Top Automotive Shock Absorber Manufacturers in 2021

The quality, reliability and efficiency of the suspension elements affect such components as comfort, top speed and safety while driving.

Alas, the condition of roads in Russia leaves much to be desired in many regions and cities. Therefore, motorists have to be as attentive as possible to the condition of the shock absorbers. The selection of suitable spare parts in the event of breakage or wear is also of great importance.

The actual question is which of the shock absorbers is better and which brand products are worth trusting.

There are a lot of options on the domestic market. To determine which new shock absorbers are best for your car, you need to look at the current favorites for 2021. When compiling the rating, the manufacturer's recognition, its presence in the Russian market, consumer demand, customer ratings and reviews were taken into account. Combining all this, it was possible to form a rating of shock absorbers, divided into several categories.

Varieties

Before deciding which shock absorbers are best for your car, you need to understand their varieties. Basically, devices are classified according to the working composition used and are divided into:

• Oil. Are softer and better adapted to provide a comfortable ride on bumpy and uneven roads. They are distinguished by a simple design, due to which they win in price. They are repairable. But the design itself is quite vulnerable, with prolonged operation, the oil heats up, and its properties change. If you drive frequently on uneven roads, air will begin to suck in the oil, which will lead to a gradual decrease in shock absorption properties. When frozen, the oil thickens.
• Gas-oil. An improved version of oil shock absorbers, designed for comfortable and leisurely driving mainly on flat asphalt areas. The main working medium is oil, and the gas helps the oil not to foam. They have a slightly increased rigidity, they feel better with active driving, but the price is 15-20% higher in comparison with simple oil devices. Helps the wheels to grip better in difficult situations. This is the optimal and golden mean, thanks to which gas-oil devices are in high demand.
• Gas. Stiffer structures for better handling at high speeds. They do not freeze in the cold, retain their cushioning properties. Have a longer service life. At the same time, they are much more expensive, and in conditions of everyday driving they have a lower level of comfort. Rigidity leads to the opposite effect in the form of accelerated wear of the suspension elements.

Having studied the features of each of the varieties, you can consider the current rating of shock absorbers, where the best manufacturers have been collected.

Rating categories

In order to take an objective look at the current situation, as well as to choose the best shock absorbers, all brands have been divided into several categories.

In fact, the best manufacturers from all major parts of the world were identified. As a result, we got 4 categories:

• European brands;
• Asian (Japan, South Korea and China);
• USA;
• Russian manufacturers.

Each category has its own top of the best shock absorber manufacturers. All firms have their own advantages, key features, as well as reasons for buying their products. The final choice is yours.

Leaders in Europe

This will be a rating specifically for shock absorber manufacturers, which in 2021 hold the lead in their segment.

The first will be brands from Europe. It is important to understand that not always a company legally located in one country organizes production there. Increasingly, large brands are moving production to the territory of the Middle Kingdom, or other Asian countries. This is due to economic benefits. At the same time, the quality is monitored very carefully. Therefore, do not be surprised that packages with European or American shock absorbers will say made in China.

Speaking about which European company shock absorbers are now better and more preferable to buy, the following brands should be highlighted.

• Bilstein. If you ask an experienced auto mechanic about which shock absorbers are objectively better, he will probably name the Bilstein brand. The best in Europe and one of the best manufacturers in the world. German brand. Its shock absorbers are factory fitted to Subaru vehicles. Extensive assortment with a choice of a kit based on driving style. The price is high, but you won't regret buying. The quality is high.
  
• Boge. They firmly occupy a leading position in the European market in the mid-price range. There is no need to talk about quality. Their shock absorbers are installed on BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo cars. The assortment is presented in a wide range, which allows you to choose the best solutions for a specific situation.
  
• Sachs. If you want to get good shock absorbers and still save a lot of money, then take Sachs. There is an extensive line of different suspension parts. Just focus on your vehicle, driving style, and operating conditions. Even extreme riding kits are available. The products of this brand are used in the assembly of domestic cars at AvtoVAZ.
  
