Can worn shocks cause bump-steer?

[civic-dream]

Hi guys,

Just a question about worn shocks...

My suspension setup is completely stock with stock ride height, but my car feels very stiff over bumps and occasionally my steering wheel jerks to the left or right when i go over a bump...

to describe it it feels as if my shocks aren't even compressing...

but from what i read whilst searching the forums is that worn shocks compress too easily...

then why do my shocks feel like they're not even compressing?

[bevis90]

have u had wheel alignemnt corrected

doesnt seem like anything wrong with the shocks or maybe

[iced]

when setting alignment for perofrmance a car can tend to follow the road more.

bump steer can be apparent if your car is lowered too much and is out of geometry.

if you have worn shocks the car will not absorb bumps.
the springs end up taking the load and springs cause it to bounce.
and can be bouncy when going over bumps.


good damper means the bump is absorb quicker pref. in one stroke.

[aaronng]

Worn shocks compress all the way when you go over a bump. It sounds like a "BANG!"

[civic-dream]

when setting alignment for perofrmance a car can tend to follow the road more.

bump steer can be apparent if your car is lowered too much and is out of geometry.

if you have worn shocks the car will not absorb bumps.
the springs end up taking the load and springs cause it to bounce.
and can be bouncy when going over bumps.


good damper means the bump is absorb quicker pref. in one stroke.


hmmm... my car doesn't seem to bounce over bumps...
its doesn't even feel like the shocks are taking any load...

in short.. my car feels like a lowered car with no suspension travel when going over bumps hence the bump steer...

but everythings stock... from my knowledge since i bought it 2nd hand...

could the harsh ride and bump-steer be from something else??

possibly my springs aren't stock but very stiff replacements?

[iced]

stiffer springs need higher damper.
lowered springs are typically stiffer

thats why its best to get uprated shocks with them.

shock absorbers are meant to absorb shock. if they are blown that means they dont work. any reasonable bump will just go ka boom.

if you are asking for a patch up for the problem, there is none.

if you drive around with unsafe suspension setup due to mismatched damper or worn dampers that is just asking to cause an accident.
take it into pedders for a suspension check. cost ya 14$ and they will tell you if your suspension is working.