Manuals and tips on repair and maintenance for Damping

The damping system includes springs, shock strut mounts, bushes, shock absorbers. The latter can be monotube or twin-tube, hydraulic (oil shock absorbers) or gas-charged, with or without adjustable damping. Shock absorber rods are protected by dust covers. Adjustable components are equipped with a wheel alignment bolt. The air suspension includes a mode switch, a compressor, and air bellows. In the spring suspension, shock absorption is provided by leaf springs.

The shock absorption system reduces the amplitude of car body oscillations and absorbs impacts. When driving over road irregularities, the springs are compressed and released, ensuring continuous contact of the wheels with the road. A piston moves inside the shock absorber, building up hydraulic pressure and creating the resistance necessary for damping. Elastic air bellows absorb shocks by changing their shape in accordance with the ground clearance. Leaf springs are compressed or released depending on the car load, providing slight cushioning.

You can replace most parts of the damping system by yourself. They should be installed in pairs on an axle, even if only one is out of order. First, you need to jack up the car and remove the wheels. All mounting seats and guides should be cleaned, and the mount, dust cover, and bump stop replaced if necessary. To dismantle the spring, a special strut compressor is required. Before installing a new shock absorber, compress it manually 3–5 times.