20 best shock absorbers for cars

Comfortable operation of the automotive suspension depends largely on the effectiveness of shock absorbers. Oil, gas-oil or gas systems are stiff and allow owners to choose the best option according to their preferences.

Our review presents the best shock absorbers for the front and rear suspension of the car, which can be purchased on the domestic market. The characteristics of the manufacturer, recommendations of car maintenance specialists, and, of course, reviews of the owners influenced the assessment of each individual model, determining its position in the rating.

The best car shock absorbers made in Germany

German companies are world-famous for the quality of their products, and companies that manufacture shock absorbers for cars are no exception. This category contains parts of this type from the best brands.

4 TRW

TRW shock absorbers on the domestic market have long been known and are considered among the best in the budget class. The manufacturer produces oil and gas damping systems, the latter having a more affordable price. It should be borne in mind that in the case of shock absorbers, TRW acts only as a packer - they are made at the French factory Gabriel. At the same time, the quality allows using these products for deliveries to the conveyors of such popular European brands as “RENO”, “SKODA” and others.

As for domestic cars, the front and rear TRW shock absorbers installed on the VAZ model take care of more than 60 thousand km. In this case, the rubber sleeves in the eyelets of the fasteners fail. Given the characteristics of domestic operation, these seals easily change to polyurethane, after which the shock absorbers “run” another 15-20 thousand km. Because of their high reliability, they are recommended to be installed in such vehicles with high traffic, such as VAZ NIVA, and, judging by the reviews, even in harsh conditions, the TRW racks demonstrate excellent results.

3 SACHS

A company whose products are even cheaper than BOGE. In addition to the production of spare parts suspension specializes in the production of transmission components. The main "trick" of shock absorbers from SACHS is that the same kit can be installed on a car, and on a full-fledged SUV ... and the quality of driving will not change.

The company produces several types of shock absorbers for all occasions:

• Super Touring - oil or gas racks in combination with standard springs, which are the basic option for a comfortable ride;
• Advantage - “advanced” level of shock absorbers (gas-oil or hydraulic), designed for the stable passage of any roadbed;
• Sporting Set - the same set for those who like to go to the cut-off, moderately hard, but giving the feeling of complete submission to the road.

Such a step towards universalization has been made, more likely, based on marketing considerations, and how justified it is, only time will tell. In the meantime, their shock absorbers are installed on many brands of running cars, including the Russian VAZ.

2 BOGE

German shock absorbers of the middle price segment, widely used in cars BMW, Volvo, Audi and Volkswagen. Enjoy steady, but still incomparable with the "Bilshtayn" popularity, largely due to the optimal ratio of price and quality.

In terms of assortment at BOGE, everything is very rich:

• Pro-Gas gas shock absorbers to ensure smooth and ergonomic car travel;
• Turbo 24 - a series of monotube shock absorbers designed for extreme off-road driving;
• Turbo-Gas - gas-oil shock absorbers, charged under a sporty ride (tough, but provide excellent controllability);
• Nivomat - a series of shock absorbers on massive springs for vehicles operating in constant “load”;
• And finally, Automatic - oil dampers for an extra comfortable ride.

The same suspension elements can be found on Korean cars, like the premium Kia Quoris ("Kia Quoris"). In general, users are satisfied with what they are getting, and this is a sure indicator of a good manufacturer.

1 Bilstein

Bilstein has firmly established itself in the global market as the best supplier of shock absorbers for luxury cars (along with KONI). They are so famous in the world that the Japanese carmaker Subaru directly from the factory completes their cars with these springs and struts.

In their assortment you can find both gas (gas-oil) and oil racks oriented for different driving styles. So, the Sport series (as if hinting at the direct affiliation of this industry) is in fact not intended for sports, but a quick ride on the autobahn or city tracks (nobody even canceled reckless drivers in Europe). But the Sprint and Rally series are just the same profile of sports shock absorbers, and, one can say, the company's business card.Of course, it’s foolish to hope for any comfort at the same time, but stability on the roadway will be guaranteed. As a result, the products of this company are expensive, but such a high price is fully justified by brilliant quality in all aspects without exception.

Top car shock absorbers from other European companies

On the European continent, many decent manufacturers of shock absorbers. Products of the best of them are presented in this category.

4 Hola

Performed as part of the LONG LIFE WARRANTY program, Hola shock absorbers have an increased service life and improved consumer properties. Given the different expectations for this type of product, depending on driving conditions and driving methods, the Dutch manufacturer offers two popular series of racks:

• CFD - for quiet and comfortable movement;
• G'Ride - for extreme and dynamic driving;

Hola oil shock absorbers are designed according to the most reliable two-pipe design, and models can be either with or without gas support. They use only high-quality Japanese grease, which guarantees uninterrupted operation even under heavy loads in the temperature range from -40 ºC to 80 ºC.

