Shock absorber leaking or worn
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Shock absorber has a light misting of oil”
- “Shock absorber leaking”
- “Shock absorber damaged”
What it is
Shock absorbers (dampers) control how the springs move, stopping the car bouncing after a bump. They contain oil, so a leak means the seal has started to fail.
Why it matters
Worn dampers make the car less stable over bumps and in corners, and can increase stopping distances. A light misting of oil is often advised; a clear leak is a fail.
What to check when viewing a car
Look for oily residue on the damper body behind the wheel. On a test drive, notice whether the car keeps bouncing after bumps or wallows in corners.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: suspension and steering
- Coil spring fractured or broken
- Suspension arm ball joint worn
- Suspension arm pin or bush worn
- Anti-roll bar linkage (drop link) worn
- Anti-roll bar bush or mounting worn
- Steering rack gaiter split or damaged
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.