Should you buy new shock absorbers or second-hand ones? This is a question that most of the car owners ask from their mechanics. I have asked a number of mechanics, and almost all of them recommended buying second-hand shock absorbers. The second-hand shocks, are locally referred to as “Kabuli” shock absorbers by mechanics in Pakistan. Kabuli shock absorbers are fairly used, and cost half as much as the new ones. But the question is, are they good and long lasting?
Well, with half the price, expect half the quality. Many people who have used Kabuli shock absorbers, complain that they don’t last long. This is mostly because, local spare-parts dealers sell repaired shock absorbers as Kabuli. What some mechanics do, is that they keep your old shock absorbers, repair them and sell them off as Kabuli to others. Although, there are some people who have had a good experience with the Kabuli spare parts and shock absorbers. In the end, it all depends on the honesty of your mechanic and the spare-parts dealer.
Then again, what is the price difference between a new shock absorber and a Kabuli shock absorber? This varies from car to car. A pair of brand new shock absorbers for a Suzuki Mehran cost between 5,000-8,000 rupees, while a pair of Kabuli shock absorbers cost between 3,000 to 5,000 rupees. New shock absorbers are comparatively cheaper for cars like Suzuki Mehran or Suzuki Alto. On the other hand, the price of a pair of new shock absorbers for cars like Honda City or Toyota Corolla could go as high as about 18,000 rupees or more. While Kabuli might cost between 8,000-12,000 rupees.
According to a discussion in PakWheels Forum, majority of the participants recommend opting for brand new shocks. However, if you have a good mechanic or a good spare parts dealer, you might be lucky enough to get genuine Kabuli Shock absorbers. If you can spare a few extra bucks, it is probably the best idea to go for a new pair of shock absorbers, especially if you have a car like Mehran, Alto or Daihatsu Coure. There is a less chance of you being cheated with the new shock absorbers.
Do share your opinion and experience with us.
Mechanics love kabli because it goes bad again and again and the mechanic can charge for labor again and again.
Rubber degrades with time and any parts that involve rubber should not be bought kabli.
Most people do not know how a bad shock absorber behaves. The mechanics keep telling and owners keep replacing.
What is the price of new Shocks of Hilux Vigo Champ
my vigo has TRD Suspension I want to change it to normal
bcz these shocks are too hard and uncomfortable
.
plz Advise something
Avoid Kabuli…they are simply “used” shocks…plus there is the risk they might be from a “stolen” car which is unethical.
New all the way..
Hilux is a labor vehicle. It is uncomfortable no matter what you do to it.
A saloon car like Toyota Crown, Mark II, Mark X is comfortable. Depending on where you need to travel, you may not prefer a saloon car. Then you can look at a luxury SUV like Prado. Mind you Prado is also rougher than any saloon car out there.
My mechanic does not recommend kaabli shocks except when it comes to the axles. got kaabli axles once and are still working fine 2nd year in. Luck maybe? Though there was some heavy rain recently in which I drove quite a bit, I’ll have to check if its rubber is intact (axle boots)
1. Yes hilux has uncomfortable ride because these cars are meant to go off road, it doesn’t make it a laborers’ vehicle that you have been stereotyping here and there on comments section. What do you own?
2. A saloon may or may not be comfortable depends upon where it is driven, the saloons you mentioned can’t be driven over majority of breakers, bumps in Pakistan and where they can / tried to be driven, the ride is more harsh due to less suspension travel than 4x4s anyway. The suspension of these cars are to absorb minor bumps and potholes not what we have here.
I’ve used repaired suspension components in the past and my experience says that if you want peace of mind then go for new. Our country’s repairmen just cannot do a quality job simply because they neither know any quality standards to meet not do they adhere to common reason.
Lack of education and resultant mediocrity has really eaten through our social and professional fabric.
Go for new.
You can make the suspension sister by making adjustments. Specially in the rear.
Usually specialised suspensions are adjustable. You can lessen the compression of the spring and lower the dampening rate of the shock absorber.
1. I own a Sohrab bicycle.
2. Hilux is not a luxury SUV. There are other off-roaders that comes with air suspension which are made to be comfortable. Examples are Cayenne, Range Rover series, even the 100 series and 200 series Land Cruisers.
3. In Pakistan, Hilux (more so since the time of Vigo) has become a symbol of status/power/road presence, that is why many people buy it, who won’t have bought it in ordinary cases.
Yes and there is rolls royce and bentleys too, since we were comparing suspensions and comfort on pakistani roads, lets say, a travel from lahore to sialkot, where there is gt road construction going on near Gujranwala (I went for outing there yesterday), a Mark x won’t be able to drive there, a mark 2 would provide a harsher drive than hilux there. Yes hilux is entry level truck but it is our nations mentality that symbolizes it for power or laborers vehicle. it is an off road vehicle that can have versatile purposes.
i have hilux vigo champ TRD thailand 2012 (3.0 vnturbo)
when i drive it fast it feels very very comfort (with 163hp maybe)
but
when with family its an uncomfortable ride
.
i think it is made for guards of VIPs as shown some years ago
but now a days it is used as families ride
Dear i have Mira ES 2014 i have to change heavy duty rear coil springs & shock absorbers
plz advice me
if 03-persons sit on back seat of my car to loo to ground….