Shock Absorbers

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Tue Dec 14, 2021 10:12 pm

Anyone ever changed their shock absorbers and used after market (better quality though) versions?

I have to change shocks on a small car and want to improve the ride/handling therefore using OEM stuff could probably be improved on - Bilstein or something?

What I really want to know is if such a change will make a significant difference (improvement) over the OEM stuff. :dunno:

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:02 pm

Bilstein are good shocks but might give a hard ride. You need the correct set up for the vehicle, ideally, all four should be done at the same time to ensure the ride is balanced correctly. The shocks are made for the vehicle as the size, reach and ride are all calculated to suit.

DWD

peter c · Post by **peter c** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:31 am

Many years ago I changed my shock absorbers to Gabriel Red Riders. The difference to the road holding was fantastic. Not sure if you can still get them The car in question was a Cortina Mk III GT.

HTH

Peter C

Nos · Post by **Nos** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:34 am

peter c wrote: ↑Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:31 am Many years ago I changed my shock absorbers to Gabriel Red Riders. The difference to the road holding was fantastic. Not sure if you can still get them The car in question was a Cortina Mk III GT.

HTH

Peter C

Yes they are available from the British Museum

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:48 am

I would, of course, be changing all four and Peter C's reply is the kind of result I'm hoping for. Our roads (locally) are always 'rough' to say the least so smoothing out some lumps and bumps would make a huge difference.

I'm not really bothered whether the shocks fitted are 'old' (in terms of when they were first made) as long as they were suitable. I also don't want to get into coil-overs or those that require individual settings - this isn't a race-type setup I'm after - but simple bolt-on, better-than-OEM types. It's not as if shockers are sold with details that can be used to compare like-for-like so I'm having to make a decision based on user experience. Equally, the vehicle isn't worth going too far with as expense is concerned so nothing OTT in that regard either!

This would be the first time I've ever placed attention on such 'performance' in a car but it's also not something that deserves too much input since the car itself isn't worth a lot - it's reliable and solid (small 5-door hatch) - but if after-market stuff of better ride quality is simply a matter of up to £100 or £200 extra then that's what I'm prepared to pay but finding out what's 'better' is quite tricky to do!

mikew1972 · Post by **mikew1972** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 8:48 am

If your local roads are "rough" then 'softer' shocks will probably give a smoother ride than new, 'stiffer, performance' ones and there will be less likelihood of other components getting damaged by the rough roads, speed bumps etc.
If the springs are old and the ride height has sagged a bit over the years you can get 'pre load' (rather than firmer) shocks to help restore the original stance.
Wouldn't bother spending much extra money on 'racing' brands unless you have a high performance vehicle or are going racing.

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 10:07 am

mikew1972 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 15, 2021 8:48 am Wouldn't bother spending much extra money on 'racing' brands unless you have a high performance vehicle or are going racing.

Not at all interested in shocks for 'performance' but, rather, a more comfortable ride. The other suspension components are (seem) in good order but the shocks look to be close to retirement (rusted) so I fully expect an advisory at the next MoT.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 10:16 am

Just a further point, springs these days get such a hammering with potholes and speed bumps. It is common to find broken or fatigued springs so a careful inspection of those first might be worth it.

DWD

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 10:33 am

New oem shocks will be a lot better than shagged shocks, car make, model, year, engine and gearbox type would help, as what works on one car may not be right for another

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 10:39 am

The old test for worn/leaking shocks used to be, push down on the wing, let go and the car should rise and go down once more by half an oscillation

I owned a Morris Marina in Africa 1975/7; it road the rippled back roads okay, but could bottom out, I got a replacement kit for the old Armstrong shocks, lugged them back in hand luggage (no weight limit in those days) made no perceptible difference, needed stronger springs.
I have used cheaper GSF supplied shocks in UK on my Kids older vehicles, no problem.