Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is a cult game for car enthusiasts, where every bolt and nut matters. One of the most common tasks in the game is front shock absorber assembly, which at first causes difficulties even for experienced players. Unlike a real car service, there is no risk of spilling oil on the floor or losing a spring, but virtual mistakes are no less expensive: precious game minutes are burned, the workshop’s reputation drops, and customers remain dissatisfied.
In this guide we will walk you through the assembly process from a disassembled state to a fully functional unit, paying attention to typical mistakes, the optimal order of actions and little-known techniques that will speed up the completion of tasks. This will be especially useful for those who strive to 100% completion of the game with maximum profit — after all, correct assembly of the shock absorber saves up to 30% of ordering time!
Preparation: tools and shock absorber disassembly
Before you begin assembly, make sure you have everything you need on hand. B CMS 2018 tools do not break or become dull, but their absence blocks progress. To work with the front shock absorber you will need:
- 🔧 Wrench (standard, for unscrewing fasteners)
- 🔩 Torque wrench (for precise tightening, especially important for completing tasks with “excellence”)
- 🧲 Magnetic grip (so as not to lose small parts like washers)
- 🛠️ Spring compression stand (required for safe disassembly/assembly)
- 📏 Ruler or caliper (to check the height of the spring, if required by specification)
If the shock absorber has already been disassembled (for example, after a diagnostic task), check that all components are present:
- 🔄 Rod with piston (main work item)
- 🌀 Spring (can be of different hardness - pay attention to the color of the marking)
- 🟢 Boot and bumper (often lost during disassembly)
- 🔴 Support bearing (if provided by design)
- ⚫ Mounting nuts and washers (their number varies depending on the model)
Use a hotkey F for quick access to tools - this will save time searching in the menu.
Important: in CMS 2018 some shock absorber parts may be hidden under a layer of dirt. Before assembly, clean them with High pressure washers (Cleaning tab), otherwise the game will count the part as damaged, and you will have to buy a new one.
Assembly order: from spring to fastenings
The most common mistake beginners make is trying to assemble a shock absorber “from the end,” starting with the fasteners. This causes the spring to block access to key elements, forcing you to start over. Correct algorithm:
- Install the bumper and boot on the stock. They should fit tightly, without distortion. In the game this is done by simply dragging the mouse, but in reality it requires skill.
- Attach the spring to the bottom flange. Use compression standto fix it in a compressed state. Without this, the spring will “pop out” when you try to put on the top cup.
- Put on the upper support cup. Make sure it lines up with the grooves on the spring - some models have guides.
- Install the support bearing (if provided). It should rotate freely, without jamming.
- Secure the rod in the upper bracket and tighten the nut with a torque wrench. The tightening torque is usually specified in the task - if it is exceeded, the part will break!
Make sure the boot is not twisted|Check the alignment of the spring and cup grooves|Tighten all nuts to the correct torque|Remove the spring from the stand only after it is fully seated
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Pay special attention spring position. B CMS 2018 some models require that its bottom turn rest against a protrusion on the flange. If this is not done, the game will count the assembly as incorrect, and you will have to redo it.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced players sometimes make mistakes that lead to automatic mission failure. Here are the most common:
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the shock absorber “fails” when tested on a bench, check the integrity of the boot. B CMS 2018 a damaged boot blocks the operation of the unit, although in reality this is not always critical.
- 🔴 Overtightened nuts. Does the torque wrench show a red light? This means you have exceeded the torque. Cancel action (
Ctrl+Z) and try again. - 🔄 Parts mismatch according to model. For example, a spring from Toyota Corolla not suitable for BMW E36. Always check your inventory for compatibility.
- 🛑 Forgotten bump stop. Without it, the shock absorber will knock during the test, and the client will refuse to pay.
- 🌀 The spring is not in the grooves. Even a slight misalignment results in the unit not being tested on the bench.
Another insidious trap - dirty parts. If you cleaned the shock absorber but forgot to wipe the stem, the game may count it as "damaged seals." Always use Carburetor Cleaner for metal parts and A rag for final wiping.
What to do if the shock absorber does not pass the test?
If all the parts are in place, but the unit does not work:
1. Check to see if the upper and lower spring cups are mixed up (they may look the same, but are marked differently).
2. Make sure that the boot is put on the correct way - there is an arrow on it indicating the direction of installation.
3. Reboot the test stand (E → "Reset"). Sometimes it helps.
Process optimization: how to collect faster
B Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 time is money. The faster you complete the task, the more orders you will have time to complete. Here are a few tricks to speed things up:
- ⚡ Hotkeys. Remember the combinations:
1-9— quick selection of a tool from the panel;Q— rotate the part;Shift + mouse wheel— scaling.
- 📦 Grouping parts. Before starting assembly, place all shock absorber components in one inventory tray. This will save time searching.
- 🔄 Assembly templates. If you are playing on Realistic difficulty, create a text file with the order of actions for popular models (for example, Honda Civic or Ford Mustang).
