Adaptive Dampers (Adaptive Shock Absorbers)

Valves inside the damper are adjusted by a solenoid or by a magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity changes in a magnetic field. Sensors measure body movement and wheel travel many times per second. The driver can often choose between comfort and sport settings.

The control unit softens damping for comfort over small bumps and firms it up in corners, under braking or at high speed.

A fault usually sets a warning and leaves the damper in a default firm or soft mode. Replacement adaptive dampers are more expensive than conventional ones and may need coding or calibration.