The Ultimate Shock Absorber Buying Guide

1 What Are Shock Absorbers And Why Do I Need Them?

Shock absorbers are important elements for the safety of a vehicle. The shock absorber is a device that dampens the vibrations and shocks that occur as the wheel goes over bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections. Shock absorbers connect the wheels and springs to the chassis. As the vehicle travels, the springs bounce according to the variation in the ground surface resulting in vibrations at the wheels. The job of the shock absorber is to smoothen out these constant and sudden changes in wheel movement, providing a plush ride. Shock absorber assists in keeping the car’s tires in permanent contact with the road, helping to provide optimum grip, when cornering and braking. 

What Is The Difference Between The Shock Absorbers And Struts?

The arrangement of the springs and shock absorbers can vary based on the suspension system and also from the front to the rear of a vehicle. The shock absorbers can be either mounted separately from the springs or be integrated with the springs. Shock absorbers with integrated coil springs are called struts and are commonly used on McPherson-type suspension systems. Struts are structural suspension components since they carry the weight of the vehicle as well as act as traditional shock absorbers. Struts are mostly used on the front wheels of many modern vehicles due to their simple and effective design.

Top Picks For Shock Absorbers

2 What Are The Types Of Shock Absorbers?

Shock absorbers are integral suspension system components that dictate many important suspension and vehicle characteristics. This is why they can be classified based on many different categories. The most important categories are as follows:

According To Construction

According To Design

According To Adjustability

According To Fluid Type

3 What Should I Consider Before Buying Shock Absorbers?

As you can tell from the many types, shock absorbers vary in many different ways and so it is easy to get confused when purchasing new ones, especially if you want something better than what came from the factory. The below list provides an insight into factors you should be considering before you buy new shock absorbers for your vehicle.

Driving Conditions

Your shock absorber choice largely depends on your driving condition and style. Everyday commuters that stick to highways and roads can opt for reliable and durable steel twin-tube shock absorbers. Within twin-tube shock absorbers is Position sensitive damping and Acceleration sensitive damping twin-tube shock absorber. These offer many advantages over standard twin-tube shocks like faster damping response, providing more comfort, and can be an upgrade over the factory twin-tube shocks. 

For those who often track their vehicles or go on unpaved surfaces like off-roaders and racing vehicles, the better choice is mono-tube shock absorbers. These types of shocks are capable of withstanding harsher driving conditions that can be found in racing and off-roading applications. 

Price

The cost of shock absorbers can get really steep the more high-performance they are. Twin-tube shocks are usually an affordable replacement choice for most users. However, position and acceleration sensitive damping twin-tube shocks can be more expensive but worth the extra cost due to the better performance they give. Monotube shocks can get quite expensive but are a necessity in performance applications. Heavy-duty shock absorbers and struts also cost more but are a long-lasting and durable choice for those who have larger vehicles.

Brand Choice

If you want high-performance shock absorbers then you need to look to the aftermarket as OE replacements are pretty limited. Different manufacturers have different offerings that are suited to different users. OE counterparts are designed for a broad user base and do not cater to any specific applications. On the other hand, aftermarket brands can provide solutions for even the most unique shock absorber needs. The features mentioned along with each brand can help you decide which brand meets your shock absorber requirements. 

Material Choice

Another shock absorber variation you need to consider is the material they are made of. The material the shock is made of can influence many important characteristics like performance, weight, and price. Shock absorbers are available in steel and aluminum. Steel shocks are affordable choices and have a good lifespan and performance. However, they are heavier, cannot be adjusted, and are susceptible to corrosion after prolonged usage. Aluminum shocks are lightweight which helps reduce unsprung mass and can be adjusted which allows the user to alter the ride height. Although these performance benefits come at a premium price. 

4 What Are The Top Brands Of Shock Absorbers I Can Choose?

Monroe Shock Absorbers And Struts

Monroe products are designed, engineered, fit and ride checked, and built with each vehicle’s specific ride and handling profile in mind. The strict performance standards at Monroe, with their OE expertise, ensure OE-quality fit and function from each individual component as well as how the finished parts work together once installed. The high-carbon steel and premium components that go into premium Monroe shocks, struts, and strut assemblies make each one a top-quality product.

i) Monroe Range Of Strut Assemblies:

A. Roadmatic™ Complete Strut Assembly

RoadMatic™ strut assemblies include all the components required for strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit.

