ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION - WHO CHECKS THE SHOCK ABSORBERS

Tests of shock absorber efficiency now form part of the mot test. Checks carried out by members of the European shock absorber manufacturers association (Eu SAMA) show that about one third of the cars of testable age have one or more faulty shock absorber in a dangerous condition. The biggest cause of deterioration is the breaking down of the oil seal through ingress of dirt or grit allowing the fluid to escape. It is estimated that shock absorber life can be 30000 miles on rough roads and about 50000 miles on normal roads. Quite often they form part of the vehicle steering. Illustrations are given of how to detect faulty units and their possible effects on vehicle handling and braking. Examples are also given of how worn shock absorbers can affect other components. It is claimed that an investigation of shock absorber condition after an accident could give a more definite indication of the cause, particularly where no other reasons are apparent. A suggested check list is given that could be used by police in roadside safety checks. /TRRL/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03091430
• Corporate Authors:

  Jour of the Inst of Automotive Eng Assessors, Inc

  1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster
  London SW1H 9JJ,   England 
• Authors:
  • Wardle, J
• Publication Date: 1977-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 4-7
• Serial:
  • Journal of Institute of Automotive Eng Assessors
  • Publisher: Jour of the Inst of Automotive Eng Assessors, Inc
  • ISSN: 0309-1430

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash investigation; Defects; Economic efficiency; Hazards; Inspection; Motor vehicles; Oil seals; Safety; Shock absorbers; Steering; Suspension systems; Testing; Tests
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• ITRD Terms: 5238: Defect (tech); 5911: Efficiency; 9150: Risk; 1329: Suspension (veh); 6255: Test; 1575: Vehicle inspection
• Subject Areas: Economics; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00177353
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 14 1978 12:00AM