FAQ

This is usually caused by a mounting problem and not the shock itself. Check the components that attach the shock or strut to the vehicle. The mount itself may be worn enough to cause the shocks to move up and down. Another common cause of noise is that the shock mountings may not be tight enough causing the unit to have some slight movement between the bolt and bushing or other attaching parts.

You cannot judge the strength or condition of a shock by hand movement alone. The force and speed generated by a vehicle in operation exceeds what you can accomplish by hand. The fluid valves are calibrated to operate differently depending on the degree of movement inertia which cannot be duplicated by hand.

There are four main reasons that determine when to replace them:

• To restore the vehicle’s designed performance (usually after 80,000 Km);
• When the vehicle has excessive ride control conditions (i.e. nosedive, body roll, etc.);
• When the vehicle has a failed unit (i.e. dripping hydraulic fluid, tyre cupping, excessive bounce, etc.); or
• To upgrade performance

Yes, it is also a good idea to replace both the shock mount and the protection kit when replacing shocks.The shock mount optimizes suspension performance by providing a smooth steering response and reducing vibration. Protection kits will protect your new shocks from dirt, dust, salt and leakage.

Shocks cannot be refilled or rebuilt. However, some shocks have a replaceable cartridge. These repairable struts can be identified by a large hexagonal shaped nut at the top of the strut body. Please remember that struts are usually gas charged and that replacement should only be performed by a qualified technician.

It depends on the vehicle design. A shock by design is also a component that supports the wheel & tyre. Some models aren’t affected when the shocks are replaced while others do change the wheel alignment. Shock removal & installation potentially changes the position of the tyre alignment. Some shocks have adjustment slots to perform the alignment with. All shocks affect alignment in some way so it’s best to check the specific vehicle service manual and specifications.

By far, most vehicles (cars & trucks) in the world come factory-equipped with a twin-tube style shock or strut; probably 85% or more. The twin-tube is cost-effective and performs very well when the vehicle is operated within its designed purpose and for average, everyday use. In many other model vehicles, when the manufacturer designs a vehicle for more than average driving conditions, they often choose a monotube style shock. It’s a bit more costly, but has a quicker response rate, has no performance fade due to aeration and can automatically add performance just when needed. For vehicles factory-equipped with twin-tubes, the monotube replacement shock absorber becomes a performance upgrade opportunity. It can increase a vehicles handling and stability without dramatically decreasing ride comfort.

Absolutely. Shocks provide damping force to control tire movement. When the tires move excessively, they develop a “cupping” wear pattern that damages the tyre. Other factors such as incorrect air pressure, worn suspension components or improperly aligned steering also causes uneven tyre wear.

Yes; for many vehicles that come factory-equipped with a twin-tube, KYB offers a monotube (Gas-a-Just) as a performance upgrade. This will increase the vehicle’s handling and stability beyond the factory design. Please use the KYB catalogue to see if there is a monotube available for your specific vehicle.

Original equipment KYB shock are designed to the OE manufacturer’s specifications. Although built on the same assembly lines, the aftermarket KYB products are calibrated to compensate for worn suspension components to help restore the vehicle’s original handling and control characteristics. KYB aftermarket also offers monotube shocks which for most vehicles will provide additional control and handling capabilities.

Probably not; a small amount of oil is normal and is used to lubricate the polished shaft and the upper seals. However if the unit is extremely wet or dripping oil, the unit should be inspected by a qualified technician.

In a nutshell: To keep the vehicle’s stability within its designed capability. Stability means keeping the body as level as possible during bumps, turns and stops, while keeping the tyres on the road under all conditions. The shock’s main function is to resist body & tyre movement, but as shocks wear the vehicle becomes unstable; the steering feels less responsive, the body leans more and the tyres grip less. Stopping ability can be reduced as much as 23% and the driver needs more skill to keep the vehicle on the intended path and from losing control on curves. Shocks cycle about 1000 times per Km driven. After 80,000 Km, that’s 80 million cycles. Because shocks use metal discs that flex with each movement, they become fatigued over time which causes the reduced performance, which is why replacement shocks are suggested after 80,000 Kilometres.

The function is essentially the same, but the largest difference is the way they mount to the vehicle. The shock design acts an integral part of the suspension by replacing the upper control arm and acting as a pivot point for the steering. The shock design is used in addition to the suspension and steering components.

Many do, but only when the shock mount is also the steering pivot. The bearing is a wear item and affects the steering response as well as wheel alignment.

Although one spring may have broken and requires replacing, the other springs will be fatigued and failure may be imminent. As with shock absorbers, replacing just one spring will result in an unbalanced axle which will manifest itself with uneven braking and handling.

Everything is controlled concerning both quality and tuning parameters. For quality, KYB tests design specification, component quality, production line quality. For tuning parameters, KYB tests piston orifices, initial load of valves and springs, thickness and quantity of valves, piston ports and nut torque settings.

As springs fatigue and sag, caster, camber, toe and the turning circle are affected, therefore, a full geometry check after fitting new springs will reduce wear in tyres, track rod ends etc.

The name of this product refers to an internal self-adjusting valve mechanism. It is not possible to manually adjust this shock absorber.

Because the old springs have become coil bound. They have stopped returning to their original height following extensive compression.

Because OE shocks are designed according to manufacturer specifications for a brand new vehicle. For the aftermarket, the shocks are designed to compensate for the fact that other components on the vehicle are likely to be worn and KYB wants to restore the way the suspension performs to how the manufacturer intended. The main differences are the damping force and the stroke length.

KYB uses the same specially designed oil in all its shock absorbers, regardless of the area they are to be used. It is made from mineral oil, with patented additives and catalysts. It takes into account: durability, performance at both low and high temperature, and low friction.