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Top 9 Shock Absorbers For Your Automobiles

The suspension system is one of the crucial parts of your vehicle. The shock absorbers have always been there to handle your motorcycle or car through a rough patch of road. They absorb any shocks transferred by the wheel while driving. This device helps in controlling the vehicle and prevents any damage to the chassis.

A shock absorber is an assembly of mechanical parts that offers a dampening effect and absorbs any type of vibration. This ultimately leads to comfortable ride quality and improved life of the tires. Since they have to undergo tremendous loading conditions and sudden shocks, certain factors need to be understood before buying a shock absorber for your vehicle.

  • Shock absorber type: The current generation of the shock absorber is no longer an assembly of metallic parts and springs. Different types of shock absorber configurations have been developed which offer different comfort levels and ride quality. These types differ from each other based on design, use of shock-dampening fluids, and other factors.
  • Vehicle compatibility: Another important factor is the compatibility of the shock absorber with your vehicle. The mountings of a shock absorber might differ from a vehicle’s mounting arrangement. To avoid this, various brands offer technical specifications on the shock absorbers to give an idea about the unit’s compatibility.
  • Driving conditions: The driving conditions change according to the region. Suspensions are designed for certain terrains on which they offer good controllability and comfort. Some shock absorbers adapt to changing terrains without the need to replace them. By keeping the vehicle’s application in mind, selecting a light-duty or heavy-duty shock absorber becomes easy.

The stock suspension setup of an automobile is tuned to the default factory setting. Automotive sports enthusiasts or even normal users have been upgrading their suspension systems according to their riding style. Hence various aftermarket shock absorbers are available that offer a wide range of customization. Such options are discussed below along with a “Buying Guide, to help you choose your favorite shock absorber.

Best Shock Absorbers List

Best Shock AbsorbersPositioningSpecial featureBuy Now
Monroe MA822 Shock AbsorberRearLoad bearing capacity of 1,200 lbsCheck On Amazon
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Bilstein 5100 Series Shock AbsorberRearExtendable height of 16-inch to 26-inchCheck On Amazon
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KYB 349105 Shock AbsorberRearLightweight constructionCheck On Amazon
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Gabriel 43162 Shock AbsorberFrontLoading capacity of 1000 lbsCheck On Amazon
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BROSCONE A0308 Shock AbsorberRearChrome plated piston rodCheck On Amazon
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Monroe 58640 Shock AbsorberRearLoad capacity of 1,200 lbsCheck On Amazon
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Belltech 9145 Shock AbsorberRearLow-speed compressionCheck On Amazon
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cciyu 172695 Shock AbsorberRearHeavy-duty coil springCheck On Amazon
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ECCPP Shock AbsorberFrontHigh-quality piston and rodCheck On Amazon
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Best Shock Absorbers

1. Monroe MA822 Shock Absorber

Monroe MA822 Shock Absorbers

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The first option on the list comes from a well-known brand in the automotive industry. Monroe’s suspension solutions are trusted by consumers due to their high quality. Due to its 100+ years of experience, innovation can be seen in its product range.

The Monroe MA822 Shock Absorber is a rear position unit. It is an air-charged shock absorber capable of bearing a maximum load of 1200 lbs. The air chamber of this model can is designed to contain compressed air up to 150 PSI. This helps in adjusting the height of the shock absorber as per the required application.

It uses a sintered iron piston paired with a hardened piston rod for better durability. The unit uses all-weather fluid to lubricate the moving part even in extreme temperature conditions. A special air valve is fitted to allow compressed air in the shock absorber. This valve also avoids any type of air leakage.

Best Features:

  • Gas-charged rear shock absorber
  • The maximum load-bearing capacity of 1,200 lbs
  • Compressed air capacity up to 150 PSI
  • Sintered iron piston and hardened piston rod
  • Sleeve valve with lubrication against wearing
  • All-weather fluid for lubrication

Pros:

  • The shock absorber’s height can be lowered or raised by adjusting the air level
  • Due to the full displacement valving process, it can damp sudden shocks and offers great comfort to the user
  • It is suitable for the heavy-duty applications

Cons:

  • It does not come with extra retainer nuts and bolts

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2. Bilstein 5100 Series Shock AbsorberBilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorbers

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Bilstein is a manufacturer of performance-oriented suspension systems. Its high-quality shock absorber range offers a great amount of tuning to the users. They perform excellently on any road conscious, from offroading to racing tracks.

The Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber is suitable for regular roads as well as for off-roading. It is made up of a blend of alloy steel and zinc which offers great strength to the overall structure. Being a rear shock absorber, it offers a  great level of comfort to the rear passengers of the vehicle.

The length of the shock absorber rod extends from 16-inch up to 26-inch. This helps in adjusting the riding height of the vehicle and thereby changing shock damping levels. It has black bellows boots that keep the internal rod safe from dust particles and offers good sealing to the fluid. This monotube shock absorber is compatible with trucks.

Best Features:

  • Rear monotube shock absorber
  • Alloy steel parts with zinc plating on the outer surface
  • Adjustable length of 16-inch to 26-inch
  • Compatible with trucks

Pros:

  • It is suitable for heavy-duty applications
  • The model has good off-roading capabilities
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • This model has no reservoir for storing the shock absorber fluid

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3. KYB 349105 Shock AbsorberKYB 349105 Shock Absorber

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KYB produces various types of hydraulic as well as electronic suspension equipment. It manufactures parts for automobiles and aircraft. By providing consumers with premium quality products, it has captured a major share of the global market.

The KYB 349105 Excel-G Shock Absorber is designed especially for minivans. It is a nitrogen gas-charged unit consisting of twin-tube construction. These tubes are housed inside a pressure cylinder that can handle the gas compression. The sintered iron rod guide helps in positioning the piston rod and retaining control over the vehicle.

The piston rod is plated with 3 layers of chrome plating and bears heavy loads easily. The piston has a Teflon-coated band which creates a positive seal for the gas thereby minimizing the chances of gas leakage. The oil seal is made up of multiple leaps that offer wear resistance and keeps dust particles away.

Best Features:

  • Rear-mounted shock absorber
  • Pressure cylinder filled with compressed nitrogen
  • Teflon-coated piston band
  • Chrome-plated piston rod with a guideway
  • Compatible with minivans

Pros:

  • The leakage of gas is avoided by creating a positive seal
  • The lighter weight of the model helps in reducing the overall weight of the suspension system
  • It works with the electronic stability control system of a vehicle to reduce tire wear and improve stability

Cons:

  • Being a vehicle-specific unit, the number of compatible vehicles is lesser

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4. Gabriel 43162 Shock AbsorberGabriel 43162 Shock Absorber

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The name Gabriel is synonymous with suspension systems as it is the pioneer of automotive shock absorbers. For a brand that underwent development through the 20th century, building high-performance products with innovation are quite natural.

The Gabriel 43162 Shock Absorber is a front-mounted unit. It uses a combination of spring and regular piston-cylinder arrangement, specially designed for heavy-duty vehicles. This increases the bearing load up to 500 lbs per unit. The shock absorbers offer great stability as the spring helps in maintaining the overall riding height.

The length of this unit can be extended from 14-inch to 23-inch, as per the terrain conditions. The chrome finished rod is assembled inside the pressure cylinder. A piston seal is fitted over the piston to avoid leakage of the fluid when in use.

Best Features:

  • Front-mounted shock absorber
  • Spring coils paid with a piston-rod arrangement
  • Combined loading capacity of 1000 lbs (500 lbs per unit)
  • Overall length extension range of 14-inch to 23-inch
  • Piston road with anti-corrosion chrome finish

Pros:

  • The riding height of the vehicles remains unaffected while driving
  • Chances of leakage are low due to the use of proper seals
  • Suitable for heavy-duty vehicles

Cons:

  • Fluid needs replacement after a certain number of kilometers

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5. BROSCONE A0308 Shock AbsorberBROSCONE A0308 Shock Absorber

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Whenever good performance is needed at an affordable price, Broscone comes to your aid. It is a sub-brand of the JINBO group which produces aftermarket accessories for automobiles. It adheres to ISO standards to maintain the quality of its products.

