MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Whisperhead on December 31, 2024, 11:07

Title: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Whisperhead on December 31, 2024, 11:07
Hello all,

In the new year, I'm looking to have my suspension coils and shocks replaced - I just wanted to check in here first as I've read some that the mounts really should be swapped out also?

Is this everything I need?

- 4x shocks
- 4x coils
- 4x strut top mounts
- 4x strut mount bearings
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Carolyn on December 31, 2024, 11:14
Anti roll drop links front and rear. 

The front top mounts usually incude the bearings, and they are often in good enough condition to be lightly refurbished and reused, but hey - they're not that expensive and while you're in there...
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Gaz mr-s on December 31, 2024, 14:03
Most of the time the rear top mounts are re-usable.  The rear drop links usually need cut off because they can't be disassembled. If they still look in good condition you could try taking the rear a-roll bar off with the shocks to get to the allen fitting....? 
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Gaz mr-s on December 31, 2024, 14:06
I have a left rear new KYB for £68 posted available.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Joesson on December 31, 2024, 19:05
@Whisperhead said:

4x shocks
- 4x coils
- 4x strut top mounts
- 4x strut mount bearings


I found that my 2002 at <60k front and rear top mounts required only cleaning and regreasing.
Front Top Mount Lower Dust seals ( felt washers) were needed.
Front shock gaiters were needed but the rear were not, still appeared as new.
Drop links front and rear were replaced.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Whisperhead on January 10, 2025, 00:46
Great info - much appreciated.

Gaz ill bear your offer in mind, I think I'm going to try to get a matching set manufacturer-wise to ensure they all perform the same, so if I go for KYB units I'll give you a shout.

If anyone has recommendations for sourcing these parts (other than MR2-Ben or Mr T himself) I'm open to them  ;D

Happy new year to you all.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Ardent on January 10, 2025, 08:04
As each corner is individual has been known for members to end up getting from different suppliers due to availability.
Different part numbers.

All kyb, but might have to source from different suppliers to get the full set.

Think I got mine from our local parts suppliers.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Joesson on January 10, 2025, 08:47

@Whisperhead
Of course, but not mentioned, so far, is the option of Koni inserts that look to be a well priced / good performing  option but one must remember that work is involved in modifying the outer case on the existing shock.
Some have purchased used shocks so as to prepare those while keeping the car on the road.
Used shocks would be available from J-Spec or another member!
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Carolyn on January 10, 2025, 09:38
Shop around on EBay for KYB.  As @Ardent says, you may well get them from different suppliers to get the best deals.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Gaz mr-s on January 10, 2025, 10:59
Quote from: Whisperhead on January 10, 2025, 00:46Great info - much appreciated.

Gaz ill bear your offer in mind, I think I'm going to try to get a matching set manufacturer-wise to ensure they all perform the same, so if I go for KYB units I'll give you a shout.

If anyone has recommendations for sourcing these parts (other than MR2-Ben or Mr T himself) I'm open to them  ;D

Happy new year to you all.

MR2 Ben is almost always dearer than can be had from elsewhere.  Mr T....jesus I shudder to think what they'd charge.
As Carolyn says ebay is usually best, but you've just missed a 15% off offer.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Joesson on January 10, 2025, 14:13
@Whisperhead

I bought my KYB shocks from Parts in Motion.

They are currently offering one corner for  £67.79 all other corners are on offer but at higher price, but with -7% multi buy discount, perhaps worth checking.

I paid <£300 for all 4 BC ( Before Covid) , which seemed a good buy at the time, so from that and your observation you will see the price and availability does vary, I know not why.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: Bossworld on January 11, 2025, 11:35
Front top mounts have a variety of part numbers. The Avensis ones look very similar and I think some have fitted them but I went with proper MR2 intended ones. Ashika/Japanparts RU-2320

To Joesson's point, 'PartsInMotion' as a supplier is regularly included in eBay 15% off type sales on eBay,  I've renewed the full suspension on the Abarth using their promos.
Title: Re: Coil and Shock Replacements - Parts Req'd?
Post by: SurreyMR2 on January 22, 2025, 08:04
I bought a good used set of KYB shocks and springs including the mounts from Jspec for a great price.

Cleaned them up & repainted with stone chip and they are perfect.

They were a set that had been replaced on donor vehicle at some point.