Why is Monroe Magnum technology so popular among commercial vehicle professionals and technicians? Read on for a brief overview of some of the inherent design advantages of these components.

BOUNCE RELIEF VALVE TECHNOLOGY

Monroe Magnum axle shock absorbers utilize rebound bypass valve technology to help provide better control and stability by delivering greater rebound forces at low piston travel speeds, reducing body roll. At the same time, the bypass valve maintains these forces at an acceptable level at high piston travel speeds.

This technology helps to make the trip safer because this additional force reduces cab roll and increases the truck’s handling and stability on the road.

The principle of this valve is quite simple: the low-speed discs in the valve system provide greater rebound forces than a conventional valve. This improves roll control as the valve stabilizes the suspension travel faster and more efficiently.

HYDRAULIC LOCKING FUNCTION

Many Monroe Magnum shock absorbers also feature a hydraulic lockout function. Here’s why it’s important: On commercial vehicles with air suspension, the shock absorber helps limit suspension travel, including excessive air spring stretch, which can lead to costly damage.

The hydraulic lock is a patented secondary piston located above the valve piston. This design helps to transmit mechanical force across the entire diameter of the piston rod, but the main function is to reduce the speed of the rod when it is fully extended. Therefore, as the locking piston moves into the extended stem guide, the increased hydraulic pressure reduces the stem speed and minimizes metal-to-metal contact during full extension.

VULCANIZED SILENT BLOCKS

Monroe Magnum shock absorbers contain mounting bushings known as “vulcanized bushings”. Remember that the bushing provides a strong and resilient connection between the shocks and the chassis, and filters out vibrations. The characteristics and durability of this important component depend directly on the quality of the rubber used in the production process, as well as whether this material has been vulcanized over the metal bushing.

Using a low-quality rubber compound can cause premature failure of the bushing, resulting in increased vibration and potentially accelerated wear on tires and other components. Vulcanized bushings (a technology used in Monroe Magnum shock absorbers) have rubber that is vulcanized or hardened over a metal bushing. This design is more resistant to wear, provides better vibration isolation and longer service life.

HIGH-QUALITY OIL SEAL

A good quality oil seal is used to ensure impact resistance. A defective seal can cause oil and/or gas to leak from the shock absorber. In addition, a poor seal can allow dirt, gravel and other contaminants to enter the shock absorber. This resilient element must be able to withstand frictional forces and high temperatures. Monroe Magnum shock absorbers feature an advanced, high-temperature resistant Viton double-edged oil seal designed to minimize leakage and extend the life of the shock absorber even in the most demanding environments. In fact, thanks to this seal, Magnum shock absorbers retain their excellent performance at temperatures up to 200 °C.