Abstract: A direct acting shock absorber for damping the movement of the body of an automobile is disclosed. The shock absorber comprises a pressure cylinder forming a working chamber having first and second portions operable to store damping fluid. A piston is disposed within the pressure cylinder between the first and second portions of the working chamber. The shock absorber further comprises a fluid reservoir operable to store damping fluid. The shock absorber also includes a valve for permitting damping fluid to flow from the first portion of the working chamber to the fluid reservoir during movement of the piston in a first direction. Finally, a second valve is provided for permitting damping fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir to the second portion of the working chamber during movement of the piston in a second direction.