Smooth ride and stability
Shock absorbers (also known as vibration dampers) dampen vibrations caused by bumps or driving impulses and convert them into heat. This prevents the vehicle from “rocking” excessively or becoming unstable.
Precise tuning
For a reliable damping effect, the damping force, stroke behavior and installation position must be precisely matched to the suspension and vehicle weight. Only if the interplay is right can comfort, traction and safety be maintained without causing excessive stress on suspension components.
What should you look out for when buying:
Dimensioning for massive loads and continuous operation
Shock absorbers in trucks are designed for extreme loads and uninterrupted continuous operation that far exceed those of passenger cars. Their main task is to effectively absorb the massive kinetic energy and the constant vibrations of the heavy axles, the load and the body. Truck shock absorbers must therefore not only be larger, but also have a significantly higher damping force and maximum heat resistance, as the conversion of energy into heat is very intensive when driving heavy loads. An intact damper is crucial to prevent the dangerous “rocking” of the cab or body, which directly affects the control and safety of the vehicle at full weight.
Robustness and system integration in truck suspension
Regardless of whether the truck has leaf or air suspension, the dampers must be perfectly integrated into the system. In the area of air suspension (which dominates in modern trucks), the shock absorbers are responsible for controlling the spring movements of the air bellows quickly and precisely and preventing excessive deformation of the bellows. The robustness of the mounts is also important: The mounting eyes and bolts of the truck shock absorbers are exposed to extreme shear forces and vibrations and must therefore be designed to be solid and corrosion-resistant in order to withstand the long maintenance intervals without material fatigue.
Damper characteristic curve and driving stability
The damper characteristic curve (the specific adjustment of the rebound and compression damping) on trucks must be precisely matched to the axle load and vehicle geometry. As incorrect damping can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced braking performance (due to lack of ground contact) and an increased risk of rolling, it is essential to choose spare parts in OE or original equipment quality. These ensure that the manufacturer’s specific requirements for driving stability, comfort and safety are met under all operating conditions in commercial goods transport.
