Shock absorbers (dampers) — typical location where fluid leakage is observed During visual inspection of a hydraulic twin-tube damper on a passenger car, from where is fluid leakage typically noticed first?

Introduction / Context:
Dampers contain hydraulic oil and seals. Recognizing where leakage appears helps decide replacement and ensures suspension safety, braking stability, and tyre wear control.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Twin-tube hydraulic or gas-charged damper oriented vertically.
• Vehicle used on public roads; no racing coilovers assumed.
• Leak origin is commonly the rod seal at the top of the damper body, but oil travels downward by gravity.

Concept / Approach:
Although the initial failure is typically at the upper rod seal, leaked oil runs down the damper body and often accumulates and drips from the lower end, where it is most easily observed during inspection. Hence technicians frequently report leakage “from the bottom of the damper.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Clean the damper, road test briefly, then re-inspect: fresh oil streaks reappear and collect at the lower region, confirming visible leakage at the bottom.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Upper mounting or spring seat: may get oily secondarily but are not reported as the typical visible drip point.
• Mid-body tube clearance: not a designed leak path; persistent oil there still runs to the bottom.
• “Top rod seal never leaks”: false; it is the usual origin.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing external road grime with oil; overlooking that misting on gas-charged shocks can be normal if minimal and dry.

Final Answer: