The best shock absorbers in 2022 for cars
Shock absorbers play a huge role in a car suspension. Their proper operation and reliability affect driving safety, smoothing out bumps when driving on rough roads with holes and compensating for vibrations in any other road surface defects.

Car owners have the opportunity to choose the best type and model of shock absorber for their car. There are three types of devices on the market:

  • oil,
  • gas
  • gas-oil (hybrid parts that have collected the best qualities of the first two subspecies).

The principle of operation for all types is the same. Details consist of a rod, piston, valves. These are the main elements of the coilover (the part of the suspension that includes the shock absorber and the spring). The stem moves in sync with the piston and directs oil flow to the valves. Resistance is created, which helps to dampen the vibrations of the car body. The stroke of the shock absorber is limited by the bump stop.

Coilovers are mounted through a silent block with an axle beam or suspension arm. The front parts take the most load, so they have a reinforced design.

There are really a lot of devices on the market, so we decided to understand the topic and help motorists choose the right spare part. Our ranking of the best shock absorbers of 2022 is based on user reviews, as well as expert Sergey Dyachenko, owner of the service and auto shop.

Editor’s Choice

Bilstein

Our choice fell on the spare parts of the German Bilstein plant. The brand offers laboratory-tested hydraulic and gas struts of its own design, with an extended run interval of up to 60 kilometers. The structures are reinforced, provide maximum ride comfort, improve handling performance.

The manufacturer cooperates with all automotive companies in the world, works with the best factories, ships its products for Honda, Subaru (directly equipped with Bilstein racks on the conveyor), American brands.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Bilstein Sport B6

Gas double-pipe racks Bilstein of the Sport B6 series are most in demand by buyers. They are designed for urban roads, autobahns, guarantee stability on the roadway.

Life time: 100-125 thousand kilometers (calculation for the front struts, which are under heavy load, the rear ones last longer).

Advantages and disadvantages:

High controllability and stability, durability, increased ride comfort, response speed, lack of roll, damping accuracy, the ability to adjust the element (orientation to the quality of the road surface), high build quality
Harsh for cars, more suitable for SUVs, if you stumble upon a fake, it will fail the quality and the parts will quickly fail
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The leader has competitors, including among German manufacturers. Our rating includes coilovers of European, Asian, American and domestic brands, which differ not only in reliability and quality, but also in optimal cost and other characteristics.

Rating of the top 15 best shock absorber manufacturers according to KP

So, let’s start (or continue) our rating with German manufacturers: Boge, Sachs, TRW.

1.BOGE

Represents premium quality products, ships parts to leading German auto concerns (BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi). Shock absorbers are installed on Kia and Hyundai. Among the lines of the brand, the hydraulic struts of the Automatic series with adjustment of stiffness or softness depending on road conditions, as well as Pro-Gas professional gas devices and Turbo24 universal elements for off-road and difficult routes, stand out in particular.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Boge 32 R79 A

Model Boge 32 R79 A has high user ratings. Suitable for any vehicle, designed for fast driving and high loads due to road surface defects.

Life time: up to 70 km of run.

Advantages and disadvantages:

High level of dynamics and response, ensuring high safety, damping accuracy, good shock absorption, increased car controllability, reliability, including, under difficult conditions, long service life.
There are many fakes on the market
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2. SACHS

Another German, which is recommended for reliability, versatility and the best price. Sachs shock absorbers are distinguished by the fact that they can be installed on both passenger cars and SUVs, and provide a high quality ride.

The brand has all possible series: gas, oil, hydraulic. You can choose items for any style of riding. Parts are installed on many brands of cars, including our VAZs.

Which model should you pay attention to:

SACHS200 954

Model SACHS200 954 is the best in terms of quality and price. Reinforced construction for difficult conditions and any type of road surface.

Life time: 50-60 km of run depending on operating conditions.

Advantages and disadvantages:

High reliability design, good build quality, smooth running, easy start, fast braking, improved handling
Cannot withstand high sub-zero temperatures
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3. TRW

The most durable shock absorbers with high resistance to loads. The budget class among German brands, but at the same time they are not inferior in quality and are supplied to Renault, Skoda and VAZ concerns. After 60 thousand run, you have to change the rubber bushings in the mounts, then the elements are able to “run” another 20 thousand km. Work well in tough conditions.

Which model should you pay attention to:

TRW JGM1114T

The TRW JGM1114T is one such option. The element is even suitable for Niva, which are mainly used off-road.

Life time: more than 60 km of run.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Providing high safety and control, instant response, increased elasticity of discs, damping accuracy, polished stem (increases service life), the latest manufacturing technologies
Non-repairable
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Among the best American manufacturers shock absorbers worth highlighting:

4. Delphi

A very budget brand with premium quality products, which is why it is in demand among buyers. A trusted manufacturer, but recently it has not been pleased with the quality, so buying a Delphi is a risk, you can get an excellent shock absorber, or you can get a fake.

The originals are delivered directly to the conveyors of Toyota, Suzuki, BMW, Opel. The elements are characterized by high performance, withstand loads, and with moderate driving demonstrate a long service life. The range includes oil, gas and hybrid novelties.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Delphi DG 9819

The Delphi DG 9819 model is widely used for premium class machines, it is distinguished by quality and reliability.

Life time: more than 100000 km with moderate use.

Advantages and disadvantages:

For cars of the middle and elite classes, ensuring driving safety, damping accuracy, affordable cost, high reliability, long working life, lack of rolls
Designed for more or less high-quality road surface, rapid wear is possible
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5. RANCH

The brand offers excellent solutions for daily use. Shock absorbers are installed instead of factory parts on the Chevrolet Niva, UAZ. The twin-tube design allows it to adapt to riding conditions for reliability and safety. The resource is designed for 50 km, but users note that even the front struts last much longer. 

Which model should you pay attention to:

RS5000 RANCH

The RANCHO RS5000 model belongs to products of the increased endurance, is established on machines which are operated daily.

Life time: 50 km mileage.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Can be installed on SUVs, high margin of safety, stiffness adjustment depending on the road surface, no roll, full comfort on any road
Often there are fakes
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6. Monroe

An American brand that is produced in Belgium and is in great demand in Europe. High quality product, but suitable for good roads. On bumps and off-road, the racks do not work as efficiently. The total mileage for which shock absorbers are designed is 20 km. This is the lowest indicator when compared with other Americans, but the price of the goods is also several times less. 

Which model should you pay attention to:

Monroe E1181

Model Monroe E1181 – works well in the city and on the highways. Users note a favorable ratio of quality and price.

Life time: up to 20 km of run.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Safety, comfort, quick response, improved handling, no roll
Small resource, private replacement (compared to other brands)
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Europeans also distinguished by the quality and reliability of the racks. These are the following brands:

7. HORSES

The Dutch brand makes excellent parts, exports them to Germany and gives a lifetime warranty on the racks, provided the machine is used by one owner. The product line is marked with different colors. Red racks provide softness of the course and high stability, belong to the Special series. Yellow – sports with adjustable stiffness. Blue for aggressive riding with shorter Sport Kit springs. Blacks can handle the heaviest loads of Load-a-Juster.

Which model should you pay attention to:

KONI Sport

The KONI Sport model allows you to adjust the stiffness from under the hood or from the trunk, which makes it easier to work and ensures driving comfort. 

Life time: up to 50 km of run.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Soft ride, high endurance, adaptation to driving style, cornering stability, suitable for aggressive driving on the track, mechanical adjustment.
Small rigidity, small resource.

8. hello

Another Dutch brand that operates under its own Long Life Warranty production program. His products really have a “long life”, they are distinguished by a significant resource. The manufacturer carefully selects materials for racks, thanks to which they work perfectly in cold and hot weather (from -40 to +80 degrees).

Which model should you pay attention to:

hello CFDs

The Hola CFD model is a hydraulic strut designed for urban roads, providing precise work on uneven surfaces.