The Broscone A0308 Shock Absorber is a rear-side unit. It has a tube-into-tube construction that extends or retracts as per the road surface conditions. Compressed nitrogen gas is used to work as shock-dampening fluid for this shock absorber. The high-quality pistons compress the gas resulting in the absorption of the vibrations and shocks from the tires.

A piston rod with chrome plating is housed inside the pressure tube that slides easily and offers smooth movement. This piston rod is designed by keeping heavy loading conscious of a vehicle. Proper sealing is provided to avoid any leakage of gas from the pressure cylinder due to piston rod movement.

Best Features:

  • 2 rear-mounted shock absorbers
  • Compressed nitrogen gas shock absorbing fluid
  • High-quality piston rod with chrome plating
  • Sealing between piston rod and cylinder to avoid leakage

Pros:

  • The smooth dampening of shocks helps in improving the stability of the vehicle
  • Anti-corrosion property of the piston rod keeps oxidation away
  • The unit comes pre-assembled and does not require any assembly

Cons:

  • Non-availability of the spare parts

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6. Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber

Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber

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Another product from Monroe made it to the list. This option also performs on par with its previously discussed sibling. This product has a premium appeal to it.

The Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber is perfect for the rear axles of a vehicle. It uses a coil spring and piston-rod configuration to improve the overall shock absorption rate. This setup helps in loading the shock absorber pair up to 1,200 lbs capacity. The displaced valving helps in restricting the gas movement and hence improves the dampening effect. The piston is banded with PTFE material to reduce friction with the inner walls of the pressure tube.

Nitrogen gas is used due to its compressibility which helps in keeping the tire in contact with the road. The piston rod is nitrocarburized and offers good strength for heavy-duty applications. A self-lubrication seal keeps the gas from leaking away when the piston rod extends. All-weather oil is used to work under harsh temperatures and reduce the wearing of metallic parts.

Best Features:

  • Rear shock absorbers charged with nitrogen gas
  • Piston-tube configuration backed with heavy-duty spring
  • The combined capacity of 2 units is 1,200 lbs
  • All-weather fluid for lubrication
  • Piston with PTFE band for reduced friction

Pros:

  • It is suitable for heavy-duty applications like towing and hauling
  • The spring does not sag easily and keeps the tires in contact with the surface
  • Quick response from the shock absorber helps in improving the vehicle handling

Cons:

  • In no-loading conditions, the shock absorbers become stiffer

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7. Belltech 9145 Shock Absorber

Belltech 9145 Shock Absorber

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Belltech has been involved with the development and production of suspensions for over 4 decades now. It introduced lowering shock absorbers for larger vehicles in its early days. This tells us about its innovative approach to providing suspension solutions.

The Belltech 9145 Shock Set is specially designed for trucks and SUVs. It has a lower friction piston that does not hamper the low-speed compression process and gives a smooth ride quality. This shock absorber is thereby suitable for lowered suspension setup. The 30mm diameter piston is enclosed inside a 45mm diameter cylinder. This allows an enclosed environment for the shock absorbers to work.

A cavitation-free valve is installed to avoid the build-up of air which hampers the effectiveness of shock absorbers. Rubber bushings and dust boots do a great job of keeping dust away from entering the unit. These performance-oriented shock absorbers help maintain the stability of the vehicle and improve handling.

Best Features:

  • Rear-positioned shock absorbers
  • A low-friction piston of 30mm diameter size
  • 45-mm diameter cylinder
  • Anti-cavitation valve
  • Rubber boots and bushings for dust protection

Pros:

  • It is suitable for low ride height suspensions
  • This model is compatible with SUVs and trucks
  • The shock dampening is smooth and improves the user’s comfort

Cons:

  • The vehicle’s ground clearance is reduced

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8. cciyu 172695 Shock Absorber

cciyu Struts Shock Absorbers

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CCIYU is also one of the emerging brands in the automotive suspension market. It produces heavy-duty products which offer a good amount of customization. It thereby caters to performance-oriented consumers.

