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Replace Shock Absorber, Why, When & How.

Do you know why shock absorber is so important for driving?

Because it makes sure safety and comfort

• Proper fitment result in safer & comfortable driving conditions.
• Replace shock absorbers periodically
• Do check for damages

What are the problems caused by worn out shock absorber?

• Excessive shaking on the unpaved road
• Unstable ride at high speed
• Excessive nosedive and squat during acceleration and braking
• Longer stopping distance
• Tyre bouncing on a bumpy road
• Bad fuel consumption

When should we replace the shock absorber?

• Uneven tread wear shows the shock absorber are worn out
• When your car tends to drift or bounce when you experience loss of handling control
• When your car keeps rocking while you push the hood down
• When your car is bouncing continuosly
• When you hear a stange and unfamiliar sound from the shock absorber

What is the purpose of shock absorber?

• Keeps tyres firmly on the road
• Better road grip and control

What is the sign of a dead shock absorber?

• Dents on the outer casing
• Bend on the piston
• Damaged bushes and washers

When do you recommend to change the shock absorber?

• Generally you need to replace the shock absorbers every 20,000 kms

Can we replace one shock absorber alone

• Do not replace one shock absorber alone
• Always replace all the shock absorbers at one time

What grade shock absorber suits my car?

• Sets higher that OE, not down than OE

• If original shocks are Oil= set Oil (44/63/66 series) or Twin Tube Gas (34/36/33 series) or Mono Tube Gas (55 series)
• If original shocks are Twin tube Gas= set Twin tube Gas (34/36/33 series) or Mono Tube Gas (55 series), No Oil Shock (44/63/66 series)
• If original shocks are Mono Tube Gas= set Mono Tube Gas (55 series), No Oil Shock (44/63/66 series) and No Twin Tube Gas (34/36/33 series)

What is the advantage of Gas Shock Absorbers?

• Stable road grip
• Better comfort on rough roads

How safe are reconditioned Shock Absorbers?

• No adequate damping force
• Harmful to human life
• Less durability makes frequent replacement

Is life span of gas shock absorbers more than that of oil shock absorbers?

• Both gas and oil shock absorbers have same life span

Can I check damping force of the shock absorber by hand testing?

• Shock absorbers should not be hand tested
• Aactual damping force cannot be checked by hand

How about KYB’s damping force?

• KYB shock absorber’s damping force is always more than genuine shock absorbers

How to store the shock absorbers?

• Do not store the shock absorbers in upright position
• Always store them in flat position

Points to be noted before installation

• Hold the shock abosorbers vertically
• Pull the piston rod/cover right up to the maximum expansion
• Press down the piston rod/cover to the maximum compressed length
• Do this operation at least 4 to 5 times
• This operations allows to prime the shock absorber

Points to be noted before installation

• Always use a new lock nut while using a new shock absorber
• While installing the brake hose, make sure to release air bubles on all brake hoses
• Always use a torque wrench to tighten the lock nut
• Please check the manufacturers service manual for the torque required
• Replace the bumper stop in case of missing or broken
• Bumper stop is fitted on the shock absorbers to prevent bottoming and possible damages to the bottom compression valve of the shock absorber
• Remove the stabilizer link from the strut assembly and the braek hose
• Cap the tip of the hose to avoid spillage of the brake fluid
• Take off the bolts from the bottom attachment bracket
• Take off the attachment nut on the top and remove the strut assembly from vehicle
• Hold the strut assembly in a vice and set spring compressors on both sides and compress the spring
• Remove the lock nut located on top of the rod
• Take off the upper support assembly, spring seat, coil spring and dust boot
• Keep these parts in one location as they may be re-used for installation of the new shock absorbers

Always use the proper tools to replace the shock absorber like torque wrench and a pair of spring compressors