The best shock absorbers for cars

When mankind realized that neither leaf springs nor pneumatic tires would get rid of bumps and bounces on the road, thinking about solving the problem led to the invention of a shock absorber. The best shock absorbers for cars are efficient and high-tech. For handling, stability, braking, their characteristics are of decisive importance. Quality damping devices are more than just the ability to ride in comfort. The health and sometimes the life of the driver and passengers depend on their potential.

How to choose a shock absorber for a car

To make a rating of the most successful damper devices, the model range of all the leading companies in the world was considered. Together with representatives of the Info-Parts expert group, the requests and wishes of domestic car owners were analyzed. The recommendations of professional service station mechanics were taken into account.

Introducing the top 14 models from companies around the world. What was taken into account in the selection in the first place?

• A type. Oil or gas;
• Compliance with the requirements of technical regulation and metrology agencies;
• Standards and their expert assessments;
• Analysis of the features of operation;
• Car manufacturer recommendations;
• Dampers for different types of driving;
• The financial capabilities of the consumer.

The best European shock absorbers

The best among the manufacturers of shock absorbers were the Germans and the Dutch. Their expertise is unmatched, and quality and standards guide everyone else in the world.

The pioneers of mechanical engineering in the production of components lead the rating. And even high prices do not frighten buyers. The longevity guarantee is worth more.

Analysis of competitiveness, the results of surveys of car owners and mechanics of service stations provide an opportunity to present the TOP of the best European manufacturers.

Bilsteim

In 1954, Bilsteim was the first in the world to install monotube shock absorbers on cars. This engineering find was immediately assessed as "excellent". It turned out that a new type of damping device improves handling without losing the level of comfort. And the operational terms of the debutant were at their best.

The filling of modern Bilsteim products is innovative electronics. But the share of manual labor is also high. Therefore, each piece is impeccable in quality.

Benefits:

• One-, two- and four-way adjustment depending on the quality of the road;
• Improved directional stability;
• Compatible with any standard springs;
• DampTronic electronic suspension control;
• Pneumatic module;
• Helical suspension with individual settings.

disadvantages

• A correspondingly high price.

Installing Bilsteim shock absorbers in your favorite cars guarantees comfort, safe driving even under heavy loads.

Koni

The best shock absorbers for cars are also made by the Dutch company Koni. More than 150 years of accumulated experience have helped to create the widest range of competitive products. With over 2,500 shock absorber models, you can find the perfect shock absorber for any vehicle. For comfortable riding Koni Special and for active Koni Sport. The color coding of the springs will tell you which one to choose for a particular mode of transport, its operating conditions and driving style.

The design diagrams of damping devices provide for compliance with the suspension system of any car brands, as well as the possibility of their adjustment. This will help adapt the shock to the owner's wishes.

Benefits:

• Ensure perfect ride smoothness;
• Extremely stable when cornering;
• Will not let you down when driving aggressively;
• Cope with high static loads.

disadvantages

• Slight rigidity.

Confident in their own impeccability, manufacturers even went for such a bold marketing ploy: in Germany, Koni shock absorbers have a lifetime warranty.

Boge

The motto of the company, established in 1915, was and remains to increase the safety of the car. Since 2001, Boge has become part of the ZF Friedrichshafen AG concern, and soon the range of shock absorbers increased to 4,400 models. Gas-filled, hydraulic shock absorbers from Boge reliably serve the cars of well-known manufacturers Mercedes, Volvo, Audi, Renault, and also perfectly suit other, less well-known brands.
Impressive assortment:

• Automatic oil shock absorbers create an extra-comfortable ride;
• BOGE Turbo 24 one-pipe fit for off-road;
• Gas Pro-gas provides a smooth running;
• Turbo-Gas tough but manageable for sporty driving;
• The Nivomat series has massive springs, is not afraid of loading;

In general, buyers are satisfied with what they are purchasing, which is the best indicator of a good manufacturer.

Benefits:

• Spot welding of elements;
• Special technology of rod hardening and micro-polishing;
• Oil with operating temperature from -40 ° to + 180 °;
• The shape of the stem seal increases the temperature range;
• Long-term mileage guarantee;
• Adequate price.

disadvantages

• Softer oil models lose their cushioning properties faster when off-road.