The introduction of new technologies in the production process and the use of only high-quality raw materials made it possible to achieve the best technical characteristics. Hola front and rear shock absorbers provide excellent handling, which is also the basis for comfortable and safe driving. They are successfully installed on the domestic SUV VAZ 2121 NIWA. There are sizes for most of the LADA model range. The long service life calculated on run not less than 70 thousand km, for the domestic motorist is the certificate of unsurpassed quality.

3 AL-KO

Spanish shock absorbers, which are simply born for operation in the conditions of severe rural impassability. They are cheap, they are common, though not as durable, as the same racks from the American-Belgian Monroe, but very running in Russia. Moreover, the most popular are the dampers for cars (the same VAZ, Niva, Renault, Skoda) and motorcycles, while SUVs and urban crossovers (seemingly ideal off-road cars) are simply not in demand. They do not differ in any technical delights, but the model range is quite wide: it covers both gas (gas-oil) and hydraulic (oil) shock absorbers.

If you are the person who is forced to knead dirt on country roads every day or often ride off-road (whether for personal hobbies or work), then the AL-KO shock absorbers will come in handy for a small price.

2 KROSNO

Polish brand specializing in the production of suspension elements, including shock absorbers. It does not have such a specific diversity as its competitors, but what exists is consistently well dispersed. All racks are made with collapsible enclosures, so they can (and should) be repaired. As a rule, most models (if not all) are oil, and therefore not expensive, but not too durable.

In general, in this component, the products of a Polish company look weak, as indicated by about 30-40% of users. But we must understand that the main purpose of the racks is a moderate ride on good European roads, and not “jumps” in typical Russian directions. Of the design features, it is possible to emphasize the presence of special stem seals on all the rear pillars, without exception, which prevents dirt, dust and ice chips from entering the assembly.

1 Koni

One of the most expensive and best shock absorbers on the world market.They are developed in Holland and exported to Germany en masse, where (and this is an original feature) they are covered by a lifetime warranty (but only for one owner). Like many other manufacturers, KONI has a spring color marking under the suspension strut:

• red - Special series shock absorbers, combining excellent road holding (with minor bends in corners) and smoothness;
• Yellow - Sport shock absorbers, providing the best stability, but at the mercy component comfort;
• blue - a series of shortened struts and springs of the Sport kit, absolutely clumsy in terms of ergonomics, but ideally holding the car with an aggressive passage of the track;
• Black - a powerful series Load-a-Juster, designed for the perception of large static loads.

As you can see, the choice is really big. KONI serves almost all undercarriage models of cars in Europe, the USA and Asia, and is also a supplier of suspension elements to prestigious racing series.

The best car shock absorbers manufactured in Asian countries

Shock absorbers from South Korea, Japan, and even China are in great demand in the domestic market (taken at affordable prices). In this category - only the best models.

4 Sensen

This large company produces shock absorbers for passenger cars and small commercial vehicles made in Japan, Europe, USA and Korea. Every detail in the manufacturing process is tested, thanks to which the products meet the highest quality standards and have international certificates. The production process uses only the best components and raw materials purchased from reliable suppliers. It is enough to know the fact that there are seals in the shock absorbers of the Japanese company NOK, whose products are of unsurpassed quality and reliability.

The use of high carbon steel for the manufacture of heavy-duty rods, and a unique technology of coating the finished product significantly extends the service life of shock absorbers, reliably protecting against corrosion. Despite the affordable price, the factory capacity in China, its warranty period (and it is 100 thousand kilometers) Sensen racks, both front and rear, will serve without any complaints, and the reviews of the owners confirm this.

3 PARTS-MALL

The South Korean manufacturer with a long history of PARTS-MALL supplies parts for car suspension on conveyors of such giants as KIA, Hyundai and Daewoo, which speaks of the high quality of the products manufactured by this company. Shock absorbers supplied to the secondary market are manufactured using factory technology, so the buyer's choice in favor of this brand is obvious.

In the reviews of the owners who replaced the front and rear shock absorbers on the PARTS-MALL oil systems in their car, there are positive evaluations of the performance of these struts. They surely provide not only a high level of safety, but also a comfortable ride. Their use ensures excellent grip, improves vehicle handling and helps reduce stopping distances.

2 Tokico

Less common than Kayaba, but softer in perception, Tokico shock absorbers are not very popular. The company has only two manufacturers: one is located directly in Japan, and the other is based in Thailand. But the quality of production in both cases is excellent, which is not typical for most American and European plants. Only one fifth of exported Japanese cars have this wonderful suspension - this is the trend of the Toyota Camry, heavier Toyota RAV-4 and almost all Lexus cars, in which the emphasis is on speed and comfort.

