Shock absorbers, also known as dampers, are a crucial truck part, especially for truck models like Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso. They play a key role in ensuring a smooth, stable, and safe ride on all roads. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình (My Dinh Trucks), a website specializing in trucks and parts, will provide you with an in-depth look at Hino truck shock absorbers, from their structure, function, operating principles to how to properly maintain and replace them. Whether you are looking for information on buying Hino truck shock absorbers or simply want to understand this component better, this article is for you.
1/ What are Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Truck Shock Absorbers?
Truck shock absorbers, as mentioned, are an indispensable component of the suspension system on trucks, including popular models such as the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter and Hino trucks. The main function of shock absorbers is to absorb and dampen vibrations and shocks arising from uneven road surfaces, potholes, or other impacts. For the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck, shock absorbers minimize vibrations transmitted to the chassis, thereby:
- Increasing road grip: Wheels maintain good contact with the road surface, which is especially important when cornering or braking suddenly.
- Reducing driver fatigue: The driving experience becomes smoother, reducing stress and fatigue for drivers on long journeys.
- Protecting other components: Reduced vibration helps extend the lifespan of other parts on the truck, minimizing wear and tear and damage.
The lifespan of Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck shock absorbers, similar to Hino truck shock absorbers, typically ranges from 50,000 to 80,000 km. However, this number can vary depending on road conditions and driving habits. Regular inspection and replacement of shock absorbers are crucial to ensure the truck always operates safely and efficiently.
KYB high-quality shock absorber, a reliable option for Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino trucks.
2/ Mitsubishi Canter Shock Absorber Structure: An Overview
The structure of Mitsubishi Canter truck shock absorbers, similar to the general structure of Hino truck shock absorbers and other truck models, includes the following main components:
- Shock absorber body: The outer cylinder, fixed to the truck frame and axle, providing a solid base for the entire shock absorber system.
- Shock absorber tube: Located inside the shock absorber body, containing shock absorber fluid and the piston rod. This is the central component performing the function of absorbing and dampening vibrations.
- Piston: Moves up and down inside the shock absorber tube when the truck is impacted by the road surface. The piston creates pressure, forcing the oil to move through small orifices, generating resistance that helps reduce vibrations.
- Shock absorber fluid: A special hydraulic oil with appropriate viscosity, plays a crucial role in creating resistance and absorbing vibration energy.
- Seals: Used to reduce friction between moving parts inside the shock absorber, ensuring smooth operation and extending lifespan.
- Spring: (In some types of shock absorbers, especially coil-over shock absorbers) Springs are combined with oil shock absorbers to enhance shock absorption and maintain vehicle balance.
When the truck moves, impacts from the road surface such as potholes, speed bumps, or uneven roads are transmitted to the wheels and suspension system. At this point, the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck shock absorbers, just like Hino truck shock absorbers, will operate to absorb and dampen these impacts, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.
3/ Functions of Fuso 3.5-Ton Truck Shock Absorbers (and Hino Trucks)
The main functions of Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 3.5-ton truck shock absorbers, as well as Hino truck shock absorbers and other trucks, are crucial for the stable and safe operation of the vehicle. Specifically, shock absorbers perform the following roles:
- Absorb and dampen vibrations: This is the core function. Shock absorbers help absorb vibrations and impacts from the road surface, preventing them from being transmitted directly to the chassis and cabin.
- Ensure road grip: Keep the wheels in maximum contact with the road surface, enhancing driving control, especially when braking or cornering.
- Enhance comfort: Minimize shaking, helping passengers and drivers feel more comfortable, especially on long journeys or rough roads.
- Protect cargo: For cargo trucks, shock absorbers help protect cargo from bouncing and damage during transportation.
- Extend the lifespan of components: Reduced vibration helps reduce stress on other vehicle components, thereby extending lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
When shock absorbers operate ineffectively, the truck will become bumpy, difficult to control, reduce road grip, and cause driver fatigue. In addition, it can also cause damage to other parts of the truck due to strong vibrations. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of shock absorbers are extremely necessary.
Rear shock absorber of a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck.
4/ Operating Principle of Truck Shock Absorbers
The operating principle of Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck shock absorbers, similar to Hino truck shock absorbers and other hydraulic shock absorbers, is based on the combination of the elastic force of the spring (if any) and the friction force of the shock absorber fluid.
When a wheel encounters an obstacle or uneven road, it will move up and down, creating vibrations. Shock absorbers are designed to absorb this vibration through the following process:
- Spring compression and expansion (if any): The spring in the shock absorber (in coil-over shock absorber types) will be compressed when the wheel moves up and expand when the wheel moves down, helping to absorb some of the initial vibration energy.
- Shock absorber fluid movement: When the piston moves up and down in the shock absorber tube, the shock absorber fluid is forced to flow through small orifices or restrictor valves inside the piston.
- Resistance generation: Forcing the oil to flow through small orifices creates hydraulic resistance, converting vibration energy into thermal energy, and dissipating heat into the environment. This resistance helps to slow down and dampen the vibrations of the suspension system and chassis.