In comparison with the leaders of the rating, Boge models are cheaper, although they are slightly inferior in quality. They hold the road well, are quite durable even in the harsh conditions of the Russian north. Positive feedback from owners on Boge shocks drives sales.

Sachs

Sachs, like Boge, is part of the ZF Friedrichshafen AG concern. But at the same time it retains its own traditions and recognition. The Sachs trademark is versatility. The shock absorber is installed on an SUV, a passenger car, Russian VAZs. To combine the requirements of reliability, comfort and safety in one set allows one hundred years of experience in the production of auto parts. Sachs models are found on many Formula 1 cars.

Sachs is constantly updating and expanding its product range. More than half a billion pieces of damper devices per year come off the conveyors of 39 factories of the company. But the most popular models are relatively inexpensive.

Benefits:

• Increased wear resistance;
• Corrosion resistance;
• Noise reduction system;
• Improved dynamic properties;
• Unique suspension dynamics
• Water-based protective varnish.

disadvantages

• At high temperatures, the rebound force variation increases.

The versatility of Sachs shock absorbers is alarming for some drivers. But such developments lead to innovative technologies. Perhaps the future belongs to them.

Hola

The young ambitious company Hola quickly got on its feet and declared itself as a manufacturer of spare parts that meet the state quality standards of various countries. In the production of damper devices, Hola has focused on two popular series: CFD for comfortable driving and G'Ride for problem roads and extreme driving enthusiasts.

At every stage of production, future batteries are carefully monitored. This is done using automated systems and personal analysis by the company's engineers. All supplied components and raw materials are also meticulously checked.

Benefits:

• Optimal compression and rebound forces;
• Wear-resistant self-cleaning oil seal;
• Japanese high quality grease;
• Budget cost;
• Estimated resource up to 70 thousand kilometers;
• Implementation of the Long Life Warranty system.

disadvantages

• Slight rigidity.

Hola launched an Internet service, now you can quickly find parts that are analogous to the originals among their products. Also, car owners, drivers and sellers have appreciated the new Long Life Warranty system. Its essence is that the consumer, along with the shock absorbers, receives full technical and marketing support. Installation and product warranty service is excellent.

Best Japanese and Chinese shock absorbers

The best shock absorbers for cars on this list work reliably. Among a fairly large number of manufacturers, it is their models that have become the most popular all over the world. Japanese and Chinese dampers were especially loved by European automobile concerns. They are installed on many budget car brands. Japanese automakers prefer this reliable filling to their more expensive counterparts.

Tokico

The Japanese company Tokico has a first-class reputation not only for product quality, but also for abandoning double standards for evaluating its shock absorbers for the assembly line and aftermarket. All are subject to the same high demands. Despite the fact that Tokico has only two manufacturing plants, the quality of production at both is excellent, which is unusual for most factories in America and Europe.

In 2004, the company merged with the Hitachi corporation and set a course for entering the Russian market. It was quite successful, since the shock absorbers Tokico corp. Japan combines excellent parameters and low price.

Benefits:

• Certified shock absorbers for OEM production;
• Bypass valves with smooth running in all conditions;
• Improved piston mechanism;
• Wide range of HTS Damper settings;
• Damping for Trekmaster R / T trucks and 4x4 vehicles.

disadvantages

• The declared resource does not always work out.

Official documentation of shock absorbers Tokico corp. Japan will protect you from counterfeiting. Fortunately, these dampers are rarely counterfeited.

Kayaba

The company gives an official guarantee for shock absorbers sold in Russia. In the mid-range price segment, Kayaba offers the highest quality dampers. This is confirmed by the growing consumer popularity of the products.

Features of the models:

• The Premium series will provide increased driving comfort;
• Rear Gas-a-Just are the best for drifting enthusiasts;
• Ultra SR makes sports cars perfectly stable;
• Adjustable gas AGXs can be adjusted to suit the driving style;
• Extage dampers are ideal for city cars;
• Gas-oil series MonoMax does not indulge in comfort, but is most obedient in speed.
• Nivomat and Automatic are the best in trucks.

The ambitious company supplies 80% of the Chinese market with its spare parts, 70% of the shock absorbers from Nissan are also the brainchild of Kayaba. Honda, Mazda, almost all Toyota are produced with their filling. Reviews of Kayaba shock absorbers from buyers from the CIS countries are almost all positive.

