How Dampers Work: We Slice Open Four Types of Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers (a.k.a. suspension dampers) are the unsung heroes of ride and handling. Lacking them, your car would porpoise over bumps and flounder on its springs through bends. As their name suggests, these tubular oil-filled devices damp (slow down) wheel and body motion, resulting in a comfortable ride, predictable steering response, and agile maneuverability. A piston fitted with tiny orifices is stroked through oil contained within a sealed tube, creating the resistance that restrains wheel and body motion. But why do some dampers work so well while others don't? Searching for answers, we ran a band saw through four examples to get a look inside. (more…) from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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