Driving with worn shocks or struts can jeopardize more than just your comfort; it poses real safety concerns, affecting steering, handling, and stopping distances. Shockingly, statistics reveal that 3 out of 5 cars in South Africa have worn shocks, often unbeknownst to the drivers. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of shock absorbers, this article partners with KYB, a global leader in shock absorber manufacturing. KYB, the largest OE shock absorber supplier in Europe, has its shocks installed in one out of every four passenger vehicles worldwide.

 

Start My Car takes pride in being a distributor of KYB suspension products. After reading the answers to your questions below, if you suspect you need new shock absorbers, visit our website to explore our extensive KYB product range. If you don't find your product online, don't hesitate to reach out to us, and we'll do our utmost to order it for you.

 

  1. What causes my vehicle to make clunking noises even though my shocks/struts are new?

Typically, clunking noises result from mounting issues rather than the shock or strut itself. Inspect the components that attach the shock or strut to the vehicle. Worn mounts or loose mountings can cause the unit to move excessively, resulting in noise.

 

  1. Can I compress my shock/strut too easily by hand? Does this mean the shock/strut is weak or defective?

Judging a shock/strut's strength or condition by hand movement alone is inaccurate. The forces and speeds generated by a vehicle in operation far exceed what you can achieve by hand. Fluid valves are calibrated to operate differently based on movement inertia, which cannot be replicated manually.

 

  1. When do I need to replace worn shocks or struts?

Four main reasons determine when to replace them:

  • To restore the vehicle's designed performance (typically after 80,000 km).
  • When the vehicle exhibits excessive ride control issues (e.g., nosedive, body roll).
  • When the vehicle has a failed unit (e.g., leaking hydraulic fluid, tire cupping, excessive bounce).
  • To upgrade performance.

 

  1. Should I consider replacing any other part while having my struts serviced?

Yes, it's a good idea to replace both the strut mount and the protection kit when replacing struts. The strut mount enhances suspension performance by providing smooth steering response and reducing vibrations. Protection kits safeguard your new struts from dirt, dust, salt, and leakage.

 

  1. How do I know if a strut is rebuildable?

Struts themselves cannot be refilled or rebuilt, but some have replaceable cartridges. These repairable struts can be identified by a large hexagonal-shaped nut at the top of the strut body. However, it's important to note that struts are typically gas-charged, and replacement should only be performed by a qualified technician.

 

  1. Do I need to align my tires after I have my struts replaced?

Alignment necessity depends on the vehicle design. Struts are a component that supports the wheel and tire, and some models are unaffected when struts are replaced. However, it's best to consult the specific vehicle service manual and specifications, as struts can affect alignment to some degree.

 

  1. What is the difference between a monotube and a twin-tube design?

Most vehicles worldwide come factory-equipped with twin-tube shock absorbers. These are cost-effective and perform well for average, everyday use. Monotube shock absorbers, on the other hand, are chosen by manufacturers for more demanding driving conditions. They offer quicker response, no performance fade due to aeration, and improved handling and stability.

 

  1. Can worn shocks or struts cause my new tires to wear unevenly?

Absolutely. Shocks and struts control tire movement, and excessive movement can result in "cupping" wear patterns that damage tires. Other factors like incorrect air pressure, worn suspension components, or misaligned steering can also cause uneven tire wear.

 

  1. If I have a twin-tube shock, can I switch to a monotube shock?

Yes, KYB offers monotube shocks as a performance upgrade for many vehicles that come factory-equipped with twin-tubes. This upgrade can enhance handling and stability beyond the factory design.

 

  1. What is the difference between original equipment KYB and aftermarket KYB components?

Original equipment KYB shocks and struts are designed to manufacturer specifications. Aftermarket KYB products are calibrated to compensate for worn suspension components, helping restore the vehicle's original handling and control characteristics. KYB aftermarket also offers monotube shocks for enhanced control and handling.

 

  1. I noticed a light film of oil on the shaft of my shock/strut. Do I need to replace them?

A small amount of oil on the shaft is normal and used for lubrication. However, if the unit is extremely wet or dripping oil, it should be inspected by a qualified technician.

 

  1. Why do I need to replace worn shocks or struts?

To maintain the vehicle's stability within its designed capability. Shocks and struts resist body and tire movement, and as they wear, the vehicle becomes less stable, affecting steering responsiveness, body lean, and tire grip. Worn shocks can reduce stopping ability by up to 23%.

 

  1. What is the difference between shock absorbers and struts?

Both serve similar functions but differ in how they mount to the vehicle. Struts act as an integral part of the suspension, replacing the upper control arm and serving as a pivot point for steering. Shocks are used in addition to the suspension and steering components.

 

  1. Do the strut mounts come with bearings?

Many do, especially when the strut mount serves as the steering pivot. Bearings are wear items that affect steering response and wheel alignment.

 

  1. Why should replacement springs always be fitted in axle pairs?

While one spring may be broken and require replacement, the other springs may be fatigued and prone to failure. Replacing only one spring can lead to an unbalanced axle, resulting in uneven braking and handling.

 

  1. What kind of controls do KYB use during production?

KYB maintains rigorous control over quality and tuning parameters during production. This includes testing design specifications, component quality, production line quality, and various tuning parameters such as piston orifices, valve and spring load, and nut torque settings.

 

  1. Why do I need to check suspension geometry after fitting new springs?

As springs wear and sag, they affect caster, camber, toe, and the turning circle. Conducting a full geometry check after fitting new springs helps reduce wear in tires and other components like track rod ends.

 

  1. How do I adjust a Gas-a-Just shock absorber?

The Gas-a-Just shock absorber features an internal self-adjusting valve mechanism and cannot be manually adjusted.

 

  1. Why are coil springs that come off a vehicle often longer than the new springs supplied as replacements?

Old springs may have become coil-bound, meaning they no longer return to their original height after extensive compression.

 

  1. Why are shocks for OE and aftermarket sometimes different?

OE shocks are designed according to manufacturer specifications for brand-new vehicles. Aftermarket shocks are calibrated to compensate for worn components, aiming to restore suspension performance as intended by the manufacturer. The main differences lie in damping force and stroke length.