Benefits:

• Three-level valve system;
• Chrome plated rods with increased durability;
• Seamless welding of cylinders;
• Regulation of the degree of hardness;
• Innovative Hi-tech rack system;
• Teflon piston valve;
• Acceptable price.

disadvantages

• Excessive rigidity.

Shock absorbers Kayaba and Tokico are considered by buyers to be almost the same in quality. Perhaps this is true. However, more common than Tokico, but less soft in perception, Kayaba shocks are still more popular.

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Sensen

Sensen shocks are the affordable counterpart of the Kayaba. The company's high-tech factories are fully robotized and are considered the most advanced in China. Officially, the country of origin of Sensen is China, but the factories are also located in Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia.

By focusing on low cost, the company's developers and engineers were able to do the impossible.A mandatory step is rigorous testing. Therefore, all Sensen shocks have a certified warranty.

The product range of the company is not so great: it produces shock absorbers only for passenger cars and medium cars. This specialization helps to focus on core products, constantly working to improve their durability and quality.

Benefits:

• Chrome plated shock rods are made from high carbon steel;
• The seals are supplied by the Japanese company Nok;
• Corrosion protection;
• Teflon coated bushings;
• Robotic seam welding.

disadvantages

• After the warranty period, they quickly fail.

Having relied on the release of an analogue at a more attractive price, Sensen was not mistaken. Consumers quickly appreciated products that meet quality standards. The company's shock absorbers are installed by powerful automobile concerns Dongfen and Nissan.

Miles

Miles is headquartered in Belgium. This is where the European involvement in production ends, all shock absorbers are manufactured in Asian countries. However, Miles damper systems are becoming more and more popular.

The young company has taken a course towards advanced technology. All factories are equipped with the latest technology. Many operations are robotic. The result is good quality at a low price. And the ever-growing demand for products. In many ways, Miles shock absorbers are ahead of their original counterparts.

Benefits:

• The working cylinder tube has a seamless design;
• Disc type valve system;
• Sealing gland NOK Corporation;
• Highly refined Korean-made oil;
• Precision machined chrome plated stem;
• Special additives eliminate foaming and aeration;
• Compliance with European quality standards.

disadvantages

• The front struts begin to leak after hard use.

Miles is establishing contacts with automotive parts developers from Russia. This confirms the desire to take a strong position in the market and not disappoint consumers.

Patron

The company's shock absorbers are 20-40% cheaper than analogues. Experienced drivers were alarmed at first by this fact. But as practice has shown, Patron dampers demonstrate high-quality operation at a low price. All products of the brand are included in the world's largest specialized catalog of auto parts TecDoc, and the company itself has an international registration.

The Patron brand belongs to the Shate-M Plus corporation, has 70 factories located in 11 countries. Including in Belgium, South Korea, Italy, Belarus, China. All models have a unified control system. It represents test centers equipped with powerful test stands. Patron dampers work well in cars of American, European, Asian manufacturers.

Benefits:

• Special additives in twin-tube shock absorbers prevent foaming;
• Responsive models instantly change stiffness;
• One-pipe dampers can be installed in any position;
• Have an improved cooling system;
• The quality is similar to the originals.

disadvantages

• Short warranty period;
• At high temperatures, hardness increases.

In the Patron range, you can select shock absorbers by car brand or find a universal model that can be easily adjusted with your four-wheeled friend.

The best American shock absorbers

Experts are quite sympathetic to American shock absorbers. They are trustworthy. But there are two companies whose products are the most competitive. Both are part of the Tenneco Automotive Group. This is a powerful corporation, their products are the brand's trademark. Introducing the best American shock absorber manufacturers.

Monroe

The Monroe brand is one of the oldest in the automotive world. Since 1026, the shock absorbers of this company are not inferior to their competitors.To keep the brand, Monroe Engineering Corps is constantly and purposefully working to improve the quality of its products.

15 technical centers on five continents provide instant innovation. When it comes to damper systems, Monroe is simply a benchmark for innovation. Their electronically controlled suspension has revolutionized the world of shock absorbers. Millions of customers around the world have said yes to the American manufacturer Monroe and are delighted with their choice.

