How They Work

Shock absorbers, also known as dampers, are an essential component of any vehicle's suspension system. They are designed to smooth out the bumps and vibrations that occur as a vehicle travels over rough terrain. One type of shock absorber commonly used in vehicles is the gas strut. In this article, we will discuss how gas struts work, the different types of gas struts available, and their key benefits.

A gas strut, also known as a gas spring, is a type of shock absorber that uses a compressed gas to provide resistance to the movement of the suspension. It consists of a cylinder and a piston, which are both sealed to contain the compressed gas. The cylinder is attached to the vehicle's frame, while the piston is connected to the suspension arm.

When a vehicle encounters a bump in the road, the wheel on that side of the vehicle rises upward, causing the suspension to compress. This movement compresses the gas inside the cylinder, which provides resistance to the movement of the suspension. As the suspension arm moves upward, the gas inside the cylinder is compressed, creating a force that opposes the motion of the suspension arm. This helps to reduce the amount of vibration and impact felt by the vehicle's passengers.

There are two types of gas struts: monotube and twin-tube. Monotube gas struts have a single cylinder, while twin-tube gas struts have two cylinders.

Gas struts are beneficial for a variety of reasons, including their durability and high-performance capabilities. They are also relatively easy to maintain and can be replaced if necessary. Additionally, gas struts are more resistant to leaks compared to traditional mechanical shock absorbers.

Why They Fail

Gas struts can fail for a variety of reasons. One common cause of failure is leaks in the cylinder or piston seal. This can be caused by age, wear and tear, or exposure to extreme temperatures. If a gas strut is leaking, the compressed gas inside will gradually escape, reducing the strut's effectiveness and causing the suspension to sag.

Another common cause of failure is worn or damaged internal components. Over time, the moving parts inside the gas strut can become worn or damaged, which can affect its ability to absorb vibrations and impacts.

Other factors that can contribute to gas strut failure include excessive rust and corrosion, exposure to road salt, and damage caused by impact or collision.

Signs That Your Struts Need Replacing

There are several signs that a gas strut may need replacing. Some common signs include:

• Handling problems such as excessive vibrations, and cornering problems such noticeable body roll.
• A noticeable drop in the vehicle's ride height, indicating that the suspension has sagged
• A "bouncy" or "floaty" feeling when driving on rough terrain.
• A knocking or rattling noise coming from the suspension
• Uneven tyre wear, which can be caused by a malfunctioning suspension
• A visibly leaking gas strut

It's important to note that even if a gas strut is not visibly leaking, it may still need replacing if it is not functioning properly. It is always advisable to consult with a mechanic or vehicle specialist to determine the condition of your gas struts, and if necessary, replace them.

Tips To Prevent Premature Strut Failure

There are several steps you can take to help ensure that your gas struts last as long as possible:

• Regularly inspect your gas struts for signs of wear or damage, such as leaks, rust, or dents. If you notice any issues, have them addressed by a mechanic or vehicle specialist as soon as possible.

• Keep your vehicle's suspension properly aligned. Misaligned suspension can put extra stress on your gas struts and cause them to wear out faster.

• Avoid exposing your gas struts to extreme temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the internal components of the gas strut to expand and wear out faster, while exposure to cold temperatures can cause the gas inside the strut to contract and lose pressure.

• Avoid driving over rough terrain or through potholes whenever possible. While gas struts are designed to absorb impacts and vibrations, they can become worn or damaged if they are constantly exposed to rough terrain.

• Regularly check and maintain the correct tyre pressure, over-inflation or under-inflation can also cause extra stress on the suspension system.

• Avoid overloading the vehicle. Overloading the vehicle can put extra stress on the suspension and cause the gas struts to wear out faster.

How We Can Help 

KYB is a well-known O.E. manufacturer of high-quality shock absorbers and struts for vehicles of all makes and models. The company has been in business for over 80 years, and is known for producing some of the most advanced and reliable suspension components on the market.

KYB struts are designed to provide superior handling, stability and ride comfort, while also increasing the longevity of the vehicle's suspension. The company offers a wide range of struts, including gas-a-just and excel-g. Gas-a-just struts are designed to provide the perfect balance of handling and ride comfort, while excel-g struts are designed for a smooth and comfortable ride.

Start My Car is proud to offers the full range of KYB struts at competitive prices.  Visit our easy to navigate website and reach out to our dedicated customer service team for any questions you may have.