Shock absorber fitment/quality issues

Tags: #shock-absorber · #price

Some shock absorbers (particularly budget-brand units) may arrive as a pair with visible inconsistencies: one strut carrying the factory barcode/labeling and the other without, or with different paint finishes (one painted, one bare metal). This may indicate mixed sourcing from different production runs within the same "pair." Recommendation: inspect both units on arrival and, where possible, install shock absorbers as a matched pair from the same supplier/batch ¹²³⁴⁵⁶.

Cheap and unusual units. A front strut bought for about 1,900 RUB (RU market, September 2024) failed after a few kilometres: the piston rod bent and oil leaked, while a strut from another maker held; the owner adds that FAW springs do not fit the Mazda-type strut, so Mazda springs were used.⁷ A member bought the last KYB "New SR Special" units in Russia (NSF2065) and reports them better than stock; another owner who fitted them agreed, but one strut leaked after a small pothole in winter.⁸⁹ More brand detail is in Shock absorbers — brand comparison and prices.

Media

Pair of shock absorbers showing one with factory barcode label, one without

Close-up comparison of paint-finish inconsistency between the two struts

Both shock absorbers side by side showing overall inconsistency

Related pages

• Shock absorber brands — owner verdicts
• Shock absorber replacement — parts and rear job
• Shock absorber prices and costs
• Rear shock absorbers — part number and scarcity
• Shop cart prices: ATF, steering, suspension

Sources

This page is compiled from 9 community messages. Every fact carries a numbered reference to its original author and message.

Last updated: 2026-10-29