Front struts

john adam · 31st January 2014, 04:48

I plan to replace the front struts (shock absorbers) How critical is it to go with the genuine units? Monroe units are considerably cheaper here. I also intend replacing the top bearings and link rods.

SD1too · 31st January 2014, 07:43

You're entering the world of brand loyalty here John.

I find that the biggest problem with aftermarket shock absorbers/struts is understanding the parts catalogue. For any given model of car there's often a choice, and it's difficult to work out the difference between them. When I recently changed the struts on Mrs. SD1too's hatchback, Monroe's helpline was the most helpful and Sachs/Boge the worst.

The rear shock absorbers on my 75 are Delphi if I remember correctly, so it's likely that the front will be by that manufacturer too. If you buy Delphi from a motor factor* you will get the OEM part for a better price than with an MG Rover logo on the box.

Simon

* I've just noticed that you reside in NZ. Do you have independent motor factors there?

beinet1 · 31st January 2014, 08:06

I mounted a pair of "KYB`s" a few years back. Works nicely. Price is good and I think the quality shall be OK (OEM) to. The same KYB front shocks are listed for all models if I remember correctly.

More here:

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=429651

Steve1966 · 31st January 2014, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by john adam

I plan to replace the front struts (shock absorbers) How critical is it to go with the genuine units? Monroe units are considerably cheaper here. I also intend replacing the top bearings and link rods.

When my rear shocks needed replacing I got some low mileage ones from a scrapyard. The reason is simple:

I was witness to tens of thousands of miles of damper (shock) tuning to give the silky smooth ride that we all love about our cars. It is a science, an art form, a compromise of all the types of roads/driving styles possible. Non OEM, aftermarket, or even (perhaps) aftermarket by the original manufacturer will not give the same ride performance as original OEM. If OEM are too expensive then good used is the way I go.

Steve.

31st January 2014, 04:48	#1
john adam Avid contributor 1999 Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur saloon Join Date: May 2007 Location: Carterton, NZ Posts: 106 Thanks: 18 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Front struts I plan to replace the front struts (shock absorbers) How critical is it to go with the genuine units? Monroe units are considerably cheaper here. I also intend replacing the top bearings and link rods.

31st January 2014, 07:43	#2
SD1too Doesn't do things by halves Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur Auto (1999) Dealer launch model. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Former Middlesex Posts: 20,344 Thanks: 1,587 Thanked 3,749 Times in 3,181 Posts	You're entering the world of brand loyalty here John. I find that the biggest problem with aftermarket shock absorbers/struts is understanding the parts catalogue. For any given model of car there's often a choice, and it's difficult to work out the difference between them. When I recently changed the struts on Mrs. SD1too's hatchback, Monroe's helpline was the most helpful and Sachs/Boge the worst. The rear shock absorbers on my 75 are Delphi if I remember correctly, so it's likely that the front will be by that manufacturer too. If you buy Delphi from a motor factor* you will get the OEM part for a better price than with an MG Rover logo on the box. Simon * I've just noticed that you reside in NZ. Do you have independent motor factors there? __________________ "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." Sir Henry Royce. Last edited by SD1too; 31st January 2014 at 07:51..

31st January 2014, 08:06	#3
beinet1 Posted a thing or two Rover 75 2.0 V6 Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sandnes - Norway Posts: 1,560 Thanks: 64 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	I mounted a pair of "KYB`s" a few years back. Works nicely. Price is good and I think the quality shall be OK (OEM) to. The same KYB front shocks are listed for all models if I remember correctly. More here: http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=429651