• TRW. A German company that is rightfully ranked among the best shock absorber manufacturers. Moreover, the bulk of spare parts belongs to the budget segment. In fact, TRW is a packer. Production is carried out in France, at the Gabriel plant. Components are intended for middle-class cars, and TRW is actively installing on Russian cars. Their rear shock absorbers are capable of traveling at least 60 thousand kilometers.
  
• Koni. Brand from Holland. A popular manufacturer, albeit an expensive one. But the quality of the products is exemplary. Their shock absorbers are actively installed from the factory on German cars, and the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty. The entire line is divided by color palette. For example, the details for increased comfort are painted yellow, while the shock absorbers for use in conditions of increased loads are black.
  
• Krosno. Manufacturer from Poland. There is no particularly rich assortment in the company's lineup, but the quality is consistently high, as well as the demand in the Russian market. The main feature is that a collapsible body is installed here, that is, the shock absorber must be repaired. Inexpensive for the price. They perform best on European quality roads. In Russia, they serve somewhat less. Well protected from snow, mud and water.
  
• Al-Ko. Al-Ko also rightly falls into the top among shock absorber manufacturers. An ideal solution for those who spend a lot of time in the countryside, or have to drive on the roads of poor quality. The price is small, but at the same time they feel good in Russian conditions. It is not worth waiting for an increased service life. You can often find it on inexpensive foreign cars, as well as domestic cars.
  
• Hola. Manufacturer from Holland. Its products are characterized by improved performance and extended service life. In Russian conditions, they are able to serve at least 70 thousand km. They are actively installed on Russian cars. The design is based on a reliable two-pipe system.
  
• Pilenga. The brand may not be the most recognizable, but it definitely deserves attention and a place in the rating. The company offers an impressive assortment.There are both one-pipe and two-pipe, elongated models. Suitable for a wide range of European and Russian cars. The products are highlighted with a characteristic green color. The build quality is good and the performance is above average. You can choose a kit depending on your driving style or operating conditions.
  
• Zekkert. A company from Germany, the production of which is established in China. A thorough control system has been organized, which allows the shock absorber to fully comply with European standards. This is a confident middle peasant in Europe. This is not to say that the spare parts are something that stands out. But the declared resource is being worked out in full. Are inexpensive. Well adapted to the Russian winter and local roads.
  

It is among these options from Europe that many decide which shock absorbers of a well-known and proven company are better to choose and install on their own car.

Moreover, the assortment is not limited only to European brands. It is also worth looking into other parts of the world.

China, Japan and South Korea

It must be said right away that if the best manufacturers of high-quality shock absorbers intended for passenger cars are selected, companies from Asia should be included in the top. These are mainly Japan and China.

Therefore, next comes the ranking among the leading manufacturers of automotive shock absorbers from Japan and China. The recognized leaders and companies that have won consumer confidence in 2021 were:

• Kayaba. A fairly young, but very promising and rapidly developing company from Japan. One of the best manufacturers in the world. It enjoys stable demand in Europe, USA and Asia. It offers a wide assortment for every taste and wallet, and Kayaba has gained particular popularity precisely as a manufacturer of sports shock absorbers.
  
• Tokico. Another Japanese company that has chosen a slightly different path of development. The assortment is based on shock absorbers, the main task of which is to provide a high level of comfort and increased controllability of machines. The build quality is excellent. These shock absorbers are factory fitted to premium Lexus vehicles as well as the new generation Toyota RAV4. They showed themselves well in Russian operating conditions.
  
• Parts Mall. A South Korean brand that covers the bulk of the local market, that is, most cars from South Korea are equipped with shock absorbers from this particular company. At the same time, there are no questions about the level of performance of shock absorbers intended for the secondary market. The range allows you to choose a kit based on driving style and operating conditions. They have an equally good effect on the car when driving on flat asphalt and on rural dirt roads. They have a solid service life. Shock absorbers are offered in several price categories.
  
• Sensen. And this is already a Chinese company, and it does not lag behind its Asian competitors at all. The racks are given a solid guarantee for about 100 thousand kilometers. The assembly process uses Japanese components, including seals. This has a positive effect on quality and service life. The assortment includes shock absorbers intended for urban use, SUVs, etc. There are one-pipe and two-pipe systems. Despite the exemplary performance parameters, prices remain at a pleasant and affordable level.
  
