A Look at the Differences Between Twin-Tube and Monotube Shocks for Students in Automotive School
When it comes to automotive shocks, two primary options are available: monotube and twin-tube. The two options represent different types of suspension systems that car owners can choose from, and both come with their own sets of pros and cons. With different clients having different needs for their car’s suspension, determining the differences between each shock type is important—even if both are designed to help car owners drive more smoothly and feel fewer vibrations on every ride.
Here’s a breakdown of how monotube and twin-tube shocks work, the biggest differences between them, and some of the pros and cons of each.
Twin-Tube Shocks: Why Doubling the Shock Value Can Be Both a Good and Bad Thing
Typically, twin-tube shock absorbers are made with two cylinders, one for each of the inner and outer parts. The inner cylinder is where the piston valve can be found. In fact, there are several valves found in twin-tube shocks, each working independently from one another.
The shaft and piston move in an up-down motion within the inner cylinder. Meanwhile, the outer cylinder is where hydraulic fluid, such as oil, is stored. The fluid is meant to travel from the inner cylinder to the outer one. The travel of the fluid between the two cylinders is controlled by a base valve toward the bottom. In twin-tube shocks, students enrolled in automotive school should also note that the gas and oil chamber does not have a piston separating them.
Twin-tube shocks are not of an inverted design like that found in monotube shocks. This means that with twin tubes, friction is allowed to be more easily suppressed. Twin tube shocks can also minimize gas pressure, limit the effort necessary for a sufficient stroke, and continue functioning in spite of any external damage to the inner cylinder. On the other hand, twin-tube shocks can also allow more heat to enter because of its relatively small pistons, and does not contain as much room for oil as monotube shocks would. The fluid in the cylinders can also hurt the quality of the ride, since it can foam when the car is driving too quickly. Aeration can also occur as a result of the lack of separation between the chambers.
Monotube Shocks: Pros and Cons of a Single Tube for Mechanic Training Students to Know
As the name implies, all parts of the monotube shock absorber are contained within the same tube. More specifically, anyone wanting to become an auto mechanic can find room for oil, gas, and a single free-floating piston valve when working on these shocks. This singular valve is designed to make sure equal amounts of pressure are present across the shock’s circumference. Additionally, the gas and oil chambers are separated by a piston, which is not the case in twin-tube shocks. The top part of the monotube shock contains fluid, while gas is found at the bottom part.
What separates monotube shocks from twin-tubes is that this variety allows for it to contain greater amounts of oil at a time, as well as preventing air from getting through to the oil or gas.
These shocks also use a larger piston valve than twin-tubes, which creates greater room for pressure. However, monotube shock absorbers are also more costly to make, and the need for increased pressure can lead to greater friction and a less smooth ride than twin-tubes. Keeping a sufficient stroke with monotube shocks can also be more difficult, due to the close proximity between the gas and oil chambers.
Want to begin your mechanic training?
Contact Automotive Training Centres today!
