Rating of the best shock absorber mounts for 2022

Any suspension of a modern car is equipped with special damping devices - shock absorbers. In their lower part, they rest against the suspension elements, and from above - on a special support that is built into the body or frame. Shock absorber mounts may also be referred to as strut mounts. In English, they are denoted by the phrase Shock Absorber Mount. Naturally, the shock absorber and its strut are different items in terms of their functionality, but it is worth focusing on the supports. When driving on uneven surfaces, the vehicle is forced to take strong mechanical shocks and undergo vibrations, however, with the help of shock absorbers, driving on bad roads is softened and becomes safer and more comfortable.The design of any shock absorber cannot do without appropriate supports, because they are responsible for the interaction of the device with the car.

Shock absorber functionality

Structurally, the support is an element made of metal and rubber, the components of which are:

• Rubber gasket - made on the basis of synthetic rubber and serves to dampen shocks;
• Bearing - it is necessary to reduce losses during friction that occurs when the rod moves.

At the same time, it carries the function of not only a fixation element, but also dampens the suspension.In the event that the shock absorbers were completely rigidly mounted on the body, then excessive vibrations and vibrations would not allow the car to last for a long time, which would also be reflected in the efficiency of the suspension.

Nowadays, any car - be it a truck or a car - is equipped with a suspension in which there are elements designed to dampen dampers (vibrations). As a rule, for the implementation of these processes, various types of shock absorbers are used - gas, hydraulic, or combinations thereof. In passenger cars, they can be included in the front / rear suspension, and in trucks they are standardly installed only on the front suspension.

The device of the shock-absorbing device itself requires without fail double points of support - the lower one, which is classically located on the suspension parts (bridge beam, rotary cam, on the lever, etc.), and the upper one, mounted on the body or frame. The fulcrum located on top of the shock absorber can create some difficulties, because it can reduce to zero the effect of measures taken to decouple the car body / frame or its suspension. After all, any rigid mount will not dampen incoming vibrations. Thus, the shock-absorbing spare part must be mounted on special support components, which will ensure the decoupling of body parts and suspension.

Existing types and designs of pillows

It should be noted that the supports located on top are intended only for shock absorbers with a rod-type top mount. If the shock-absorbing unit is installed by means of lugs, then the parts are attached to the suspension and body using rubber bushings or through silent blocks. Despite the fact that the upper type is most often used in Russian automotive "classics", for example, the traditional line from VAZ. However, the latest models are already equipped with an eye-to-eye mount.

Existing shock absorber cushions can be divided into 2 large groups:

1. Bowl-shaped and dish-shaped - they are non-separable;
2. Composite - they are collapsible.

Non-separable models represent a structurally complete rubber and metal part, most often mounted on the front suspension. The support base consists of a “sandwich” based on a rubber cushion, which is fixed by means of vulcanization on the outer/inner metal shells (cups). Fixation takes place on the car body with the outer side, in which a hole for the shock absorber rod is provided in the “skirt”, and a rebound limiter is installed on the upper part (it is not very rigidly fixed on the skirt). The limiter is also a metal bowl that blocks the full reverse motion of the shock absorber.

Non-separable models, in turn, can also be divided into two categories, depending on the method of mounting the stem:

1. By means of a sleeve;
2. By means of a bearing.

The simplest models usually have aluminum (or other type of metal) bushings that act as a sliding bearing. Complex, and accordingly, expensive options are equipped with angular contact ball bearings. In any situation, the bearing is designed to ensure unhindered rotation of the shock absorber rod along its axis. However, there are also models whose structure forcibly prohibits the rotation of the stem.

Further, the non-separable type can be divided into categories according to the method of fixing the suspension strut:

1. The bowl for the spring is missing;
2. The design has a bowl for the spring.

In the first option, the support bowl for the spring is taken as a separate element mounted on the shock absorber rod by pressing it against the support (or another method of fastening to the car frame is provided). The second option provides for rigid fastening of the spring bowl to the support, and most often a rubber pillow with a groove is installed on it, where the last spring coil is inserted. Similar supports can be mounted below the mounting hole, i.e. access to them opens only from the side of the wheel. This was done to achieve the following goal: as a rule, the supporting element receives loads, the force of which is directed upwards, therefore, by abutting directly into the body, the effective functionality of the entire assembly is achieved. It is worth noting that the support bolts must be rigidly connected to the outer case (in order to avoid turning them), and there are screwed nuts in the engine compartment or in the trunk. In order to protect the stem nut in most supports, a special plastic cap is used, which is installed on the well of the rebound stop and is held by special latches or generally by friction.

