Bump Stop

It sits on the shock absorber rod or the body. Modern bump stops also act as progressive springs. A dust boot often protects the damper rod. Off-road vehicles often use larger hydraulic bump stops to soften hard landings. When fitting new shock absorbers, new bump stops and dust boots are usually included in a protection kit, because old ones often crumble and let dirt reach the damper seal.

The buffer compresses at the end of travel and absorbs the impact.

Missing or crumbled bump stops cause harsh knocks. Lowered cars hit bump stops more often.