Are you confused between two major types of shocks in the market? The automotive industry has two main categories of shock monotube and twin shock. It’s difficult to choose one as both of them possess unique features. Let’s go dive deeper into monotube or Twin-Tube Shock absorbers and determine which one is good for your vehicle:
Monotube Vs Twin Tube Shock Absorbers
The number of tubes the shock carries helps us distinguish between Monotube or twin-tube shocks. Most shock absorbers offer a dampening effect and consist of a mixture of hydraulic fluid and pressurized gas. Monotube shocks come with a single tube and have a fluid inside it. It has a free-floating mixture that keeps gas and oil separately preventing the aeration of the latter by the former.
The twin-tube shock is way different from the Monotube shock absorbers. Twin-tube has two distinct chambers. The inner tube keeps the hydraulic fluid while the outer one has gas inside it. Multiple valves take care of the oil flow generated by the inner tube.
Foaming and Aeration
As the Hydraulic fluid moves through the absorber valve or valves it leads to a cavitation effect that creates air pockets in oil. The foam produced affects the shock performance as it can be compressed. The foam gives way more easily as the pressure when pressure is applied due to sudden jolts. This makes shock absorbers unreliable.
Foaming won’t be an issue in the case of Monotube shock absorbers. It comes with a free-floating piston that segregates the hydraulic oil and pressurized gas. As a result, foaming will lose its ability to dampen the jolts. To overcome this issue twin-tube designers use less nitrogen a gas that causes the least foaming.
Responsiveness
The condition of shock absorbers depends on the road conditions. The higher the shock response, the quicker and more responsive its dampening performance gets. In terms of responsiveness, the mono-tube shock absorbers are way better than the twin-tube absorbers. The mono-tube ones have a single valve that distributes pressure throughout the entire surface. Twin-Tube shock comprises several valves that work with each other and issues in one part will impact the working of others.
Damping Stability
Monotube offers several advantages compared to twin-tube designs. One of them is the damping effect as a single valve divides pressure evenly than the multiple valves. It comes with a widening piston that delivers excellent dampening performance all because of great surface area and durability. The higher amount of hydraulic fluid helps them dampen more pressure and apply better approaches to get rid of heat. It’s the piston design that keeps fluid and gas separate, increases the accuracy of damping performance, and prevents aeration.
Installation
Monotube shock absorbers can be handled by professionals and DIY Experts. The parts remain within a single shell and the simple design makes them the preferred choice of car enthusiasts.
The twin-tube absorbers must be installed accurately as one single error can impede the working of the shock.
Resistance to Fading
Fading has a detrimental impact on shock absorbers. As a shock fades it doesn’t dampen many jolts and the driver will notice lots of bumps on the road. Foaming and overheating are the prominent causes of shock absorber fading. On the Contrary, Monotube absorbers experience the least amount of fading. It’s because they’ve high hydraulic fluid capacity and the high-surface-area keeps them cool and also prevents fading. Since fluid and gas stay away from each other thereby preventing the foaming effect that causes fading.
When It’s Time for Shock Replacement?
If your ride becomes bumpy this means that shocks don’t work as expected them. This is the time when one must get the shocks inspected and get a shock replacement. If you possess sound technical knowledge you can do it by yourself otherwise seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
Where to Get Monotube and Twin-Tube Shocks From?
Shocks bought from a local store can burn a hole in your pocket. You need to pay separate labor charges to the mechanic. Compare the shock replacement cost levied by these stores with online car parts and accessories stores like ‘The Auto Parts Shop’ as they bring premium quality, authentic, and affordable and help you find the right shock for your car.
The Bottom Line
Both mono-tube and twin-tube play distinct roles after they’re installed inside the car. Understand the differences between each other before finalizing the buying decision.