In addition, the shock absorbers are found on some American cars (as a rule, these are Ford models) and products of the Chinese car industry - Jili, Cherry and (questionable information) Lifan. The rest of the market is given to the more popular Kayaba. However, Tokico has one very important advantage over its perennial competitor - the dampers of this company fake much less.

1 Kayaba

Young, but potentially very strong company, supplying shock absorbers for about 80% of the Chinese market, as well as supplying goods to European and American cars. In their own country, they are widely used in the Mazda, Honda and practically all Toit cars (with the exception of the Camry and the RAV-4).

Since the founding of the bosses of the company wanted to grab a piece of the market more, therefore, launched several conveyor lines for the production of road and sports shock absorbers. In general, the nomenclature of the series is as follows:

• Exel-G - gas-oil shock absorbers for urban roads, characterized by increased handling and minimalist comfort (for those who like to "ponavalivat" in the city);
• Premium - a series of oil shock absorbers superior;
• Gas-a-Just - reinforced monotube rear shock absorbers, suitable for popular Japanese drift;
• Ultra SR - lightweight series of sports dampers to ensure the best stability of the car;
• AGX - adjustable sports gas shock absorbers that can be adjusted to the driving style;
• MonoMax is a gas-oil series operating under high internal pressure. Minimum comfort and maximum controllability in the cut-off.

The best American-made automobile shock absorbers

American firms produce exceptionally high-quality shock absorbers, which won confidence in the domestic market.

4 Rancho

Good American racks RANCHO are a great solution for cars UAZ, VAZ 2121 or Chevrolet Niva. They, unlike the factory shock absorbers, and will last longer, and provide a comfortable ride. Feature of the structure allows these racks in different conditions to behave accordingly. It's all about the double-circuit design. At low loads, only one of them is triggered, and only on a bad road do shock absorbers begin to work at full capacity.

Resource racks surely enough for more than 50 thousand run. The owners noticed that a unique technical solution has a positive effect on the resource of the vehicle suspension as a whole. This is especially noticeable on the example of the front levers - the overhaul intervals tend to increase. As for the rear shock absorbers, judging by the reviews, they serve an order of magnitude longer, even if the car is constantly loaded.

3 Acdelco

Many owners associate the products of this American company with quality and reliability - these are the shock absorbers installed on Kadillac, GMC, HUMMER cars. Many users consider this the main reason for the somewhat overpriced ACDelco racks, although the original product does not cause any complaints. True, the market can buy Chinese equivalent in the same package, so when choosing, you should give preference to proven suppliers.

Shock absorbers are installed in cars not only of the American and European manufacturer (the same Renault). The front and rear pillars, as well as other products of the company, are supplied to assembly lines by Toyota, Daewoo, Saab, and Opel, and the cars of these brands have the reputation of the most reliable. In the reviews of owners of new models of VAZ, as well as the domestic SUV Niva there are positive evaluations of the work of shock absorbers ACDelco. In addition, buying racks from a certified seller, during the year there is an opportunity to take advantage of the warranty obligations of the manufacturer.

2 Delphi

It is strange, but even such a giant in the production of spare parts for a car (and not only on the suspension) completely loses the competition to Monroe. A great company for producing excellent shock absorbers has sunk to the level of a puncher of mediocrities, although history has assumed a brighter future. It was here that the famous McPherson counter was invented, successfully implemented on a number of large automobile lines.

Numerous amateur studies show that the single-tube dampers with gas back-up that were once invented here have great difficulties in damping vibrations when passing road junctions and continuous irregularities. The remaining coefficients are also low, but not as failures, as the above-mentioned smoothness. But to trust such studies (half of which was carried out on the knee in the garage) is 100% impossible. It turns out that the purchase of shock absorbers from Delphi is entirely an individual risk that can surprise as well as disappoint considerably.

1 Monroe

The recognized leader in sales of spare shock absorbers for American and European cars. Despite its origin, Monroe is produced in Belgium, which largely explains such prevalence in the European part of the globe.

On average, Monroe racks are enough for 20 thousand kilometers, which is almost two times less than the KONI or Bilstein indicators, however, their price level is incommensurable. As for applicability, they are ideal only in conditions of a smooth roadbed - on bumpy roads, the efficiency of damping vibrations is significantly reduced. Like many other manufacturers, Monroe produces several running series at once:

• Reflex - shock absorbers enhanced comfort, ensuring smooth passage of irregularities and bumps (do not live long);
• Original - purely factory models with standard passport parameters;
• Radial-Matic, Gas-Matic - a series of two-pipe oil racks with a higher resource and damping capacity;
• Van-Magnum - powerful shock absorbers for SUVs and harsh road conditions.

The best automobile shock absorbers manufactured in CIS countries

The main difference between the shock absorbers from this category is an attractive price and a fairly good quality. At least in the models included in this category, this characteristic is much better than the competitors.

