6806]

Great thanks o

[@somboonvorapanyasakul417]

I am using a 11 seat Volkswagen Van converted for 7 seaters and usually only 2-3 passengers riding it. The van keeps swaying from left to right (vertically) whenever going over uneven paved road. So is my shock or spring too stiff? What should I replace?

[@S0MBRX]

so the spring takes in the bumps and the shock absorber regulates the speed of the springs absorbtion and dispertion

[@dirtyminerapparel]

Almost forgot lots of smaller trucks also use torsion on the front like Toyota.

[@ahmedatia727]

I stayed for the end of the video 😂

[@frankmontez6853]

How can you tell if strut is bad ? I took severe hit on drivers side wheel and CV axle , lower control arm and the inner tie rod was damaged need replacing . The strut looks fine but some say the strut is likely shot and needs replacing . Took it to this shop yesterday and hopefully start working on it Monday . Some shops sell you on things you don't need . How can I tell ?

[@CarsSimplified]

If the inner tie rod was damaged, I wouldn't be surprised if the strut didn't at the very least have some lifespan taken away. It could be good, but it's difficult to tell for sure even with something like a bounce test (pushing down on a corner and comparing it to the same push on the other side) since it's often a judgment call. If you do the test and one side is way different than the other, that's a clear yes on the changing. Sometimes a worn out shock/strut actually takes the hit with more ease than a new one, so it could be time for new struts anyway, yet the one that took the hit still bounces the same as the other side.

[@kalani1987]

My car is 12 years old with the original shocks and struts. Have 118k miles. It doesn't leak or feel worn. Should I replace them anyway?

[@MrSupernova111]

If you plan on keep the car indefinitely it doesn't hurt. However, I recommend OEM shocks and springs due to tolerances that affect the ride. I recently replaced some suspension components in my 14 year old Honda and I wish I would have replaced everything at once. Its a hassle having to replace suspension components over time that inevitably go bad. That said, I recommend you do this work yourself to save money and follow every precaution. Get the car's service manual if you can to get detailed diagrams with instructions.

[@dirtyminerapparel]

You did forget about torsion like VW and other cars like Mini