Life time: up to 65-70 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Reliable double-pipe design, high degree of controllability, driving comfort, precise suspension operation, long service life
Not suitable for off-road, there are fakes
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9. Loom

The Polish brand produces budget and, most importantly, maintainable shock absorbers. The products are designed for European roads and middle-class cars. Our car owners fell in love with the brand for its quality and collapsible cases. Craftsmen change valves and extend the life of spare parts.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Krosno 430N

The Krosno 430N model is perfect for inexpensive city cars, it can withstand 10-15 thousand kilometers without problems, then it requires replacement of components.

Life time: up to 20-30 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Affordable price, collapsible body, the possibility of replacing parts, quality control in production, a wide range of models
Small resource, compression weakening in half of the working cycle, not adapted for roads
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Asian manufacturers are also widely represented on the market:

10. Sensen

Japanese brand that produces shock absorbers for the mass consumer. Products have a low cost compared to other Asian manufacturers, designed for a wide range of cars of different brands. The brand focuses on the European market, carefully selects the materials for the racks, controls the manufacturing process and provides a replacement if the product fails before the end of its service life.  

Which model should you pay attention to:

Sensen 3213

The Sensen 3213 model is suitable for foreign and domestic Lada cars, designed for city roads, withstands high loads and works stably at sub-zero temperatures.

Life time: 50 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Robust construction, chrome rods, Teflon-coated bushings, quality seals, reasonable price
Only for passenger cars, often fail immediately after the warranty expires
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11. Kayaba

Another Japanese manufacturer, which, unlike Sensen, is focused on its own market. More than half of the cars in Korea, Japan and China are equipped with Kayaba racks. These are Mazda, Honda, Toyota (some models except Camri and RAV-4). The company’s products are considered the best in terms of the variety of the model range. 6 lines for all occasions and all types of cars.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Kayaba Premium

The Kayaba Premium model is one of the leading ones – a hydraulic shock absorber that copes with any bumps in the road ensures ride comfort and safety.

Life time: 30-40 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Heavy duty chrome rod, adjustable stiffness, seamless cylinders, increased machine control, durability, affordable price.
Rigid, more suitable for smooth roads.
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12. Tokico

Lexus, Toyota Camry, Rav-4, Ford – cars of these makes and models are equipped with Tokico dampers. This indicates the quality and reliability of the brand’s products. The Japanese manufacturer offers premium quality products, is not particularly popular in Japan, but is actively exported, while very rarely counterfeited. Designs are designed for a comfortable and fast ride, they perform well in any road conditions.  

Which model should you pay attention to:

Tokico B3203

Model Tokico B3203 is characterized by excellent assembly, the presence of an improved piston system, which affects the handling and reliability of the car.

Life time: up to 70 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Ride stability on any surface, no body roll when cornering, smooth ride, affordable price, responsiveness, innovative solutions
Practice shows that the service life is less than stated and replacement is required more often (but it all depends on the driving style)

Among domestic manufacturers and factories of the CIS countries the following brands stand out:

13. WHO

Skopinsky auto-aggregate plant produces inexpensive, but high-quality shock absorbers. Racks have a two-pipe design, comply with European quality standards and premium design features. Dampers provide stability of driving characteristics, well compensate for impacts on road joints, potholes and so on.

Which model should you pay attention to:

WHO M2141

The SAAZ M2141 model is designed for passenger cars, equipped with a rebound damper, which allows you to cope with bumps on the roads and poor-quality road surfaces.

Life time: 20-40 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Build quality, maintainability, off-road comfort, reliability, durability, affordable price
Hard, freeze in the cold
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14. TRIALLI

A popular manufacturer whose products are installed not only on the Chevrolet Niva, Renault Duster, VAZ 2121, Lada, but also serve as an analogue for replacing factory dampers on American and European cars.

Unfortunately, products are often faked, so you need to choose a trusted supplier of parts. In general, the brand is competitive and provides high quality products.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Trialli AH05091

Model Trialli AH05091 is a part for passenger cars, but it can also be installed on commercial vehicles, it has a long service life and improves driving comfort.

