Unobtrusive conspicuous, the shock absorber - Bilstein and the technique

A shock absorber. Here before the assembly, caught in production. Yes, I have looked closely at how such a shock absorber arises. "The show with the shock absorber," Bilstein had invited. Directly in the "manufactory" in Ennepetal, where the special orders and small series are made by hand.

The experience since 1873 and the high German engineering skill bring high quality products to the fore. For many automakers Bilstein belongs to the original equipment manufacturer. I have already driven some cars. But I know that for most vehicles in hindsight. Who cares about the shock absorbers? The car itself is important (ie brand, shape), then comes the engine, the circuit, the tires. In the case of the suspension, you usually only notice in extreme situations or when there is a bad distance that works very well or - in the case of a possible defect - just does not like it any more.

What you do not see is not repaired either? If the tire is flat, it will be replaced. But a suspension? How do I maintain the feeling that my vehicle is running taut but is also comfortable? A TÜV/Dekra investigation is not planned. What does a shock absorber really do for me?

Springs and shock absorbers provide the best possible contact with the road surface as a link between the wheel suspension and the body.

Shock absorbers/shock absorbers, what does it actually do?
If we only had one spring between the suspension and the bodywork, that would be a mighty jiggle. A shock absorber reduces and slows down vibrations of the spring. Therefore one says also "vibration damper". The kinetic energy when driving, which results from uneven roads, is thus converted by means of liquid friction into heat energy. Therefore, when driving on the race track not only the tires are hot, but the shock absorbers "work" and add plenty of heat.

Suspension for traction, traction and comfort
The chassis closes the circle between the roadway and the bodywork. There are a lot of things about the suspension:

• Spring
• Shock absorbers
• Connecting rod (tie rod)
• Axle carrier/wheel carrier
• Handlebar (transverse and trailing arm)
• Rim
• Tires
• Final drive
• Steering

Vibrations occur due to uneven road surfaces or direction changes. These must be controlled. The transmission of these vibrations to the body must be avoided as far as possible in order to reduce an unpleasant driving feeling (shaking, yawing and nodding). This prevents rocking and ensures optimum traction and traction. So little "slip", as you often hear.

I'm not a friend of theory, I'm looking forward to testing it all in practice. So promised Bilstein, ... and you know who still tests for Bilstein? World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl!

Well, if he's there, I do not think so.

A dear motorsport friend of mine, who also stands behind Bilstein. I have already experienced a lot with her. We were together on the track, drifting and already moving through the VIP lounges in a 24-hour race.

Lina van de Mars.Just click on it or load it onto your hard drive.

• Jumping wheels
• Fluttering steering
• Body swinging
• Suspension beats
• Braking pitch
• Poor cornering stability
• Strong cross-wind sensitivity
• Oil on shock absorber
• Uneven tire wear
• Breaking Ball Joints
• Breaking Rubber-to-Metal Links

Sooo, the last one is sweeping away, everything has to be in order!

Thanks to Bilstein for inviting and for a part of the photo material (yellow-car visual inspection, Walter Röhrl, Lina van de Mars and the poster "Detecting defective shock absorbers").