• Lynxauto. A company from Japan that assembles and manufactures various automotive components. These include gas and oil shock absorbers. They supply complete kits to the assembly lines of a number of automotive brands. The quality is consistently high. The parts are adapted for operation in different conditions and under different loads. The company has all the necessary certificates and approvals. Fully complies with Russian regulations.
  
• AMD. A company that produces components in factories in several countries at once. These are China, Japan and South Korea. Therefore, when buying, see which country of origin is indicated on the product packaging. The parts are distinguished by a solid margin of safety, they can withstand serious operational loads. Their shock absorbers feel great even in severe frost conditions. So they will definitely fit for operation in Russia. General Motors, Kia, Hyundai and SsangYong vehicles are equipped with these shock absorbers. But in Russia, cheap fakes are often found. So be careful.
  
• Miles. European-Asian company. The fact is that the headquarters is located in Belgium. But production is established in Asia. Initially, Miles weren't among the best. But over time, the build quality has improved significantly. These are now above-average shock absorbers. At the same time, parts are offered at an attractive price. A great way to save money, but get decent quality parts with a decent operating resource.
  
• Patron. Inexpensive shock absorbers, which largely determined their popularity in Russia. The build quality is average and the working life is impressive. Both gas and oil car shock absorbers are available in the range. They show themselves well in Russian operating conditions.
  

If no one doubted the quality of Japanese shock absorbers before, the attitude towards products from China has changed significantly over the past few years, and for the better. This is easy to explain: the quality has increased, while the prices remain at an affordable level.

Manufacturers from the USA

Now to the question of which manufacturer of automotive shock absorbers from the USA is the best and what to look for in this market segment.

Products from the USA are less widespread in Russia. This is due to the peculiarities of export, high cost, as well as the availability of more affordable analogues from Europe and Asia.

But at the same time, there are several brands that are deservedly popular. These are high build quality, excellent performance, exemplary resources.

• Monroe. Legally, this is an American company. Although the assembly is European. Production is established in Belgium. In addition to the high quality of products, a competent pricing policy is also noted here. The service life is not the highest. According to this indicator, Monroe will be inferior to the same Koni or Bisltein. But the price is lower. Recommended for those who mainly drive on normal quality roads. In Russian conditions, they behave stably when it comes to city driving, and not about country roads.
  
• Rancho. The main range of shock absorbers is aimed at off-road vehicles and crossovers. That is, cars designed to ride in difficult conditions. At the same time, in Russia, Rancho parts can be found on UAZs, Nivs. Due to the two-tube design, the shock absorbers are adapted to the specific driving conditions of the machine. Parts have a high resource, durability and can easily withstand increased and even extreme loads.
  
• ACDelco. American shock absorbers that provide comfort, reliability and performance throughout the suspension. It is used on assembly lines of Cadillac, General Motors, etc. But the prices are also quite high. If you are not sorry to spend a solid budget, then the shock absorbers will show themselves from the best side. They are actively bought by owners of SUVs from Toyota, Nissan, Ford and not only. Even the domestic VAZ Niva begins to feel much more confident on these shock absorbers.
  
• Delphi. The company that was directly involved in the creation of the already legendary McPherson suspension. But lately there have been a lot of negative reviews. Perhaps the problem is the increase in the quality of competitors' spare parts. Plus, counterfeit manufacturers do their own damage to the brand's reputation. And the original suffers from this unfairly.
  

As you can see, the modern market offers a solid selection of shock absorbers, among which there are products from an American manufacturer.

Russian brands

Now to the question of which Russian company's products are better to buy and put on your own car in 2021.

A group of leaders has also formed among Russian manufacturers.

It is impossible to name one and objectively the best manufacturer. But there is an opportunity to study the leaders, their characteristics and key advantages by looking at the markets of different countries of the world. Everywhere there are recognized leaders, as well as companies that have won the trust and recognition of consumers.

What kind of shock absorbers do you use? Who do you think is the best manufacturer? Why? Have you come across fakes?

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