Thanks to this operating principle, truck shock absorbers, including Hino truck shock absorbers and Mitsubishi Fuso, help the vehicle operate more smoothly, stably, and safely on all types of terrain. When shock absorbers work well, they not only provide comfort but also extend the lifespan of the vehicle and related components.
5/ Proper Maintenance of Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Truck Shock Absorbers (Common Practices for Hino Trucks)
To ensure truck shock absorbers in general and Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck shock absorbers in particular operate well and last long, regular maintenance is extremely important. Basic maintenance steps include:
- Regular inspection: Perform regular shock absorber checks (e.g., every time you service the truck) to detect early signs of damage such as:
- Oil leaks: Check for oil stains around the shock absorber. Oil leaks are a sign that the shock absorber is damaged and needs replacing.
- Cracked or broken springs: Check the springs (if any) for cracks, breaks, or deformation.
- Strange noises: Listen for strange noises coming from the suspension system when the truck moves over bumps or when braking or cornering.
- Poor elasticity: Press down firmly on the front or rear of the truck and observe the bounce. If the truck bounces up and down several times and slowly returns to a balanced state, the shock absorbers may be weak.
- Periodic shock absorber fluid replacement: For some types of shock absorbers that can have their fluid replaced, periodic fluid replacement (according to the manufacturer’s recommendations) will help maintain shock absorber performance.
- Shock absorber replacement when necessary: When signs of damage are detected or when the truck has traveled a long distance (approximately 50,000 – 80,000 km), new shock absorbers should be replaced to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
In addition, it is necessary to follow the maintenance instructions in the vehicle’s owner’s manual and bring the truck to reputable service centers for periodic inspection and maintenance of the suspension system, including shock absorbers.
Front shock absorber of a Mitsubishi Canter truck.
6/ Steps to Replace Mitsubishi Fuso Truck Shock Absorbers (Similar Process for Hino Truck Shock Absorbers)
The replacement process for Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck shock absorbers, similar to the process for replacing Hino truck shock absorbers, requires caution and specialized tools. Below are the basic steps:
- Lift the vehicle: Use a jack or lift to raise the vehicle, ensuring the wheel where the shock absorber needs to be replaced is no longer in contact with the ground.
- Remove the wheel: Remove the wheel at the position where the shock absorber needs to be replaced to have operating space.
- Remove related components: Depending on the vehicle’s structure, it may be necessary to remove other components such as the stabilizer bar, brake lines, ABS sensors (if any) to access the shock absorber more easily.
- Remove the old shock absorber: Identify the location of the bolts and nuts fixing the shock absorber to the chassis and suspension system. Use appropriate tools to remove these bolts and nuts and take out the old shock absorber.
- Install the new shock absorber: Place the new shock absorber in position, reinstall the bolts and nuts, and tighten them to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
- Reinstall removed components: Reinstall the components removed in step 3, ensuring they are installed correctly and securely.
- Reinstall the wheel: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Inspect and test drive: Re-inspect all joints, bolts, and nuts to ensure they are tightened. Then, test drive the vehicle on a short stretch of road to check the operation of the shock absorber system and ensure there are no strange noises or abnormal issues.
Important note: Replacing shock absorbers requires technical skills and experience. If you are not confident, take your vehicle to a professional garage or service center for assistance.
7/ How to Distinguish Between Regular and Genuine Truck Shock Absorbers (General Application)
When buying truck shock absorbers, especially Hino truck shock absorbers or Mitsubishi Fuso, distinguishing between genuine and poor-quality products is very important to ensure safety and longevity for the vehicle. Here are some ways to distinguish them:
- Origin: Genuine products usually have a clear origin from reputable manufacturers with established brands. Check labels, manufacturer information, and origin on the product and packaging.
- Price: Genuine products are usually more expensive than counterfeit or imitation products. If the price is too cheap, be cautious.
- Packaging: Genuine products are carefully packaged, with sturdy packaging, full product information, brand logos, and anti-counterfeiting stamps.
- Product quality:
- Materials: Genuine products use high-quality materials, meticulous workmanship, even electrostatic paint surfaces without scratches or rust.
- Finish: Sharp details, no burrs, solid welds.
- Technical specifications: Check technical specifications, dimensions, and product codes to see if they match the information from the manufacturer.
- Warranty policy: Genuine products usually come with a clear warranty policy from the manufacturer or distributor.
When selling Hino truck shock absorbers or other brands, reputable suppliers often provide full information about the product, origin, and warranty policy. Choose to buy from trusted addresses to ensure quality and your rights.
Shock absorber for Mitsubishi Canter 1T9 truck.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PURCHASING GENUINE TRUCK SHOCK ABSORBERS
PHUC DIEN MECHANICAL COMPANY LIMITED
Tax code: 3702656655
Address: No. 521/21/26 KP Binh Duong 4, An Binh Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province
Hotline: 0901 303 798 – 0961 718 818 – 0901 502 798
(Xe Tải Mỹ Đình – Trusted partner for genuine truck parts supply)
