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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