Hi all,

I posted earlier today in relation to my MOT failure.

Anyways the result is I need a new set of rear shocks.
I don't really have any more cash to throw at the car at the moment since I've personally forked out £1,300 on it in the last 14 days or so.

I've realised that standard shocks from AA are a false economy as the car is sitting on Eibach lowered springs and the extra work on the shocks will knacker them in no time.

FCCUK'ers have said to get Bilstein's on it but a quick search on t'internet seems to show that I'll be coughing up £250+ a pair plus delivery to Ireland before I even have them fitted.


I've also been told that KYB are very good (Kayaba) and they have an Ultra SR range designed for cars with lowered suspension of up to 35mm. However, I haven't found an idea on price for a pair for the Coupe.

In the event that I get KYB's or sell a Kidney and get Bilsteins, can somebody point me in the right direction as to where I can get a new set for the cheapest price?

I'd also appreciate any alternatives that won't declare me bankrupt!

Thanks,

David

Buypartsby sell KYB rear dampers for £17 each IIRC

I didn't see the Ultra SR's though....

Ahh sorry. It's been a long day and I didn't see that bit of your post.

lol

You're the only guy posting Simon!

Thanks anyhow

I am pretty sure the normal uprated KYB shocks will be ok with a 35mm drop though.

is £17 a shock for standard replacement kyb shocks though?

The KYB ultra SR were very hard dampers I'd just go for a standard replacement, fresh dampers always feel nice.

I thought your MOT fail was brakes anyway, not rear dampers ?

NCT Fail is for imbalance in the shocks AND a sticking brake distribution/bias valve thingumebob. The latter will get a mallet and a dose of WD-40. only one shock is performing poorly but I need to get a pair as I haven't a clue what shocks are on it.

Will standard shocks from AA last long with a lowered Eiback spring setup?

I rekon as cash is an issue go with standard rears, it will get you 'back on the road' so to speak. Then, when funds allow, look at getting billies, the standard rear shock wont wear that quickly with lowering springs, my LE had lowering springs on when I bought it,(since removed) they were on for 12-15k and my rear shocks are fine.

Gonna get the KYB Excel-G standard gas shocks, delivered tomorrow hopefully. I'll get them fitted next week. They're about £70 incl VAT for the pair.

Unless they remove the dampers from the car its impossible for them to measure them. The two readings your talking about are torque reading relating to your brakes. Buy new dampers if you like but I think your misunderstanding the MOT readings.

Hi jimbo,

At the testing centres over here they have a machine which is essentially a vibrating plate linked to a computer which measures vertical travel of the wheel, essentially simulating bumps in the road. They test each wheel individually and compare the readings. I believe this is where the torque readings came from.

I checked with a mechanic today and he confirmed this to me. One shock is operating inefficiently.

Bloody hell !!

If they put my car on a vibrating plate it would fall to bits
So how can they tell the difference between a worn shock and a weak spring ?

Doesn't the spring set the ride height? If the spring was knackered wouldn't the car sit unevenly or sag low at the back?

I dunno, I'm clutching at straws here!

Hi Daithi
Interestingly I'm having this issue.

Failed offside shock.

Replaced both front shocks with OE Boge shocks, failed Nct with new shows with imbalance. Gone to garage for reassessment.

How did u get on in the end. ?

in the end was a failed top mount, only last 2 years :-(