A shock absorber, commonly known as a shock damper, is a hydraulic device placed in vehicles. The
application of this device is to absorb shock impulses suffered throughout the motion of the
automobile.
The operation of a shock absorber is executed by the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal
energy or heat. The heat is then dissipated into the surroundings leaving behind the smooth
movement of the vehicle.
Shock absorbers lower the negative impact upon a car travelling over a rough terrain. This ultimately
leads to improved driveability and handling of the vehicle. The sole purpose of the absorbers is not
only to limit the movement of suspension but to dampen spring oscillations.
Bumper Absorbers:
Bumper to bumper collisions are very common in busy traffic. A bumper absorber in this case will
save the car from a total wrecking. High quality Styrofoam is used in the manufacture of these
absorbers. The material is soft but has a capability to absorb impact and reduce damage.
Material:
Bumper absorbers are manufactured from different types of materials. The application of the
bumper absorber however remains the same. All of the materials dampen impact but with different
affectivity and at a different cost.
Foam: foam is the most common material used in the manufacture of bumper absorbers. Foam is
the softest of the material a bumper absorber is made from. Although foam manufactured damper is
cheap, the softness result in less impact being absorbed upon impact.
Aluminium: Aluminium bumper absorbers come with an exclusive advantage of being ultra light.
They will not weigh down the car as it moves. The problem with aluminium manufactured bumper
absorbers is that they are expensive and hard to find in the market. This is the result of aluminium
being a material that is hard to weld and fabricate.
Plastic: Plastic is a popular material to manufacture bumper dampers out of. Plastic absorbers are
not the cheapest in the market. Plastic dampers come with the advantage that they are very good at
absorbing energy upon impact. Plastic absorbers have to be replaced from time to time. Impacts
create cracks in the plastic and leave the car vulnerable to future impacts.
Installation of a Bumper Absorber:
The installation of a bumper absorber is not a piece of cake for anyone. It is a difficult task often best
left to the professional mechanics.
To start with the operation, a few tools will be required. A screwdriver set, Wrench and socket set
and a floor jack will be needed.
The first step is to disconnect all connections from the headlights of the vehicle. After this
disconnection, the front bumper is to be removed including the lights, licence plate and the bumper
trim.
The floor jack will now be used to support the weight of the vehicle. Screws are to be removed
which hold the fender liners to gain access into the cover bolts of the bumper. Mounts and bolts are
now to be removed that hold the bumper cover.
The next step is to drill the rivets out to remove the absorber from the vehicle. Now the new bumper
absorber is aligned and placed to perfectly fit. The whole operation is now reversed and every
component unscrewed will be screwed back. Care is to be taken not to damage the absorber in the
process.