Combined (or composite) units have a simplified structure and are most often used on the rear suspension in light vehicles. Most often, such a model consists of several main elements:

• Spacer metal bushing;
• Upper rubber bushing;
• Bushing lower rubber;
• Rubber buffer mounted on the stem and abutting against the lower sleeve.

By themselves, the spacer and rubber bushings are presented in the form of a silent block, rigidly fixed in the body hole.The damper rod is installed in the support, and the compression buffer receives a stop on the lower bushing (by means of a washer). Thus, the created structure can be fixed by means of a screwed nut on the stem.

Thrust bearings and their types

Today, several of the most popular types of bearings used in the modern automotive industry are represented in circulation. These may include:

• With built-in ring - this unit as a thrust bearing for the front pillar is considered very simple and easy to install. The built-in ring can be either external or internal. Its main feature is the presence of special mounting holes, so its installation does not require clamping flanges. It is able to ensure the rotation of elements along the external and internal axes;
• With an external separating (separable) ring - the outer ring can be separated, and with the help of the inner one, fastening is provided;
• With an internal detachable ring - fastening is inversely proportional to the previous model;
• Single divided - in principle, its main difference lies in the more durable material from which it is made.

Common malfunctions and the need to replace supports

It is believed that the shock absorber is an inconspicuous detail and does not attract attention in any way during normal operation. However, it can have an important impact on the properties of the steering and suspension properties of the machine. As an example, we can cite a situation in which a high-quality support effectively reduces the noise emitted by the suspension, is able to ensure its proper operation, and make steering control as convenient as possible. All these circumstances can be achieved by reducing backlash, beat vibrations and vibrations.

Nevertheless, over time, the supporting element breaks, the rubber cushion is separated in layers or even peels off from the metal base. This state of affairs will cause certain muffled knocks to occur when driving on uneven surfaces, which will also impair steering control and reduce the effectiveness of suspension functionality. At the same time, the operational life of the suspension itself and shock absorbers will decrease. The same can be said about the failure of the bearings or the wear of the aluminum bushings that hold the shock absorber rod.

In the case when the presence of a dull knock coming from under the trunk or hood takes place while driving on rough roads, the supports should be inspected immediately. Units that are damaged, deformed or show signs of excessive wear must be replaced immediately. At the same time, sometimes there are circumstances that require the replacement of the bearings and before the appearance of pronounced signs of their malfunction - for example, it is better to replace them at the same time as the shock absorbers.

Maintenance of shock absorbers

Symptoms of wear of the support element

It is possible to attribute the occurrence of deaf blows to the body of the vehicle when hitting an unevenness to the main similar symptom. To personally verify the existence of such a malfunction, you should open the hood and visually inspect the element. If the support rubber shows signs of damage or has simply moved out of its proper location, then the unit should be replaced. If you do not make a replacement in the near future, then the shock absorber itself will fail, and this may already be fraught with a breakdown of the car frame.

IMPORTANT! The reason it is recommended to replace both the mount and the shock absorber at the same time is that it is possible to save money on this procedure. Their simultaneous replacement will cost half as much as changing them separately, because. this service costs the same for both elements.

Ways to extend the service life

Pits and potholes on the road are the main enemies of shock absorbers, because not every one of them can be bypassed. However, slowing down in time and smoothly driving over bumps is a feasible option. Like the shock absorber itself, the support element does not like sharp mechanical loads and shocks. Thus, the stronger the return from the forced jump of the wheel from the road recess, the stronger the reaction of the support rod will be.

Professionals argue that timely washing and cleaning of the engine compartment from contamination (for example, fallen leaves) will not block the drainage systems and thereby preserve the supporting parts from external pollution, and the glasses will not appear an extra source of rust. Systematic cleaning of shock absorbers, especially for the cold season, from adhering snow (especially since in cities it is often mixed with anti-slip chemicals), will also extend the life of the devices and assemblies in question, and metal and rubber parts will not undergo premature wear.

Support parts replacement issues

Required Tools

For a qualitative exchange of the parts in question, you will need:

• Wrench with a curved handle;
• Special head for dismantling racks;
• Candle long head;
• A special key for working with the stem;
• Standard set of ratchets with heads, matched to the used mounting dimensions;
• The key is dynamometric;
• Coupling for rack springs.

The specifics of the replacement procedure

Replacing the shock absorber does not require a tie. The base of tools and fixtures used is traditional (according to the staffing table, according to the sizes of bolts and nuts). The procedure itself includes the following steps:

• The support mount is unscrewed;
• The car itself is raised with a jack until the shock absorber rod leaves the holes in the support;
• If the unit is quite old and the stem is stuck, then it can be gently squeezed out with your hands;
• Next, you should properly clean the seat from any contaminants;
• Drowning the stem and supplying a new cushion;
• To carry out fastening without introducing the rod into the support;
• Slowly bring the car to a position parallel to the ground, while observing the correct entry of the rod into its place in the support;
• Upon completion of the whole process - tighten and tighten the nuts by removing the jack.

