Truck Shock Absorbers: Key to Performance and Maintenance, Do You Really Understand Them?

Update time : 2025-06-23 18:10:27

In the truck chassis system, shock absorbers are key components affecting driving comfort, handling stability, tire life, and chassis reliability. This article professionally analyzes their structure, principle, types, performance parameters, and maintenance key points.

I. Structure and Working Principle

(一) Core Structure

Cylinder Barrel: High-strength seamless steel tube filled with hydraulic oil

Piston and Piston Rod: Separate the cylinder chambers and transmit vibration energy

Valve System: Includes compression valves, extension valves, etc., controlling oil flow to generate damping

Sealing Device: Prevents hydraulic oil leakage

(二) Working Mechanism

Based on the liquid damping principle, wheel vibration drives the piston to reciprocate in the cylinder, and hydraulic oil generates damping force through valves to absorb vibration energy:

Compression Stroke: The piston presses down, and oil flows upward through the compression valve to suppress vehicle body lifting.

Extension Stroke: The piston moves upward, and oil flows downward through the extension valve to prevent excessive wheel rebound (extension damping force is greater than compression damping force).

II. Main Types

(一) Double-Acting Tubular Type

Generates damping in both compression and extension strokes, with simple structure, low cost, and convenient maintenance, suitable for various trucks.

(二) Gas-Charged Type

A floating piston in the cylinder separates hydraulic oil from high-pressure nitrogen to compensate for oil volume changes.

Excellent damping characteristics and anti-foaming performance, suitable for heavy-duty and off-road trucks.

(三) Adjustable Type

Manual Adjustment: Knob changes valve opening.

Electronic Adjustment: Sensors + electronic control unit automatically adjust damping to adapt to different working conditions.

III. Key Performance Parameters

Damping Coefficient: Damping force per unit velocity, requiring matching according to vehicle type and road conditions.

Operating Temperature Range: High-quality products can reach -40°C to +120°C, preventing oil viscosity reduction and cavitation.

Maximum Working Pressure: Avoids seal damage and cylinder deformation.

Durability: Verifies service life through fatigue, impact, and high-temperature aging tests.

IV. Maintenance Key Points

Regular Inspection: Check for oil leakage and loose connections, and replace damaged parts in a timely manner.

Gas-Charged Maintenance: Regularly inspect and replenish nitrogen pressure.

Load Control: Avoid overloading to reduce shock absorber load.

Road Condition Management: Reduce speed on harsh roads to minimize impacts.

Installation Specifications: Operated by professionals to ensure correct installation.

V. Development Trends

Intelligence: Electronic control automatically adjusts damping to adapt to different working conditions.

Lightweight: New materials reduce weight and improve fuel economy.

Long Life: Optimized design and manufacturing processes extend service life.

Low Noise: Reduces working noise and enhances driving comfort.

The performance of truck shock absorbers is directly related to the comprehensive performance of vehicles. Mastering professional knowledge and doing a good job in maintenance can effectively improve their service life and vehicle performance. Future technological innovations will continue to promote shock absorbers to develop in a more intelligent and durable direction.

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