4 BelMag

BelMag shock absorbers are designed for car owners who prefer a calm driving style. The two-pipe design with oil filling provides a much greater margin of safety and comfort of operation (with simultaneous installation on the front and rear axle). These products have become an excellent alternative to factory-made shock absorbers of domestic cars, including those in the model for difficult operating conditions of the VAZ 2121 NIVA.

The viscosity of the oil fluid is operational at a very low temperature (-40 ° C), which allows the use of BelMag products in the harsh northern regions of Russia. Shock absorbers can be installed not only on the VAZ family lineup. The fact of deliveries to the assembly lines Nissan, Renault, LADA and even Japanese Datsun clearly demonstrates the excellent characteristics of the racks of this brand. Acceptable price and decent quality (manufacturer's warranty is 50 thousand km) caused the popularity of shock absorbers of this brand in the domestic market.

3 Fenox

Dampers of the Belarusian company FENOX are widely represented on the Russian market. Oil and gas-oil models are reliable in operation - even on large bumps they rarely “punch”.The rear supports provide a comfortable driving, the car does not swing, but at peak load their efficiency decreases. The front shock absorbers provide good handling and even in the conditions of our roads they “nurture” 80 thousand km or more.

Judging by the reviews, rarely, but still there is a marriage (or fake) - there were cases when the front shock absorbers ceased to function, without having driven 10 thousand km. In general, FENOX is a practical choice for domestic VAZ (including Niva), but it can also be successfully used in more modern LADA models, as well as in the popular Renault Logan. The temperature range of operation ranges from -43 -C to 65 ⁰C, which allows them to be successfully used throughout Russia, including the northern regions.

2 TRIALLI

A feature of the brand is the delivery of spare parts in two fundamentally different categories: the middle and premium segments. The company can afford to produce products with the declared quality, thanks to which, in a relatively short time, it could not only take leading positions in the domestic market, but also gain respect from the consumer, who received a reliable counterpart for replacing factory racks.

Front and rear shock absorbers can be installed on such cars as the Renault Duster, VAZ 2121, Chevrolet Niva, LADA lineup, as well as on other foreign cars, both passenger and commercial. Owner reviews are often quite contradictory, but when you consider that there are many fakes on the market, everything becomes clear. The demand for products from auto owners in Europe, America, and also Asian countries only confirms product quality and high competitiveness.

1 SAAZ

Products Skopinsky automotive aggregate plant, which is quite easy to select from the total mass. The fact is that the manufacturer's model range is limited to only two-pipe shock absorbers (in a classic black case, if that matters). They are inexpensive, but have a couple of interesting features. Firstly, unlike foreign analogues, there is a rebound bumper, which saves when driving on deafly uneven roads (of which, alas, there is enough in Russia). Adding in such a rather useful component, another vulnerability opened up at the racks - they poorly work out the road joints, which is why the smoothness of the course suffers.

Another characteristic feature of the Russian shock absorbers - they are maintainable. The truth is not the fact that the cost of repairs and the resulting quality (residual in nature) will be the best way out. But the marketing of the plant went even further: now every customer can order shock absorbers according to his own wishes (series SAAZ-Enga). SAAZ is a guaranteed and inexpensive option to replace racks for the whole line of “young” and “old” VAZ and Niva cars.

How to choose a reliable car shock absorbers

Depending on personal preferences and purpose, when choosing shock absorbers for a car, we recommend paying attention to the following important parameters:

Type of. Once again, this is the main difference: shock absorbers are hydraulic (oil) and gas (gas-oil). The first give comfort while driving, while the second provide a high level of control at high speeds.

Own driving style. If you are an adherent of unhurried and uniform driving, not accustomed to “pile” on the first straight line, then oil shock absorbers are ideal for you. Otherwise, you should give preference to more expensive gas models.

Brand Another important aspect of choice.If for some reason you are not satisfied with the above brands, look for reviews of other manufacturers on the Internet, and when purchasing products make sure you have a quality certificate (applies to the companies described above).

Cost Parameter that depends on the brand, and the type of shock absorber. Within the same company, components of the default and special series may exist (with increased compression or reaction forces, etc.). The first, regular, will cost less. However, if you want to become the owner of an exclusive, spreading in small volume, then you will have to fork out.

Lack of mechanical damage. The easiest and at the same time one of the most important types of purchase control. Establish the presence of microscopic or internal defects is unlikely to succeed, but carefully inspect the external state of the shock absorber can always be.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of shock absorbers for cars?
We vote!

Bilstein

BOGE

SACHS

Monroe

Delphi

Kayaba

Tokico

Koni

Krosno

AL-KO

SAAZ

BelMag

Fenox

TRIALLI

Rancho

Acdelco

Sensen

CTR

Hola

TRW

Total votes: 783

Vote results