Glossary “shock operational check” Definition:
Method used to check shock efficiency that includes bouncing the vehicle bumper vigorously and observing the shock dampening action, or pumping the brakes slowly at low speed to see if the vehicle “rocking” motion is set up.

Glossary “shock piston” Definition:
Component attached to the bottom of the piston rod containing the rebound valve that moves back and forth inside the inner cylinder.

Glossary “shock rebound” Definition:
The rebound travel when the shock absorber is in its lengthened position, which occurs when the suspension or spring moves downward.

Glossary “shock mounts” Definition:
Rubber isolating bushing or grommets attached to the upper shock-mounting piston rod and the lower mounting cylinder tube in which the piston operates.

Glossary “shock mounting position” Definition:
The direction and/or angle at which a shock absorber is mounted: vertical, horizontal, or slanted inward at the top.

Glossary “shock compression” Definition:
The shock absorber in its shortened position, which occurs when the wheel moves upward (jounce).

Glossary “shock fluid” Definition:
Specially formulated hydraulic fluid used inside of shock absorbers.

Glossary “shock foaming” Definition:
The mixing of air and shock fluid, due to rapid movement of fluid between the chambers, causing the shock absorber to develop a lag because the piston is moving through an air pocket that offers no resistance. A gas-filled shock absorber is designed to reduce oil foaming.

Glossary “shock hydraulic principles” Definition:
Fluid is forced through orifices and/or valves at a controlled rate to provide the desired dampening effect.

Glossary “shock absorber function” Definition:
Typical shock absorber has three functions: to dampen the effect of spring oscillation in order to control the ride stabilization of a vehicle, to control body sway, and to reduce the tendency of a tire tread to lift off the road surface (a problem often caused by static unbalance).

Glossary “shock absorber lag” Definition:
The incorrect operation of a shock absorber because of aeration due to the mixing of air with oils, causing the shock absorber to produce a poor ride.

Glossary “shock absorber ratio” Definition:
Rating of shock-absorber extension control compared to the amount of compression control, varying from 50/50 to 80/20.

Glossary “shock absorber strut assembly” Definition:
In a MacPherson strut, the independent rear-suspension system that includes a rubber isolated top mount, upper and lower spring seal, coil spring insulator, and coil spring.

Glossary “shock absorber” Definition:
A hydraulic device used at each wheel of the suspension system to help control the up and down, as well as the rolling motion of a car body by dampening the oscillations or jounce of the springs when the car goes over bumps, thereby contributing to vehicle safety and passenger comfort. Also referred to as shock.

Glossary “shock absorber control force” Definition:
Determines the softness or harshness of the ride.