Axle damper (5th shock) question

[toobladink]

Ordered an axle damper from rockauto. I got this one since it was on closeout on rockauto. More Information for MONROE SC2958

I can compress it, but it doesn't rebound at all. I have to physically extend it back. Now it is listed as a "steering stabilizer" on the box so I figured if you just had one of these in another car, this is probably something you'd want so you have similar behavior in both directions. But I feel like I'm really reaching with this being an expected behavior. So is it supposed to go back into place like a gas charged shock normally would? I'm thinking about returning it or asking for a refund.

 

[C420sailor]

Pretty sure that’s normal. A steering stabilizer having rebound characteristics would result in one hell of a pull…

 

[toobladink]

Pretty sure that’s normal. A steering stabilizer having rebound characteristics would result in one hell of a pull…

That makes sense. The way this is used on the explorer makes me think it would at least go back into place so I wasn’t really sure.

 

[410Fortune]

Two types of shocks
Not all shocks auto rebound

Gas charged shocks will extend on their own
Oil damper shocks do not “auto extend”
It is just two different types of shock absorbers, but they can both effectively dampen the spring

 

[J_C]

You would not want a gas charged shock for this application, as it would push the axle to the side. Not much as it's a mere shock absorber, but any amount wouldn't make sense. I used one of those SC2958 on my '98 about 8 years ago. Can't say for certain whether I noticed any difference in handling/ride quality, but my original only had ~ 100K mi on it. It was rusting and I found one on Amazon warehouse for $20 at the time - great price so I bought it and then if it's lying around, might as well go ahead and install it.

 

[amj441]

The shock is supposed to be like that. I liked when I replaced my shock. handled corners better of rough terrain (Houston streets), got a lot less shimmy in the rear end when making long lefts on patchy roads. I replaced the shock after I put in new rear leaf springs.