Rating of the best shock absorbers for cars for 2022

A shock absorber is a suspension element that affects the smoothness of the ride, controllability, protects the parts of the chassis of the car from excessive loads while driving on rough roads.

How is it different from suspension spring

Springs are elastic suspension elements that take on the absorption of energy transmitted to the body from the impact of the wheels on the road surface. The weight of the body is distributed to the springs in such a way that they are constantly in a compressed state (the amount of compression depends on the stiffness of the springs and the body itself).

The shock absorber also acts as a damper, which dampens the vibrations of the spring.As a result, constant contact of the wheels with the road surface is achieved. A shock absorber malfunction can be noticed immediately - the car literally starts to “bounce” even on a relatively flat road and even at minimum speed.

Kinds

According to the type of construction, damper elements are two-pipe (hydraulic or gas-oil) and single-pipe (gas).

The first ones consist of 2 cylinders (one is the body, the second is the oil reservoir), forward and reverse valves (one is built directly into the working cylinder, the second into the piston), piston, rod and casing. The principle of operation of such elements is simple - when compressed, the piston and rod move down, while rebounding - up. In the first case, the oil is displaced from the working cylinder into the housing, in the second, vice versa, from the housing into the cylinder.

Of the advantages of such shock absorbers - a relatively low price. Of the minuses - heating. Due to the design features, the oil heats up quickly and cools for a long time - hence foaming. There is no way to solve the problem. Some car owners are trying to fill new shock absorbers with oil “to the eyeballs”, which, of course, is wrong - it will not work to reduce heat, but to completely reduce the life of the shock absorber.

The design of single-pipe consists of only one cylinder, which simultaneously performs the functions of a body, a rod, a two-valve (forward and reverse stroke) piston and a float, which conditionally divides the cylinder into 2 chambers. The first is filled with oil, the second - with nitrogen pumped under high pressure. Due to the design features, there are no problems with heating the oil in such shock absorbers - this is a plus.In addition, gas damping elements instantly respond to changes in wheel movement, do not change properties at low temperatures, protect against hydroplaning and ensure reliable contact of the wheels with the roadway. Yes, and they last an order of magnitude longer than oil ones.

Of the minuses - the stiffness of the suspension directly depends on the gas heating temperature, the higher - the harder. Accordingly, suspension parts will wear out faster, and repairs will have to be carried out more often.

How to choose

Here it is better to focus on the recommendations of the car manufacturer, and not on the brand of shock absorbers or the price. Installing damping elements that do not match in characteristics can have a great effect on the behavior of the car on the road, and not for the better.

When choosing, pay attention to:

1. Rigidity - the length of the braking distance will depend on this, no matter how strange it may sound. The fact is that shock absorbers dampen the rocking of the car, including during emergency braking. It turns out that the softer the rack, the greater the amplitude of oscillation during braking. In addition, the behavior of the car when entering sharp turns at high speed depends on the stiffness of the suspension.
2. The coefficient of resistance of the shock absorber - the stability of the car on an uneven roadway will depend on it.

As for the filling, it’s better not to be smart and put regular ones recommended again by the car manufacturer. Their technical characteristics meet the requirements for the operation of the car, which ensures stability on the road and does not affect handling in any way.

Top Producers

Koni is a Dutch company that manufactures shock absorbers for both racing cars and economy class cars.All parts, regardless of price category and technical characteristics, are produced at the same factory according to the ISO TS 16949 automotive industry standard and comply with ISO 9001:2008 quality standards.
Of the pluses - softness, ensuring the stability of the car during aggressive driving and cornering, resistance to high loads. The only drawback is a slight rigidity (moreover, this indicator is applicable to all modifications).

Bilstein - from a German manufacturer, the price is not much inferior to the previous ones, but the quality is already worse. If you choose this company, choose shock absorbers from the Sport series, all the rest (especially single-tube ones) are highly rigid, so you can forget about ride comfort.
Of the benefits - the possibility of multi-stage adjustment depending on the quality of the roadway, improved stability, compatibility with standard suspension springs of any car, plus a screw suspension and the possibility of electronic control. Of the minuses - except that the high price.

Monroe - from an American brand with a long history. Features an innovative design using MR-TEC technology for highly responsive response for better handling and soft and instant damping for a comfortable ride.
For production, semi-synthetic oils with increased chemical resistance and a wide operating temperature range (-40 to + 140 ° C) are used, for a stable rebound and compression stroke under any road conditions. Of the minuses - the high price and not very transparent warranty conditions. For example, the period for filing a claim depends on the country and varies from 5 to 2 years.

God - a budget version that is not inferior in quality to the first two.It costs an order of magnitude cheaper, it is presented in three versions - for a comfortable and soft ride, for sports cars (well, or for those who like to drive), and for cars whose operating conditions include increased loads.
Advantages - the patented technology of polishing and hardening of the rod (provides increased strength and perfect smoothness), the use of spot welding, a wide range of operating temperatures, a mileage guarantee. The disadvantage is that “soft” oil models during the active operation of the car in extreme conditions (the same rural broken road) quickly lose their depreciation properties.

HOLA - The Dutch company produces two-pipe oil and gas-oil shock absorbers. We use only high quality materials and use our own developments. The range includes models for both comfortable and dynamic driving. For example, the G’Ride series provides high controllability, allows the car to hold the road well even in sharp turns and in extreme situations.