- 💰 Buying parts in bulk. Buy 5-10 pieces of frequently broken components (boots, bumpers) - it’s cheaper than buying one at a time.
For maximum effectiveness, use speed modifiers:
- In the game settings (Esc → Options → Gameplay) you can increase the time speed up to ×3. This will speed up testing on the bench.
- If you play on PC, try the mod "Fast Animation" (available at Nexus Mods), which speeds up the assembly animation.
The slowest stage is the compression of the spring on the stand. To save time, squeeze it all the way in advance, even before installing the cups.
Shock Absorber Testing: What the Game Tests
After assembly, the shock absorber must be tested on a bench. B CMS 2018 The following parameters are checked:
| Parameter | What is being checked | Consequences of an error |
|---|---|---|
| Rod stroke | Smooth movement without jamming | The client refuses to pay, we will have to redo it |
| Anther integrity | No breaks and correct installation | The shock absorber will be considered faulty |
| Spring stiffness | Compliance with the stiffness specified in the specification (marking color) | Test failure if spring is too soft/hard |
| Tightening the fasteners | The tightening torque of the nuts (must be within the green zone) | Breakage of a part if it is exceeded or weakened if it is not tightened |
| Noise during operation | No knocks or squeaks | Requires disassembly and search for the cause (most often - a forgotten bump stop) |
If the shock absorber fails the test, the game will highlight the problematic parameter in red. Don't rush to take everything apart again — sometimes it’s enough to tighten the nut or adjust the boot. For convenience, use the button Show errors (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of the stand).
Difficult cases: non-standard shock absorbers
Not all shock absorbers are CMS 2018 are the same. Some models have unique features:
- 🚗 Sports shock absorbers (for example, for Nissan GT-R): require increased tightening torque and often come with reinforced springs (purple markings).
- 🏎️ Adjustable shock absorbers: before assembly you need to set the stiffness using a special key (Settings tab).
- 🔧 Shock absorbers with separate reservoir (for example, for Jeep Wrangler): require connection of a hydraulic line. Don't forget to check it for leaks!
- ⚙️ Adaptive dampers (found in premium cars): require calibration on a bench after assembly.
For such cases, it is useful to study in advance wiki games (for example, on Fandom) or use a mod "Car Info", which shows detailed information about components when hovered over.
⚠️ Attention: When working with adjustable shock absorbers, never set the maximum stiffness at the assembly stage - this may cause the rod to lock. First assemble the knot, then adjust.
Modifications and cheats: is it worth using?
In the community CMS 2018 popular mods that simplify the assembly of shock absorbers:
- "Auto-Assemble": Automatically assembles parts in the correct order.
- "No Fail Mode": Disables error checking (clients are always happy).
- "Instant Test": Bench testing takes 1 second.
However, their use has disadvantages:
- Loss of skills: Without practice, you will not be able to assemble complex knots by hand.
- Bugs: Some mods conflict with the latest game updates.
- Achievements: Most mods disable the ability to earn achievements on Steam.
If you still decide to use modifications, we recommend:
1. Make a backup copy of your save (Documents\My Games\Car Mechanic Simulator 2018\Saves).
2. Install mods via Vortex or manually, monitoring version compatibility.
3. Periodically return to a “clean” game so as not to lose your skill.
To practice assembling shock absorbers, use the "Sandbox" mode (Esc → Free Mode). There are no time limits and you can experiment without consequences.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Why does the shock absorber knock on the stand after assembly?
Most likely you forgot to install bumper or support bearing. Also check that the spring is not skewed - its coils should evenly adhere to the cups. If everything is ok, try resetting the test (E → "Reset") and start again.
Is it possible to assemble a shock absorber without a spring stand?
Technically yes, but this is extremely inconvenient: the spring will “pop out” when you try to put on the cup. In reality this is dangerous, but in the game it will simply take up a lot of time. If the stand breaks (unlikely), buy a new one from the store for 500$.
How can I find out the tightening torque for a specific model?
B CMS 2018 The tightening torque is usually indicated in the job description (the "Details" tab). If there is no information, use standard values:
- Rod nut: 40-50 Nm;
- Cup fastening: 25-35 Nm.
If the limit is exceeded, the nut will break and will have to be replaced.
What to do if there are not enough parts for assembly?
There are three options:
1. Buy the missing components in the store (Esc → Shop).
2. Disassemble another shock absorber for spare parts (if it is in inventory).
3. Use Universal repair kit (worth 200$, restores 1 random part).
The cheapest way is to buy parts in bulk (for example, 10 pieces of anthers).
How to quickly make money assembling shock absorbers?
Optimal strategy:
1. Take orders for suspension diagnostics - these often include replacing shock absorbers.
2. Buy used shock absorbers at auction and restore them (cleaning + replacing worn parts).
3. Use profit modifier (in difficulty settings) to increase payment.
4. Upgrade your skill "Pendant" - this speeds up assembly and reduces the chance of errors.