Shocks - What they are and why they are important.
A primer on suspension control
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A QUICK SHOCK HISTORY
In the early 1900's, cars still rode on carriage springs. After all, early drivers had greater things to worry about than the quality of their ride -- like keeping their cars rolling over the rocks and ruts that often passed for roads.
Pioneering vehicle manufacturers were faced early on with the challenges of enhancing driver control and passenger comfort. These early suspension designs found the front wheels attached to the axle using steering spindles and kingpins. This allowed the wheels to pivot while the axle remained stationary.
Additionally, the up and down oscillation of the leaf spring was damped by a device called a shock absorber.
Old shock absorber
These first shock absorbers were simply two arms connected by a bolt with a friction disk between them. Resistance was adjusted by tightening or loosening the bolt. As might be expected, the shocks were not very durable, and the performance left much to be desired. Over the years, shock absorbers have evolved into more sophisticated designs.
TODAY'S SHOCKS
Today, shocks are designed to control spring and suspension movement, reducing:
- Bounce
- Roll
- Pitch
In addition, they turn kinetic energy from the suspension into thermal energy and dissipate it through the shock oil.
It's not the shocks, but it's the springs that support your vehicle weight. It is important to understand this to make proper use of your shocks and springs.
SUSPENSION CONTROL
Road course
According to Newton's First Law, "a moving body will continue moving in a straight line until it is acted upon by another force."
Newton's Second Law states "for each action there is an equal and opposite reaction." In the case of a race car, whether the disturbing force is in the form of a wind-gust, an incline in the roadway, or the cornering forces produced by tires, the force causing the action and the force resisting the action will always be in balance.
Many things will affect your race car's motion. Weight distribution, speed, track conditions and wind are some factors that affect how your car moves down the track. Under all these variables however, your car's suspension system, including the shocks and springs must be in excellent condition. Worn suspension components and neglected shocks will reduce the stability of the vehicle and reduce driver control. They may also accelerate wear on other suspension components.
Servicing or replacing worn and inadequate shocks will give you an advantage over the competition because they:
- Control spring and suspension movement
- Provide consistent handling and braking
- Maximize tire wear
- Help keep the tires patch in contact with the track
- Maintain dynamic wheel alignment
- Control vehicle bounce, roll, sway, dive and acceleration squat
- Reduce wear on other components
- Promote even and balanced tire and brake wear
- Reduce driver fatigue
- Provide steering stability with good handling characteristics
THE BOTTOM LINE
Keep your shocks in shape!