Shock absorber recommendations

Simon Hardman · Post by **Simon Hardman** » Sat Oct 25, 2003 8:18 pm

Hi All,

First post so this may have been discussed before but here goes...

I have an 89 which I think has been lowered at some point, it's got 180Ks on
the clock, and I don't know if or when the shocks were last replaced.
Anyway the suspension "crashes" going over minor bumps and manhole covers
are definitely to be avoided. I am assuming the problem is the shocks are
worn and/or not correct for the lowered springs.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced replacement with decent ride
comfort for the shocks? I've seen the recent discussion on Koni's but I
think I'd be paying for adjustability I'd never use.

Thanks,

Simon

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Sat Oct 25, 2003 11:14 pm

I think mine do need replacing as well. Done 156000km and I assume they are
the originals. My car has not had any suspnesion mods as far as I can tell.
Seems to be riding at normal height. I do have a problem when cresting a
short sharp rise, the car does moves slightly to the left. If a short sharp
depression is encountered (shingle fans between Blenheim and Kaikoura) then
the car goes to the right. I hope it's not something more serious than worn
shocks! I'm a bit put off by the price of the Koni's but could easily be
convinced to go that way if the saving for non adjustable shocks is not much
cheaper. I can't see me adjusting the suspension at all.
After driving my Isuzu Bighorn, the MX5 even with probably well worn shocks,
is a revelation in the handling department! Why would anyone drive a large
4WD by choice, especially as a town runabout?

Grant.

Martin Harms · Post by **Martin Harms** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 8:25 am

OK, I just wrote all this a week or two ago, I'll write it again...

For shock absorber replacement prices go to:

http://www.partsco.com/Shop.asp?NewZealand

and click your way through. I got (non adjustable) KYB as replacement for
originals.
Also get the braces from Ross for early model MX5: 2 underbody, 1 behind the
seats.
Makes any 89-90 MX5 handle better than when it was new. Having bought and
installed these 7 items, the cost is lower than 1 set of adjustable Konis to
buy. The Konis are excellent if you go racing regularly - but then you also
need a NZ race legal rollbar (not Style bar), helmet, and a licence.

I am not allied in any way with either "partsco" nor Ross in Hamilton (MX5
Mart) - just a satisfied customer.

Martin

The Simpsons wrote:

[...]

MX5PWR · Post by **MX5PWR** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 10:19 am

Hi Simon,

If you are not into adjusting the ride hifht etc and just want to improve
what you have now, you could check either a Mazda wrecker or mx5mart.co.nz
for a second hand pair of shocks and springs.

I had a 90 that had done 130k and I purchased asecond hand set of Bilstein
shocks ( came complete with springs) for a wrecker - they came off a 1996
with about 60k on the clock. Took a morning to change them all over and the
difference was amazing, a whole new feel and the cost was a fraction of what
a new set of shocks alone would cost you.

If you are in Auckland or surrounds I would be happy to look at yours for
you.

Nigel 021 500075 09 476 3037

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 12:16 pm

Thanks for re-posting this, Martin as I don't remember seeing it first time
round. Probably did, but must be getting too old. It looks like I will go
the KYB way because of the price and what I want to do with the car (ie no
racing, just normal road use). I don't have the brace behind the seats, but
as it's a '92, I assume the underbody braces mentioned are there. Will have
to do a bit more research on these. As you can see, I'm no mechanic!

Grant.

Simon Hardman · Post by **Simon Hardman** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 7:05 pm

Thanks also. Partsco is currently listing these KYBs at $130 each which is
about what I was looking to pay.

Simon

Simon Hardman · Post by **Simon Hardman** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 7:05 pm

Hi Nigel,

Yes, I saw a set of Bilsteins for sale on mx5mart for $500 a couple of weeks
ago. The non-adjustable KYBs Martin mentioned are around that mark also, so
I'd probably go for new ones. I'm in Palmy, but thanks for the offer...

Simon

lou Girardin · Post by **lou Girardin** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 8:14 am

Koni's, Bilteins, etc are expensive for a reason. Quality costs! They'll
outlast cheaper shocks and if they do fail, they can be rebuilt for less than
new shocks.
Your twitchiness sounds like worn suspension bushes, but check that the tyre
pressures are even first.
Lou

MC · Post by MC » Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:22 am

Hi
I Agree with Lou
I know price is a reason for purchase of most things, but most people end up
buying Koni's eventually anyway,
never heard anything bad about them, and they are going to outlast your car,
and of course dont forget the alignment afterwards.
if you intend keeping your car Koni's have to be the best buy, mine are always
set on soft except for Track days and give a perfect ride even over stock
shocks, having used Koni's on my 5 now for 6yrs i wounldn't use anything else,
for all those people
with 1.6 cars on original shocks, YOU are going to be staggered when you
upgrade, i know i was, thanks to the guys on this list.

MC

Martin Harms · Post by **Martin Harms** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:52 am

I had to laugh...

" most people end up buying Koni's eventually anyway..."

Where does that information come from? from Mrs Koni ??? John Banks?
Helen Clark? Statistics NZ? The Pope???

"they are going to outlast your car"

What are you going to do with them then??? Hang them on the wall? Wear
them on your hat?

Get a grip on yourself, MC, man!!

Martin

MC wrote:

[...]

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:06 am

Thanks for the suggestion, Lou.
I'll see about the bushes as well. I realise the Konis etc would be better
quality but for me I find it hard to justify double the cost, as much as I
would like to.
Any guess as to how long KYB's should last with normal sealed road use?
Probably fairly difficult to answer that one!
Thanks,
Grant.

lou Girardin · Post by **lou Girardin** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 3:41 pm

Having a bad day Martin?
A little hyperbole never hurt anyone.
Lou

lou Girardin · Post by **lou Girardin** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 3:43 pm

I think KYB have different grades of shock. They do a lot of OE stuff, you
should get at least as long as the originals, say 80 - 100,000 km's.
Lou

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 4:47 pm

Twitchiness and erratic straight line direction can
also be attributed to soft rear shocks.

Simon Lord · Post by **Simon Lord** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 5:19 pm

Or, my accident investigator friend tells me, a surfeit of alcohol in the
driver's bloodstream...

Who is online