| Pioneering vehicle manufacturers were faced early on | | | | and down movement of the suspension forces the |
| with the challenges of enhancing driver control and | | | | hydraulic fluid to the tiny holes called orifices, inside |
| passenger comfort. Early suspension designs were | | | | the piston. However, these orifices let only a small |
| designed in the way that front wheels were | | | | amount of fluid through the piston. This slows down |
| attached to the axle using steering spindles and | | | | the piston, which in turn slows down spring and |
| kingpins. This allowed the wheels to pivot while the | | | | suspension movement. Technologically advanced |
| axle remained stationary leaving passengers worry | | | | shock absorbers are equipped with velocity hydraulic |
| free of rolling cars because of rocks and other | | | | damping devices which provide increased speed in |
| hindrances that can cause the driver to loose control | | | | the movement of the suspension to attain greater |
| of the vehicle. Additionally, the up and down oscillation | | | | resistance. The outcome is a versatile shock absorber |
| of the leaf spring was damped by device called a | | | | that can match various types of roads. Acceleration |
| shock absorber . | | | | squat are then reduced even when you bounce, |
| Also known as damper, a shock absorber is a | | | | sway or brake dive. |
| mechanical device designed to smooth out a sudden | | | | In a vehicle, it reduces the effect of traveling over |
| shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy. The basic | | | | rough ground, leading to improved ride quality. |
| purpose of shock absorbers is to manage the | | | | Without shocks , the vehicle would have a bouncing |
| movement of the spring and suspension done by | | | | ride, as energy is stored in the spring and then |
| converting the kinetic energy produced by the | | | | released to the vehicle, possibly exceeding the |
| suspension to thermal or heat energy degenerated | | | | allowed range of suspension movement. Shock |
| by means of hydraulic fluid. | | | | absorbers allow the use of soft (lower rate) springs |
| Shock absorbers are basically oil pumps. A piston is | | | | while controlling the rate of suspension movement in |
| attached to the end of the piston rod and works | | | | response to bumps. |
| against hydraulic fluid in the pressure tube. The up | | | | |