Shock absorber replacemnet

[blacknight]

How can one tell which is the better aftermarket shock absorber replacement for the VX? The good agent wants me to bring the car around to have the shocks tested as part of a routine (free). I cant find any local dealers for Monroes' but are there any heavy duty shocks from Koni / Bilstein / Kayaba? there's plenty of that around here but I do not know which model number to get. Should I replace the OEM springs as well?

[vt s]

shouldnt have to replace your springs only if your lowering it which by the sounds of it your not.
Monroe or bogue are a safe bet in my opinion sure others would disagree though idk lol.
Have the shocks actually had it?

[blacknight]

Just routine replacement. The ride is comfortable and so far i dont find any leaks at the absorbers, just checking to see how long do i have to see and wait till the oem absorbers need to be replaced

[vt s]

If it aint broke, dont fix it.
Id just wait till they start rattling or start to wear on your tyres.

[gslrallysport]

Koni / Bilstein / Kayaba?

Yep, definitely go the Kayaba's!!! KYB is definitely the pick of the entry level shock market (along with Boge), and will be the best you'll get without spending significantly more on Bilstein or Koni.

$145 each for front, $65 odd each for rear.

[wortus]

If the shocks are not worn leave them you can get them tested on the car using a machine but these places will likely tell you a lot of other stuff is worn out when it isn't so be careful. An easy way to check yourself is to hit the brake hard from a fairly slow speed, say 10 km/h and see if the front rocks up and down as the car stops. Worn shocks the car will rock up and down a lot and this increases your braking distance ans the wheels will jump up and down under brakes, (have you seen those skid marks onthe road that look like a dashed line?)
As far as replacement KYB's etc are good but expensive for day to day driving, go original or Monroe, middle of their range. You may be surprised to find out how much a complete strut from Holden spares actually costs, they are not that expensive and may even still be available as a complete unit, spring bearing plate etc.

[blacknight]

Yep, definitely go the Kayaba's!!! KYB is definitely the pick of the entry level shock market (along with Boge), and will be the best you'll get without spending significantly more on Bilstein or Koni.

$145 each for front, $65 odd each for rear.

Do you know the 'load rating' or model number of the kayaba shock absorbers for the front and rears? i think there's an agent here for kayaba shocks. does it include the mounting hardware or shall i get a new set from holden. is it advisable to re use the old shock mounts? I'm thinking of retaining the same ride height and quality of the oem shocks