Benefits:

• Perfect match to originals;
• Reflex technology of the double valve disc package;
• Innovative Oespectrum valve system;
• Van-Magnum for light trucks;
• Adventure Off-Road Series;
• Intelligent Suspension System.

disadvantages

• High price.

Monroe shocks are not affordable for everyone. Although this is the option when you forget about the problems and just enjoy the ease of driving.

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Rancho

Rancho is great at making shock absorbers and tuning parts, focusing exclusively on SUVs. Everything is done in the factories of America, and sales go all over the world.

The Rancho shock absorber catalog impresses with the capabilities of the damper devices. Here you can find the perfect quality filling for the most modest farm trucks and any fancy "monsters". They make it at Monroe factories, since both companies are part of the Tenneco Automotive Group. But the shock absorbers were designed by Rancho engineers. Over the past 16 years, the RS5000 series has led sales across all states in America. It was also appreciated in the CIS countries. Reliable, durable Rancho shocks aren't cheap, but well worth it.

Benefits:

• Double-circuit design;
• Special sensors monitor the rod speed;
• Driving parts are coated with Teflon anti-friction material;
• The special boot protects perfectly against dirt;
• The dampers have 5 levels of hardness.

disadvantages

• No.

Adjusting the stiffness of Rancho shocks is easy and simple. You can always choose comfort or reliable handling.

The best Russian shock absorbers

Despite the stereotypes, domestic damping systems are durable, adapted to work in difficult conditions, and are suitable for many car brands. There are proposals for every taste. But the rating of the leaders includes, alas, a few. And most often it is not about the poor competitiveness of the products. Our auto industry, as always, lags behind in marketing. Based on the analysis of the qualitative indicators of shock absorbers produced at Russian enterprises, 2 companies were selected. Their products are recognized as the best.

SAAZ

The Skopinsky Automotive Aggregate Plant became the first sign in the years of rapid industrial development. Even in difficult times, the team tried to keep the brand. And in recent years, the creative engineering boom has once again brought the joint-stock company into the ranks of the leaders.

SAAZ products are manufactured using high-tech equipment. The control and testing system is well established. A pleasant result: the enterprise became the first, whose products were interested in serious European car manufacturers. A weighty argument of SAAZ shock absorbers for practical Russian drivers is that they can be repaired. Now the enterprise is part of the United Automotive Technologies group. Turnkey cars are made here.

Benefits:

• High-quality damper systems for all brands of VAZ;
• Modern two-pipe design;
• Equipped with a rebound damper;
• The SAAZ-Eng series is assembled taking into account individual requirements;
• Repairable;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• Lack of off-road smoothness.

When expensive imported dampers become unusable, they can only be thrown away. And the domestic ones, after minor repairs, will still serve.

Fenox

Shock absorbers of the Belarusian company Fenox Global Group make a serious claim for leadership in their price segment.Continuous improvement in design and production makes Fenox dampers attractive to European consumers.

One of the 12 factories of the company operates in Germany, its products are known and associated with the German quality level. The company strives to maintain its reputation. Dampers are manufactured on high-tech conveyors. The modern control system carefully monitors the process.

Benefits:

• Parts are processed on CNC by the Japanese company Okuma;
• Cathodic-mechanical chromium plating of the rod is used;
• The valve system is installed - MultiDisc System;
• Among the know-how is a self-cleaning shock absorber oil seal;
• Safe range of temperatures from -40 ° to + 55 ° .;
• 5-year warranty.

disadvantages

• After a long period of operation, they start knocking.

Belarusian dampers in Eastern Europe are considered the best among inexpensive but good manufacturers.

Which shock absorber for a car is better to buy

First of all, each car owner compares their desires to the capabilities of the wallet. But this is not always correct. Having overpaid for a fashion brand, you can purchase a damper with characteristics that are unnecessary for your own car. Or, conversely, in pursuit of savings, take a device that quickly fails. The presented rating makes it possible to find a middle ground. You just need to do a comparative analysis:

• Owners of luxury cars should not skimp on Bilsteim shock absorbers;
• Dutch Hola are inexpensive but match the originals;
• Sensen is the best buy for little money;
• Do you have an SUV? So you need to get Rancho;
• For domestic cars, the Russian shock absorbers of a passenger car of the SAAZ company will serve.