Part Number:  181361, 182264, 182264, 182518, 182179R, and more. 

Features:

• An economical replacement alternative to ensure a complete repair
• Meets OE product specifications
• Nitrogen gas charge and all-weather fluid deliver improved comfort
• Ready to install – no spring compressor required
• Helps reduce installation time
• Available for older model-year passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs

B. Quick-Strut® Complete Replacement Strut Assembly

Monroe Quick-Strut units include all the high-quality components required for strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit.

Part Number: 171672, 272641, 171128R, 272641, 272408, and more.

Features: 

• Precision-engineered for components featuring OE-style mount and coil spring design
• Premium strut technology specific for each application to optimize each vehicle’s unique ride and handling characteristics
• Each assembly is 100% fit and rides tested on the corresponding application
• Help restore factory ride height and original vehicle ride performance
• Available for popular passenger car, light truck, and SUV applications
• The designed flexibility of the mount allows the strut angle to follow the travel of the lower ball joint, ensuring smooth “like-new” steering precision.
• Application-specific damping technologies are tuned and tested to deliver exceptional control, improved handling, and passenger comfort.

C. Magnum™ Loaded Strut Assembly

Specifically designed for ½ ton trucks, Monroe Magnum Loaded Strut Assemblies are ideal for hard-working trucks engaged in towing, hauling, and plowing.

Part Numbers: 153032R, 153030, 153027, 153031, and more.

Features:

• Variable-rate spring design* for improved performance
• Upgraded strut technology* for OE-style control and handling
• Patented Acceleration Sensitive Damping (ASD) technology*
• Chrome piston rod* for long service life

ii) Monroe Range Of Struts:

A. Monro-Matic® Plus Struts

Monro-Matic® Plus struts provide an ideal balance of comfort and control for any driving condition.

Part Number: 801973, 801661, 801572, 801964, 802179, and more.

Features: 

• Economical Replacement Alternative 
• Nitrogen gas-charged design
• Velocity Proportional Valving (VPV) technology provides proportional damping based on the speed of vehicle-to-road impact for a smooth ride

B. Reflex® Struts

Reflex® struts valving technology automatically adjusts the shock to absorb rough road impact, leaving the strut with greater control for improved handling, safety, and comfort.

Part Number:  71141, 71321, 71362, 71369, 71377, 71398, 72209 and more.

Features:

1. Enhanced stability by reducing body roll rate and dive in evasive maneuvers or tight turns
2. Application-engineered to each vehicle model
3. The high-pressure gas charge helps deliver a precise and consistent response
4. Ideal for larger light trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles with a high center of gravity

C. OESpectrum® Struts

OESpectrum® struts provide an unprecedented level of handling precision and control while filtering out noise, vibration, and harshness.

Part Number: 71615,72448, 72713, 72306, 71594, and more.

Features:

• Features latest original equipment valving technologies specific to each vehicle
• Engineered to match your vehicle’s OE-specified ride and handling profile
• Designed specifically for European, Asian, and North American vehicles
• Limited Lifetime Warranty”

iii) Monroe Range Of Shock Absorbers:

A. Monroe® Gas-magnum® Truck Shock Absorber:

Gas-Magnum truck shock absorbers provide firm control without a harsh ride.

Part Number: 34530,  34760, 34504, 34686, 65164, and more.

Features: 

• Expanded reserve tube* for greater oil capacity to better dissipate heat compared to OE
• Better valving range on both the compression and extension cycles of the unit for a smooth, comfortable ride
• Nitrogen gas-charged for improved ride and handling helps maintain tire-to-road contact by reducing aeration
• Work more efficiently with less effort up to twice the fluid capacity of standard 1″ bore shocks*
• Designed for mid-to full-size light-duty work trucks and vans

B. Reflex® Truck Shock Absorbers

Truck shock absorbers valving technology automatically adjusts the shock to absorb the impact, leaving the shock with greater control for improved handling, safety, and comfort.

