ATV shocks work by using a spring paired with an oil-filled damper (also called a shock absorber) to provide a comfortable and controlled ride. Here's a more detailed explanation:
The Two Main Components
ATV shocks are essentially a combination of two main parts:
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Spring: The spring's primary job is to absorb impacts from bumps and uneven terrain. It compresses when the ATV encounters a bump, storing energy. When the spring extends, it releases that energy, pushing the wheel back towards the ground. Different spring rates cater to different rider weights and riding styles.
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Damper (Shock Absorber): The damper controls the spring's motion. Without it, the spring would oscillate (bounce up and down) uncontrollably, making the ATV unstable and difficult to handle. The damper uses hydraulic fluid (oil) forced through small orifices (valves) to resist movement and dissipate energy as heat. This resistance prevents the spring from bouncing excessively.
The Damping Process
Here’s how the damping process works in more detail:
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Compression: When the ATV hits a bump, the shock compresses. As it compresses, a piston inside the damper pushes hydraulic fluid through small openings. The size of these openings determines the compression damping. Smaller openings create more resistance, resulting in stiffer compression damping, which is useful for absorbing large impacts.
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Rebound: After the shock compresses, the spring extends, pushing the wheel back down. The damper again controls this movement, this time providing rebound damping. Rebound damping prevents the spring from bouncing back too quickly, which could cause the ATV to become unstable or even launch the rider. Like compression damping, rebound damping is controlled by the size of the orifices through which the hydraulic fluid flows.
Adjustments
Many ATV shocks are adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension to their specific needs and preferences. Common adjustments include:
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Spring Preload: Adjusting the spring preload changes the ride height and how much force it takes to initially compress the spring. Increasing preload makes the suspension stiffer and raises the ride height, which can be useful for carrying heavy loads or riding aggressively.
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Compression Damping: Adjusting compression damping allows you to control how quickly the shock compresses. More compression damping is useful for absorbing large bumps at high speeds.
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Rebound Damping: Adjusting rebound damping controls how quickly the shock extends after being compressed. More rebound damping is useful for preventing the ATV from bouncing after hitting a bump.
Why is it important?
Properly functioning shocks are crucial for:
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Comfort: Shocks absorb bumps and vibrations, making for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
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Handling: By controlling the movement of the suspension, shocks improve handling and stability, especially on uneven terrain.
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Safety: Properly damped suspension keeps the tires in contact with the ground, providing better traction and control, which is essential for safe riding.