Life time: 30-40 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Shows itself well on a defective road surface, improves the controllability of the car, durability, affordable price, high strength
There are fakes, a lot of conflicting reviews about the quality
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15. Belmag

brand for lovers of a quiet ride. The products are designed for city roads, but at the same time withstand bumps and bumps off-road. Products are installed on domestic brands, including VAZ 2121 Niva, Lada, as well as foreign cars Nissan and Renault.

Which model should you pay attention to:

Belmag VM9495

The Belmag BM9495 model is characterized by a high degree of stability, durability and comfort. It copes well with sub-zero temperatures, is stable in operation on passenger cars.

Life time: up to 50 thousand kilometers.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Reliability, structural strength, the ability to install on vehicles with increased cross-country ability, reasonable price, frost resistance, ensuring driving comfort.
Short service life.
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How to choose shock absorbers for a car

Let’s analyze the main criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing a shock absorber, if you decide to take care of the purchase yourself.

1. Type of racks

  • Oil (hydraulic) are the basic option, most often installed as standard. They hold a blow stably, smooth out fluctuations on uneven tracks well, are great for daily comfortable driving within the city or outside the city at low speeds, but handling drops when accelerating.
  • Gas – the opposite of oil, have high rigidity and are designed for fast driving. At high speeds, they hold the car well, do not roll, and have a longer service life.
  • Gas-oil – a hybrid that combines both comfort and controllability. A universal type of shock absorbers that works well on the highway, bumps, in the city, but it costs more than the previous two.

2. Part cost

It all depends on the budget and how often you use the car. Expensive shock absorbers can be installed if the car is used every day, trips are different (city, cottage, business trips, etc.). Safety, build quality, components, and, of course, the resource of the node are important here. If the car is rarely used, budget brands are suitable.

3. Riding style

Racers (assuming smooth roads) should pay attention to gas models. Oil shock absorbers are consumables for those who drive measuredly, calmly and love comfort on the road. If road conditions do not allow driving with increased comfort, or the driver is sometimes forced to add gas, a set of hybrid units can be installed.

4. Brand

The choice of manufacturer directly affects the quality of parts. Innovations, resource base, own laboratories are the guarantee of durability, high technical parameters and reliability of shock absorbers. Only large brands have such conditions in production.

5. New original or used

There can be only one answer here: such an important part as a shock absorber can only be taken in a new form from a trusted supplier. If you buy a spare part from hand, you need to check the integrity of the packaging, the condition of the part itself. If the stem is pumped by hand, do not take a consumable. Manual effort should not be enough to pull the stem. This indicates damage inside the rack.

Popular questions and answers

We asked our expert – Sergey Dyachenko, owner of a car service and auto parts store, – a few questions that concern our readers. We hope the tips will help you with the choice of shock absorber.

Which type of shock absorber is still better: gas or oil?

– Each species has its advantages and disadvantages. Oil ones work softer than gas ones, they are easier to buy as a replacement, as they are more common on the market, on rough roads (which highways sin) they provide greater ride comfort. Compared to gas struts, hydraulic struts are cheaper. Gas shock absorbers have a complex design, so if one of the elements (for example, one of the chambers) breaks down, the entire part fails. Of course, they are more durable, have an increased resource, but they must work at speeds and even road surfaces.

How to check the shock absorber in the car?

– If you buy a used car or decide to check the racks after a winter, long-term parking, be sure to inspect (traces of corrosion, fluid leaks, anther integrity). Next, pump the body – on each side, from each rack. Ideally, after a strong pitching, the car should return to its original state and freeze. There should be no long swings (2-3 times up and down). If the car “jumps”, consider that you do not have shock absorbers.

Change or repair?

– Not all models and brands can be repaired. Today, it is unprofitable for manufacturers to have their parts repaired, so shock absorbers are welded or rolled at the factory. However, after the diagnosis, the masters may well disassemble the part. I will say right away that repairs are many times cheaper, and for an expensive car with expensive racks it is more profitable to repair them. The advantage of the repair will be the ability to reconfigure the part if desired. Of course, it all depends on the experience and qualifications of the master. I note that in good workshops, the resource parts will be restored by 99% and they will give a guarantee for a year, but it is up to each driver to change or restore.

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