Part Number: 911188, 911186, 911221, 911198, 911255, and more.

Features: 

• Enhanced stability by reducing body roll rate and dive in evasive maneuvers or tight turns
• Application-engineered to each vehicle model
• The high-pressure gas charge helps deliver a precise and consistent response
• Ideal for larger light trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles with a high center of gravity

C. Reflex® Monotube Shock Absorbers

Monroe Reflex® monotube shocks are specifically engineered to provide better handling, control, and performance.

Part Numbers: 911536, 911505, 911503, 911501, 911516, and more.

Features: 

• Designed for vehicles originally equipped with monotube shocks
• Enhanced stability by reducing body roll rate and dive in evasive maneuvers or tight turns
• Featuring a high-pressure gas charge that separates the unit’s internal oil and nitrogen to provide an additional spring rate, helping to maximize damping efficiency and control
• Includes a hydraulic lockout to cushion the impact as the vehicle suspension is fully extended
• Application-engineered to each vehicle model
• Ideal for larger light trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles with a high center of gravity

D. Monro-Matic® Plus Shock Absorbers

Monro-Matic® Plus shock absorbers provide an ideal balance of comfort and control for any driving condition.

Part Numbers: 31029, 32127, 32292, 32067, 32317, and more.

Features: 

• Economical Replacement Alternative
• Nitrogen gas-charged design
• Velocity Proportional Valving (VPV) technology provides proportional damping based on the speed of vehicle-to-road impact for a smooth ride

E. OESpectrum® Truck & Passenger Car Shock Absorbers

Featuring their latest global Original Equipment valving technologies, Monroe® OESpectrum® ride control products are designed with the right technology specific for each application to provide added control while reducing harshness experienced with rough, bumpy road conditions. OESpectrum® shock absorbers provide an unprecedented level of handling precision and control while filtering out noise, vibration, and harshness.

Part Numbers: 37225, 5801, 37285, 5804,  37181, and more.

Features: 

• Features latest original equipment valving technologies specific to each vehicle
• Engineered to match your vehicle’s OE-specified ride and handling profile
• Designed specifically for European, Asian, and North American vehicles
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

F. OESpectrum® Monotube Shock Absorbers

Featuring their latest global Original Equipment valving technologies, Monroe® OESpectrum® ride control products are designed with the right technology specific for each application to provide added control while reducing harshness experienced with rough, bumpy road conditions. OESpectrum® monotube shock absorbers provide an unprecedented level of handling precision and control while filtering out noise, vibration, and harshness.

Part Numbers: 39104, 39105, 39044, 39110, 39113, and more.

Features: 

• For vehicles originally equipped with monotube shock absorbers
• Designed for enhanced ride performance
• Engineered to match your vehicle’s OE-specified ride and handling profile
• Designed specifically for European, Asian, and North American vehicles
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

G. Monroe® Load Adjusting Shock Absorbers

Monroe load adjusting shock absorbers adjust rapidly to changing road and weight conditions, delivering enhanced control with uncompromised ride comfort.

Part Numbers: 58263, 58270, 58241, 58273, 58575, 58275.

Features: 

• Delivers superior comfort for everyday driving
• Provides extra control when operating conditions become more demanding for hauling and towing
• Includes a heavy gauge calibrated spring for extra control and comfort
• Assists in maintaining ride height when loaded with additional weight up to 1,100 lbs*
• Ideal for light trucks that carry varying loads or tow trailers

For more products, you can visit our Monroe Shocks and Struts Section.

Unity Automotive Struts Assemblies

The company’s complete strut assemblies include all the components required for a strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit. They feature pre-assembled replacement bearing plates, top mounts, upper and lower spring isolators, upper spring seat, coil spring, premium rubber dust boot, and a gas-charged premium quality strut. This breakthrough design saves on installation time by eliminating the safety hazards associated with the decompression of the coil spring. Every strut assembly features application-engineered valves to optimize each vehicle’s unique ride and handling characteristics.