The CCIYU Complete Struts Shock Absorber is a pair of 2 units. It is a strut shock absorber unit that has a combined piston, tube, and spring assembly. This offers a good load-bearing capacity for heavy-duty applications. The upper strut mounting is provided which eliminates the need for upper control arms. It reduces the overall weight of the suspension system and saves unnecessary wastage of money.

The Coilover spring effectively absorbs the shocks transferred by the wheels. It gives the user confidence for turning the vehicle at higher speeds by offering great stability. The overall life of the tires also increases due to less wearing. No external bushings are needed for the shock absorbers as it comes equipped with dust-proof bushings

Best Features:

  • A pair of rear strut shock absorbers
  • Heavy-duty Coilover spring
  • Strut mountings for installation
  • Rubber bushings for dust protection

Pros:

  • Effective shock absorption even on the corners helps in keeping the vehicle stable
  • Suitable for regular travel and racing-related applications
  • It comes with a 1-year warranty on all the parts

Cons:

  • Non-availability of the spare parts makes it harder to get back up parts

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9. ECCPP Shock AbsorberECCPP Shock Absorber

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ECCPP Auto Parts is an innovative brand that offers various automotive solutions. Adopting new technologies creates products that enhance the consumer’s driving experience.

The ECCPP Complete Strut Spring Assembly is a front shock absorber. Being a premium unit, it houses a spring made up of SAE9254 high-quality spring steel. Proper surface treatment is given to this model for improved corrosion resistance, toughness, and strength. It is capable of absorbing vibrations and decreasing shock waves quickly. This creates a smooth dampening effect while the user senses no bumps.

The struts are provided with mountings to make the installation process easy. The coil spring is wrapped around the strut which also assists in absorbing shocks while driving the vehicle. For protection against dust particles, rubber boots cover the sensitive parts of the shock absorber.

Best Features:

  • Pair of front shock absorbers
  • Surface-treated struts with improved strength
  • Spring coil made up of high-quality spring steel
  • Accessories like strut mourning and bearings are provided
  • Rubber boot for dust protection

Pros:

  • The spring and strut work together to smoothly dampen the shock waves
  • The durability of this unit is imposed further by surface treatment against corrosion
  • The shock absorbers have a 1-year warranty

Cons:

  • This unit weighs more compared to other options

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Buying Guide For The Best Shock Absorbers

The shock absorbers help in maintaining the comfort level while you are driving. Providing the user with absolute control over the vehicle in rough road conditions also increases overall safety. Since we have already discussed a list of such shock absorbers, your selection process might have become easier. To further assist you by addressing any confusion, we are presenting this buying guide.

1. Shock Absorber Type

Shock absorbers are available in various types that are suitable for certain applications. They have different constructions and hence their working is different from each other. Some types of shock absorbers are discussed below:

2. Telescopic Shock Absorbers

This type is the most commonly used shock absorber. They consist of tubes arranged into each other like a telescope. To allow dampening of shocks, oil is used with a valve arrangement. The tubes compress leading to the compression of the oil through a small opening of the valves.

3. Strut Suspension

The strut is an integral part of a vehicle’s suspension system. It not only offers the shock-absorbing feature but also provides structural support to the whole setup and tires. The strut has a solid shaft that compresses the oil while retracting into the strut body. A spring is provided to add resistance to the shocks.

4. Coilover Shock Absorbers

The Coilover shock absorbers are a little bit similar to the struts. They have a piston and cylinder arrogant which is filled with gas or fluid medium. This medium is compressible and offers the dampening of the shocks. Furthermore, the spring is also attached to the cylinder body and piston which offers different riding heights and adjustable dampening.

5. Vehicle Compatibility

You don’t want to buy a shock absorber that won’t fit your vehicle’s chassis or suspension system. The specifications of a shock absorber help in checking its compatibility with your vehicle. Checking the riding height of the vehicle helps in selecting a unit with the right spring travel. The unit’s mounting specification must match that of the vehicle’s suspension mourning. The shock absorber must offer proper clearance between other parts of the vehicle while in motion, to avoid any wearing.