Sachs - Good quality at an affordable price. In the line of dampers there are one-, two-pipe models. Without exception, all modifications are distinguished by high wear resistance and improved dynamic properties.
Of the minuses - versatility, no matter how strange it may sound. There are no differences in technical characteristics for the type of suspension and type of car (both for a jeep and for a small car are the same), but the operating conditions for these cars are completely different.

miles is a Belgian brand that manufactures products in Chinese factories. The prices for spare parts are budgetary, in the line there are models for different brands of cars. Of the minuses - the quality jumps a lot. There are quite conflicting reviews on the net.

Another brand that produces reliable shock absorbers is KAYABA (KYB), originally from Japan. On sale you can find modifications for racing cars and all-wheel drive jeeps.

TOKICO (also a Japanese manufacturer) makes dampers for Japanese and American cars. The quality of the shock absorbers is not bad (judging by the reviews), but there are often fakes, so it’s better to buy such racks from official dealers.

Rating of the best shock absorbers for cars for 2022

The best oil and gas-oil shock absorbers for 2022

BOGE Automatic

Designed for the most comfortable ride in all conditions. They are used as standard equipment for German cars, but models for Russian cars can also be found on sale. They are durable, provide a high level of safety when driving in any conditions, including off-road.
They tolerate temperature extremes perfectly, do not change their properties during severe frosts. The price is not cheap, but the high cost is more than offset by a long service life.

• optimal price-quality ratio - prices start from 1500 rubles;
• use of high quality materials and innovative technologies;
• can be used both for installation as standard dampers, and for replacement (depending on the technical characteristics of the suspension and the brand of car);
• in the line you can find modifications for almost all brands of cars.

• not suitable for fans of high-speed or aggressive driving - they quickly fail.

Kayaba Premium

Relatively budget and reliable solution for replacing original dampers.Of the design features - a three-stage valve system, adjustable stiffness, Teflon-coated pistons and high-quality metal rod with a protective galvanic coating.

• quality;
• wear-resistant materials and a reliable design that provides maximum comfort when driving on any road surface;
• improved manageability;
• ensuring the stability of the car on the road;
• fakes are rare, in addition, you can order spare parts on the official website of the manufacturer.

• stiffness, but this is when compared with oil shock absorbers from other manufacturers.
• a 36-month warranty or a mileage of 80,000 km applies to parts installed in branded or officially certified services with the replacement of branded consumables (anthers, fenders).

miles

A wide range of modifications, acceptable quality (of course, far from the original) and a low price. The shock absorbers use special additives that reduce oil foaming when heated, plus reliable seals and a chrome-plated stem.

Products are made in China, but have the necessary certificates of quality and compliance with international standards. Warranty for parts - 12 months (we are talking about the possibility of return if a marriage is found) and 2 years after installation in a licensed or branded service station.

• behave well off-road, cope well with potholes;
• provide excellent handling and directional stability;
• reliable contact with the road surface;
• low price;
• simple and understandable warranty conditions;
• a complete list of official dealers and certified services is available on the official website.

• not suitable for aggressive driving;
• many fakes;
• do not tolerate low negative temperatures;
• quality jumps greatly depending on the manufacturing plant (it seems that the control of each stage of production declared by the brand is not observed at every plant).

HOLA CFD

Shock absorbers with good quality and at a very affordable price. The company produces two-pipe dampers with settings for different brands and modifications of cars. All parts are characterized by a seamless design and the original profile of the polymer gland. The stem is made of high quality metal with a chrome finish.

• full compliance with OEM specifications - this means that the shock absorbers of this
• manufacturer are supplied to automakers for installation as standard equipment;
• high reliability - the estimated resource is 100,000 km (may vary depending on
• vehicle operating conditions, driving style);
• controllability;
• fine adjustment of valves;
• improved contact with the road surface - shock absorbers behave equally well on the city
• road and off-road

• there are no significant ones.

The best gas shock absorbers

Hola G'Ride

A series of shock absorbers from the Dutch brand, which was appreciated by fans of high-speed driving. Spare parts differ in high quality of execution, reliability and durability. Separately, it is worth noting the technical support - there will be no problems with the order, replacement of defective parts or installation.

The risk of running into a fake is also small - you can place an order on the official website of the manufacturer, here you can also find complete information on technical specifications.

• price-quality ratio;
• wear-resistant seal material;
• improved design;
• impressive indicators of the calculated resource - up to 70,000 km.

• little hardness.

TOKICO

Good quality at a relatively low price. Japanese-made gas shock absorbers provide optimal comfort and stability of the car on the road. Plus a wide range of settings, an improved piston mechanism.

TOKICO spare parts are equipped with American, Japanese and Chinese cars, so the model range is limited.

• price;
• there are modifications for cars, trucks and SUVs;
• soft move.

• often there are fakes;
• increased rigidity;
• overestimated estimated resource - often does not coincide with the real one.

Sachs

Shock absorbers (according to the manufacturer) guarantee stability when the car body rolls around corners, maximum comfort while driving, regardless of driving style and road surface quality.
User feedback on dampers is also mostly positive. Problems with rapid wear or failure of parts are largely associated with either improper installation or the choice of an inappropriate (for a particular brand of car) model according to the technical characteristics.

• build quality;
• price - the brand belongs to Boge, but the price is much cheaper;
• controllability;
• there are models with adjustable ground clearance.

• there are no special ones, except that the risk of running into a fake is high.

When choosing shock absorbers, you should read the reviews on the selected model on special forums (the promises of manufacturers, regardless of the brand, are about the same), and, of course, consult with car service specialists.