Shock Absorber Replacement

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beefio
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Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Thu Feb 04, 2016 11:24 am

Hi all

I had an advisory on my last MOT for all 4 shocks saying they were 'misting'.

The next MOT is due in a couple of months and as the shocks could now be a failure so I'm looking at some replacements just incase.

I've seen the following set of TRW FRONT & REAR SHOCKS for my 2000 MGF VVC at £113.40 delivered:-

http://www.jagspares.co.uk/Abingdon/par ... A971575TRW

http://www.jagspares.co.uk/Abingdon/par ... B000260TRW

Has anyone got any views on these shocks?

I'm not after anything fancy just economical replacements...

Cheers

Stuart

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Fri Feb 05, 2016 1:42 pm

Anyone?

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Rob Bell
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Rob Bell » Fri Feb 05, 2016 5:13 pm

I can't comment on this particular shock absorber. There are a variety of different replacement shocks available - but they're not all the same specification as the original. Some, for instance, have more bump resistance. The originals, resistance in bump is minimal (because the hydragas provides this function) and are designed to assist only on rebound. More bump resistance can place more strain on the upper shock mounts which aren't actually designed to take the load, but usually only cause problems with "sports" specification adjustable dampers with the resistance dialed to max!

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Steve White
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Steve White » Fri Feb 05, 2016 6:08 pm

OEM spec Monroe dampers are available from www.jagspares.co.uk for £40 a corner.
Recently replaced the dampers on Ali's F with these as she wanted to keep the original ride.

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Fri Feb 05, 2016 6:32 pm

I've seen the oem Monroe shocks for £36.50 each delivered...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/291589377947

So do we think it's worth paying an extra £33 for the monroes?

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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by adrianclifford » Fri Feb 05, 2016 6:42 pm

Sorry Stuart, can't help you on this one, I've got a TF with Bilsteins and they were £680 a set when I bought them so for the money you are talking about why don't you go for the Monroes ?

I have a few concerns over many car parts nowadays with so much fake stuff about. Buy from a reputable dealer.

If cost is a concern, why not call Martin Smith and see what he has in stock ?
Bilstein shocks, Piper 4-2-1 manifold, Daytona, Vader cold-air induction, custom Z and F Stage 2 re-map, Electric boot release, braided hoses, Blue Magnecor leads, Technozen relays, Stage 1 head, BMW Angel Eyes headlights, "MG" puddle lights.

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Sat Feb 06, 2016 1:48 pm

I've already spent loads trying to get my F up to scratch and the shocks are just one thing in a long list left to do, so if I can save £33 on the TRW ones and they do just as good a job then I'd be happy, if they don't then I'd pay extra and go with the Monroes. Hence my question if anyone has any thoughts on the TRW's to help my decision...

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Sat Feb 06, 2016 1:50 pm

Don't want to buy used if that's what you meant by Martin Smith...would rather buy new...

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adrianclifford
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by adrianclifford » Sat Feb 06, 2016 6:14 pm

beefio wrote:Don't want to buy used if that's what you meant by Martin Smith...would rather buy new...
OK, just a suggestion in case it was a cost decision.
Bilstein shocks, Piper 4-2-1 manifold, Daytona, Vader cold-air induction, custom Z and F Stage 2 re-map, Electric boot release, braided hoses, Blue Magnecor leads, Technozen relays, Stage 1 head, BMW Angel Eyes headlights, "MG" puddle lights.

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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Geoff.F » Sat Feb 06, 2016 7:45 pm

Any new OEM or aftermarket shocks will be better than 15 year old originals. Would agree not to buy used which may be worse than those that you are throwing away.
£ 680 is probably nearly as much as the car is worth albeit I have Bilstein from Techspeed on our 2000 F at a much better price.
I would suggest that you look at Rimmer Bros for their Original or Aftermarket. Adequate and not OTT.
Geoff F.

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Keith Williams
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Keith Williams » Sat Feb 06, 2016 7:55 pm

beefio wrote:Don't want to buy used if that's what you meant by Martin Smith...would rather buy new...
Not that I would suggest using second hand shocks, but just a note that Martin Smith now carries a good range of new products as well as his wide range of second hand ones.
1998 MGF VVC, 2001 Trophy 160 & 2013 MG6 GT TSE

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Sat Feb 06, 2016 10:04 pm

The aftermarket shocks on Rimmers look like the same TRW ones on www.jagspares.co.uk David Manners Group but they're £50 more...

I thought David Manners looked reputable, anyone have experience of them?

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Rob Bell
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Rob Bell » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:44 am

I am sure that TRW will be fine - it's just that I can't recommend from personal experience. Monroes are a good brand that have been used by owners here in the past. Whether they're worth an extra 10% I don't know?

Which ever route you take, do let us know! :thumbsu:

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:58 am

Appreciate your input Rob and will let you know how I get on if the current ones do fail the MOT, however two MG specialists that checked them after the MOT both said they thought they were fine, so maybe the MOT centre was just trying it on, I'm using a different centre this time so will see if they say anything difference...

PS. The Monroes are 30% more than the TRW's...

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Rob Bell
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Rob Bell » Mon Feb 08, 2016 12:20 pm

A different tester on a different day even at the same centre can provide a radically different result in my experience! Shocks only fail test if leaking.

floozy
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by floozy » Mon Feb 08, 2016 8:21 pm

As Steve said, we got the Monroes from Jagspares (aka David Manners).. nothing untoward in the transaction/delivery and got exactly what we asked for. The Monroes replaced those factory fitted to the F when it was new back in 2001 and which had lasted over 100k miles before there was any deterioration in the ride comfort. For me, a ride I liked and the potential lifespan of the Monroes on a car I hope to be driving for a few years yet made my decision straightforward.

Cant comment on the TRWs sorry but hope someone else is able to offer you some helpful feed back on them. The Monroes came with bushes so you may need to factor that in if they are not part of the TRW kit.

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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by Geoff.F » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:18 pm

I would worry at £50 per axle for TRWs as they may be more likely to fail the MOT than the old originals.
We each choose how much we spend on maintenance and Safety.
Geoff.F

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:34 pm

I'm not sure how some brand new shocks from a recognised brand and retailer would be more likely to fail an MOT than the 16 year old originals that had an advisory for misting last year...

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:37 pm

Geoff.F wrote:Any new OEM or aftermarket shocks will be better than 15 year old originals
I tend to agree more with your first comment...

beefio
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Re: Shock Absorber Replacement

Post by beefio » Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:38 pm

Think I'll just see what the MOT says next month and then decide what to do...

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