Shock Absorbers

What are shock absorbers?

Shock absorbers are tubular devices that contain a piston with either gas or oil that help control the compression and the rebound of a suspension spring. The control of the compression and rebound of the suspension spring is essential for ensuring the tyre remains in contact with the road which affects steering, vehicle handling and braking performance. All of these factors contribute to the vehicle safety.

There are different types of shock absorber:

These are:

• Standard shock absorber

• Strut

• Coil over

How do I choose the correct shock absorbers?

Suspension systems are often upgraded at the factory by the manufacturer depending on the specification or features of the vehicle. You will need to know if your vehicle has any upgrades to make sure you get the correct parts. We recommend that you take note if there are compatibility notes listed next to a part that is shown as correct for your vehicle.

These may include:

• Standard suspension

• Sport suspension (this include variations such as S-Line, M-Tec, Sports Pack etc)

• Self levelling

• Heavy duty (extra load)

What brand of shock absorbers should I choose?

Budget and quality are two of the main factors when choosing the correct replacement parts. Some brands such as Sachs and KYB manufacture shock absorbers for the original car brands however there are other brands that offer a great alternative. Manufacturers such as Febi, Napa and Apec offer long warranties which shows their quality and that they have confidence in their products.

How can I tell my shock absorbers needs replacing?

If you have issues with your suspension we would recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Some of the symptoms of failing shock absorbers are:

• Shock absorber is leaking fluid

• Uneven or excessive tyre wear

• The vehicle suffers excessive bouncing

• Driving is unstable at high speeds

• Vehicle front pitches up or the rear squats when accelerating

• Front of the vehicle dips low when braking