Part Number: 11970, 11681, 11090, 11116, 11137, and more.

Features:

• Largest coverage in the market today
• 500+ SKU’s currently available and growing
• Fully assembled, ready to install complete strut assemblies
• Eliminate reuse of old parts for premium ride feel
• Eliminate safety hazards of installation
• Reduce installation time from 4 to less than 1 hrs
• Premium quality at a competitive price
• Buy with confidence – a zero-defect policy with a limited lifetime warranty 

For more products, you can visit our Unity Automotive Shocks and Struts Section

Transit Warehouse Struts

TMC shocks are an exceptional quality aftermarket option for everyday vehicle use and are easy to install. TMC shock absorbers will increase your control over your vehicle’s ride and handling in response to unexpected jolts. TMC shock absorbers maximize braking effectiveness by keeping the vehicle’s tires in contact with the pavement and controlling all unwanted motion, including bounce, sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat.

Part Numbers: 78-72263, 78-72598, 78-71128, 78-7229, 78-72297, and more.

Features:

• Over 500 SKUs are available
• Meets automotive industry TS16949 quality standard.
• The natural rubber boot protects the super-finished chrome-plated piston rod from road dirt and debris.
• High-quality polyurethane bump stop.
• Easy installation: no additional parts or special tools are required.
• Reduces installation and downtime by 65%.
• A fully assembled unit includes all of the high-quality components required for successful strut replacement.
• Vehicle-specific, the premium all-in-one solution optimizes ride and handling characteristics.
• Precision-engineered components surpass OEM standards for a perfect fit each and every time.
• Individually tested for maximum vehicle control, durability, and safety.
• Zero defect policy.

For more products, you can visit our Transit Warehouse Shocks and Struts Section.

KYB Shocks Absorbers And Struts

KYB Corporation is one of the largest worldwide manufacturers of shock absorbers for original equipment supplying around 50 million shocks every year to world-leading vehicle manufacturers. 1 in 5 of the worlds’ cars and light commercial vehicles leaving the production line are fitted with KYB shock absorbers as original equipment. High-level technology, manufacturing, and product quality, matched with superb aftermarket engagement, guarantee excellent shock absorbers. The range offers oil and gas shock absorbers, and high-pressure mono tubes – the best for more demanding driving.

A. KYB Excel-G Shocks And Struts

The most popular KYB series in the world, Excel-G shock absorbers are the absolute best product to restore original handling and control. Excel-G shock absorbers have been designed to compensate for wear in other suspension parts while providing superior handling and comfort to many other original equipment units.

Part Numbers: 341340, 341608, 341744, 340066, 344381, and more.

Features: 

• Multi-lip oil seal to reduce the possibility of oil leakage.
• Pressurized Nitrogen (N2) gas to reduce foaming and aeration, deliver better performance.
• Hard-chromed piston rod to reduce friction.
• Seamless cylinder to reduce the possibility of splitting.
• 3-stage rebound valving to give better control.
• 3-stage compression valve to assure fast recovery.
• Sintered iron piston and rod guide to add strength.
• Wear-resistant piston ring to reduce friction & leakage.
• All-weather fluid to maintain constant viscosity regardless of external temperatures.
• Seamless eye ring to reduce the possibility of breakage.
• Rebound cushion prolongs life.
• Teflon-coated bushing reduces wear.

Benefits:

• Their purpose is to restore an automobile’s originally designed handling and control
• Calibrated to compensate for worn suspensions
• Components and valving are designed specifically for each application
• The best choice to restore OE performance and normal driving conditions
• Built with quality that matches or exceeds OE
• Coverage for domestic and import cars, trucks, vans, minivans, and SUVs

B. KYB Gas-a-Just Monotube Shock Absorbers  

KYB Gas-A-Just Monotube Shock Absorbers are designed for cars that require precise control and a high coefficient of traction with any road surface. Designed as original equipment for many vehicle manufacturers, this complete self-adjusting mono-tube shock absorber minimizes bounce and sway, to ensure superior steering and cornering response. The combination of high pressurized nitrogen gas and all-weather fluid creates the ideal shock absorber for both standard and performance vehicles.