Model selection questions

Modern auto shops are able to provide a wide selection of parts in question from around the world from various brands and at different prices and quality. Car manufacturers recommend purchasing spare parts only of the same brand as the used car, i.e. own production. Slightly less criticism in this regard are authorized dealers and firms that manufacture products under licenses from auto concerns. In any case, a quality part is delivered in individual packaging, which must contain information about the manufacturer, spare part catalog number, serial number and quality mark.This information is also duplicated on the part body.

Rating of the best shock absorber mounts for 2022

Budget segment

3rd place: «Аmd.sb318 chevrolet»

This model is designed for installation on the front drain. Produced by a well-known automaker and recommended for the Aveo T250 and T255 models. The weight is 160 grams. The recommended retail price is 380 rubles.

• Budget price;
• Quality production;
• Good value for money.

• Not found.

2nd place: "Chandelier" BMRT "Priora (without bearing)"

This sample is also designed for the front rack of transport from a domestic manufacturer. Suitable for Russian classics of the younger generation. The weight is 400 grams. The cost for shops is 600 rubles.

• Easy installation;
• Sufficiently powerful weight;
• domestic manufacturer.

• No bearing included.

1st place: "Hyundai Solaris (10-) (SA 0852) - Trialli art. SA 0852"

A good unit from an Asian manufacturer, therefore, it is more focused on cars from the Far Eastern countries. Used on the front. The weight of the unit is 450 grams. The recommended price for retail chains is 870 rubles.

• Rugged housing;
• Easy installation;
• Extended resource.

• Limited lineup.

Middle price segment

3rd place: "2190 with electric power steering, with HOFER bearing"

This is a fairly massive model used in the latest generation of cars. The kit is equipped with spare parts for electric power steering. Attaches to front racks.Country of manufacture - Germany. Weight - 900 grams. The recommended cost for shops is 890 rubles.

• Powerful body;
• Power steering;
• Quality brand;
• Bearing available.

• Not found.

2nd place: "Renault logan sandero front with bearing asam sa art. 30498 - ASAM-SA art. 30498"

A very simplified version from a European manufacturer, recommended for the latest generation machines. In addition to general versatility, the set cannot boast of anything. It is recommended for installation only in the manufacturer's service centers. The mass is 1,000 grams. The recommended cost is 1100 rubles.

• Universality for European cars;
• Adequate price;
• Powerful body.

• Restriction on the country of production of a car.

1st place: VAZ 2190 GRANTA PROJECT

A truly great option for a Russian car from the latest generation line. Able to support a very wide range of domestic auto industry. Users note the increased quality and ease of installation. The recommended price is 1200 rubles. Weight - 1400 grams.

• Massive and durable body;
• Easy installation;
• Decent price tag.

• Not detected.

Premium class

3rd place: "VKD 35321 T"

This set is considered as a repair tool and is intended for use on used trucks. It has a powerful body, can be installed on both the rear and front rack, withstands heavy loads. The total weight is 2530 grams. The recommended cost is 10,400 rubles.

• Has a repair purpose;
• Has a massive body;
• Installation variability.

• High price.

2nd place: "VOLVO 30714968"

The sample is for the front pillar. Made of heavy-duty metal, which means extended service life. It is recommended to install only in the manufacturer's service centers and is intended only for its large-sized vehicles. The recommended price is 12,400 rubles. The total weight is 400 grams.

• Quality brand;
• Reliable case;
• Extended service life.

• Lineup limitation.

1st place: "SKF VKDC 35627 T"

Another support option, made in the format of a repair kit. Also intended for vehicles that have already experienced increased mechanical stress. Pretty easy to install. The recommended cost is 13,500 rubles. The total weight is 3080 grams.

• Installation variability;
• fastening to the frame;
• Completeness of the set.

• Not found.

Instead of an epilogue

In principle, the considered equipment is not that spare part of the car that fails with a high frequency. However, most novice drivers do not immediately recognize the signs of a malfunction in it. Practice often throws up cases in which beginners changed exactly the shock absorbers without leaving them for 10,000 kilometers, but did not pay attention to the supports. As a result, sufficient funds were spent on the wrong things. And only a qualified inspection in the service made it possible to identify precisely the “supporting” problem.Thus, in the event of any suspicion of failure of the support part, it is necessary to urgently establish the degree of malfunction and replace the destroyed element. All the same, most of the models produced are specially designed to take into account increased future loads and are able to serve for quite a long time. Separately, speaking about the quality of the market, it should be noted that in the Russian Federation, falsified samples are often found on it.