6. Driving Conditions

Every terrain exerts a different type of load on the ties and suspension system. Some shock absorbers are terrain specific. For off-roading, a heavy-duty shock absorber will be ideal. They offer a smooth dampening effect to adapt to the unevenness of the road.

For perfectly paved roads, the regular shock absorbers will perform well and save you money on buying a heavy-duty unit. These shock absorbers have more dampening to increase comfort. The race-spec shock absorbers are stiffer to offer great maneuverability to the race car on the tracks.

7. Material

The material of a shock absorber plays a vital role in its durability and functionality. When a vehicle drives through changing road terrain, the suspension system experiences tremendous loading shocks. The slightest creep in the material can cause suspension failure leading to hazards. The material is chosen by keeping its ultimate strength in mind.

Aluminum and steel are the common materials for shock absorbers. Steel is used due to its strength and cheaper pricing. But it is prone to corrosion and its heavy weight might not be suitable for some applications. Aluminum is corrosion-resistant and also has good strength, making it a good alternative to steel.

8. Loading Capacity

The loading capacity gives an idea of the maximum weight the shock absorber can endure. This helps in getting the desired performance from the suspension system. It also helps in avoiding the overloading of the suspension.

Certain techniques are introduced to increase the loading capacity of a shock absorber. Using dual sprigs of different stiffness helps in offering comfort and control over the vehicle. Using a dampener with these springs can further increase the loading capacity. The user must calculate the gross weight of a loaded vehicle to select the proper shock absorber and avoid overloading.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a front shock absorber be used for rear mounting?

Ans: The loading condition on both the front and rear sides of a vehicle is different. The loading capacity might be the same sometimes but their performance is different. The user might feel uncomfortable due to the uneven dampening of the shock. Hence the front shock absorber is not suitable for rear use and vice versa.

2. Are shock absorbers free of maintenance?

Ans: Shock absorbers are not maintenance-free as they are made up of various mechanical parts that need periodic check-ups. Hence, shock absorbers have a set interval of maintenance. This includes changing the oil or gas, changing the rubber seals, and checking for any wear of the metallic parts.

3. How to check for shock absorber failure?

Ans: Various symptoms help in identifying a bad shock absorber. The user will experience uneven bouncing of the vehicle along with an increase in vibrations. A marginal change in the overall control can be detected. By externally checking for oil leaks, the user can get an idea about any external damage to the shock absorber.

4. What is the overall life of a shock absorber?

Ans: Every brand specifies the average life of its shock absorbers in kilometers before replacement. But the overall life also depends on the riding conditions, driving style, and other factors. This significantly increases or reduces the durability of the shock absorbers. The suspension system lasts longer on a peeved road compared to off-roading conditions.

Conclusion

The transition from a stiff suspension system to a comfortable one was achieved through various stages of development. The suspension system of the present is blessed with the option of customization as various alternatives are present in the market. The list of such alternatives was explained thoroughly along with their technical specifications. A buying guide and some FAQs were also discussed to assist your selection process. By keeping the overall discussion in mind, we have chosen our favorite options from the list.

  • The Monroe 58640 Shock Absorber is our first selection. It is a heavy-duty unit suitable for the rear axle of a vehicle. By using a piston-rod setup with coil spring, the pair of shock absorbers offer a combined loading capacity of 1,200 lbs. By using nitrogen gas with the displaced valving method, a smooth dampening of the shock waves is achieved. Hence this unit easily keeps tires in contact with roads and offers a comfortable ride. It uses an all-weather oil to reduce the wear of the moving parts. All these features help this unit in heavy-duty applications.
  • The Gabriel 43162 Shock Absorber combines good performance with an affordable price tag. It is a front shock absorber suitable for heavy-duty applications. The piston and tube setup is backed with a coil spring to increase the combined loading capacity up to 1,000 lbs. It has an adjustable height of 14-inch to 23-inch which helps in changing the shock absorber’s response as per the terrain conditions. Piston rods are chrome-finished to improve their corrosion resistance. This increases the overall life of the shock absorber. Using seals, fluid leakage is also minimized. These features indeed make this option a value-for-money deal.

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