Part Numbers: KG4521, KG5458, KG5441, KG9025, KG9026, and more.

Features: 

• Breakage is reduced by seamless eye-ring mountings.
• Oil leakage is reduced by self-sealing packing.
• Internal top-out bump stop protects the shock’s internals on the extreme extension.
• Hard chromed piston rod reduces wear, minimizes friction.
• Constant performance from wear-resistant piston ring.
• Large diameter seamless steel cylinders resist splitting.
• Single tube design reduces heat build-up.
• Both the extension and compression valves are located in the piston for quick response to forces in either direction.
• Provides consistent control regardless of temperature because the all-weather fluid remains near-constant viscosity.
• Gas and fluid are completely separated by a floating dividing piston featuring a special patented O-ring design.
• Nitrogen (N2) gas keeps all-weather fluid under constant high pressure, preventing foaming and aeration.

Benefits: 

• Significantly raises the vehicle stability, handling, and control over twin-tube designs.
• Gas-a-Just is the replacement for an OE monotube shock
• Ideal as an upgrade from an OE twin-tube
• The more responsive monotube design automatically adjusts to driving conditions
• Applications for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs

C. KYB MonoMax Shocks And Struts 

KYB MonoMax shocks and struts feature a 46mm large cylinder bore that provides the additional stability that heavier, more powerful, or high center of gravity vehicles demand. It offers the most handling and control of any KYB truck shock – up to 40% more damping performance than standard shock absorbers! The MonoMax’s tough design automatically adjusts to driving conditions with fade-free performance and has an outstanding reputation for vehicles that do real work, go off-road, tow a trailer, or haul heavy loads. It uses a work-ready zinc-coated steel piston ring and includes an off-road dust boot to extend the life of the shock or strut. The KYB MonoMax is a high-pressure, Nitrogen gas-charged monotube shock absorber designed for trucks.

Part Numbers: 565128, 565105, 565062, 565102, and more.

Features:

• A heavy gauge seamless cylinder to add strength and provide a high compression sealing surface
• A precision multi-stage hydraulic valve assembly operating in an aeration-free fluid chamber
• Triple chrome-plated piston rod and multi-lip oil seals that reduce wear
• Solid, seamless mounting eye rings and bolt bushings that can’t separate and become noisy
• Chemically bonded insulator mounting bushings that won’t slip out
• A zinc-coated steel piston ring capable of handling high-temperature operation
• Specially formulated hydraulic fluid with multi-range viscosity for any weather climate

For more products, you can visit our KYB Shocks and Struts Section.

Moog Shock Absorbers And Struts

Part Numbers: ST8656R, ST8547, ST8606, ST8565L, ST8607, and more.

Features: 

• The coil spring is engineered for the long term, consistent
• performance
• The premium coating is applied for optimal corrosion resistance
• Lower mounting hardware included for ease of installation
• and a thorough repair
• Triple Piston Seal offers dual protection to an enhanced main
• seal, resulting in longer life
• Top plate tested to one million cycles under extreme load to
• ensure smooth operation and long life

For more products, you can visit our Moog Shocks and Struts Section

5 What Are The Symptoms Of Failing Shock Absorbers I Should Know About?

Understanding the failures of the struts or shock absorbers before major problems arise and having them fixed is necessary for the best vehicle operation, a smooth ride, proper handling, and most importantly – stability. Here are a few shock absorber failure symptoms:

A. Bumpy Ride

If the ride feels very bouncy then it is an indication that the struts or shock absorbers have failed and do not dampen the road disturbances effectively. Experiencing a bumpy ride can mean that there is an issue with the dampening of the bumps which means that the shock absorbers or struts are failing to do their job. In such a situation, to verify if the shock or struts are worn out, one can do a  bounce test. Simply push your entire weight down on your car’s bonnet. Release and count the number of times the car bounces. If it bounces more than three times, then there is a problem with your shock absorbers or struts.

B. Dipping, Leaning Or Swerving Of The Vehicle

Another prominent failure symptom of the suspension system can be observed while accelerating, braking or cornering. If the vehicle leans backward during acceleration, or nose-dives during braking, or leans from side-to-side while making a turn then the shock absorbers and struts are worn out causing a complete failure of the system. 

C. Excessive Vibrations

The job of the shock absorbers is to absorb the shocks that occur as the vehicle goes over bumps and uneven surfaces on the road. If the shocks fail then these vibrations make their way into the cabin and create an uncomfortable ride. These vibrations can also be felt at the steering wheel and can hinder the movement of the vehicle causing the vehicle to pull to one side, involuntary turns, and loss of control. 

D. Noticeable Leaks 

The hydraulic fluid within the shock can start to leak if the shock casing is damaged or the seals wear out after prolonged use. The leak will cause the hydraulic fluid level to decrease to a point where the shock absorber loses functionality. If you find excessive liquid surrounding the shocks then have them replaced immediately. Note that a thin layer of liquid can be present over the shock after the piston has expended leaving behind some residue. This is natural and there’s nothing to worry.

E. Uneven Tire Wear 

One of the functions of the shock absorbers is to maintain tire contact with the road surface. If the shocks are worn out, the tire contact patch is abrupt and so the tires do not wear evenly. However, uneven tires can be caused by many reasons so it is important to check the shock absorbers. 

Monroe Strut Assemblies – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Roadmatic™ Struts Assb.	181361, 182264, 182264, 182518, 182179R, 182199, 482597, 482597, 182117, 182597
Quick-Strut® Strut Assb.	171672, 272641, 171128R, 272641, 272408, 273047, 571128L, 372951, 571128L, 171436, 172296
Magnum™ Loaded Strut Assb.	153032R, 153030, 153027,

Monroe Struts- Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Monro-Matic® Plus Struts	801973, 801661, 801572, 801964, 802179 802263, 801615, 801565, 801525, 801678
Reflex® Struts	71141, 71321, 71362, 71369, 71377, 71398, 72209
OESpectrum® Struts	71615,.72448, 72713, 72306, 71594, 73062, 72123, 71358, 72351, 72722, 72267, 72220

Monroe Shock Absorbers – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Monroe® Gas-Magnum® Truck Shock Absorbers	34530,  34760, 34504, 34686, 65164
Reflex® Truck Shock Absorbers	911188, 911186, 911221, 911198, 911255
Reflex® Monotube Shock Absorbers	911536, 911505, 911503, 911501, 911516,
Monro-Matic® Plus Shock Absorbers	31029, 32127, 32292, 32067, 32317
OESpectrum® Truck & Passenger Car Shock Absorbers	37225, 5801. 37285, 5804,  37181
OESpectrum® Monotube Shock Absorbers	39104, 39105, 39044, 39110, 39113
Monroe® Load Adjusting Shock Absorbers	58263, 58270, 58241, 58273, 58575, 58275

Unity Automotive Strut Assemblies – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Strut Assemblies	11970, 11681, 11090, 11116, 11137, 11573, 11581, 11752, 11601, 11751, 11602, 11134

Transit Warehouse Struts – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Struts	78-72263, 78-72598, 78-71128, 78-7229, 78-72297,78-72298, 78-71575, 78-72356, 78-72720, 78-71111

KYB Shocks Absorbers And Struts – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
KYB Excel-G Shocks And Struts	341340, 341608, 341744, 340066, 344381, 344399, 349046, 344388, 344383, 344435, 344077
KYB Gas-a-Just Monotube Shock Absorbers	KG4521, KG5458, KG5441, KG9025, KG9026, 551129, 5510018, 551104, KG5440, KG5450
KYB MonoMax Shocks And Struts	565128, 565105, 565062, 565102, 565014, 565067, 565124, 565079

Moog Shock Absorbers And Struts – Part Number Catalog
Category	Part Numbers
Shock Absorbers And Struts	ST8656R, ST8547, ST8606, ST8565L, ST8607 ST8565R, ST8605, ST8557, ST8573, ST8534L, ST8630