10 replies to this topic

[Gortey]

Hi, after having a look at the shocks on my mini I now realise that I need some new ones...
I'm looking to spend a max of £50-60 for a complete set (front and back) of shocks but don't really know which would be the best kind to improve the smoothness of the ride and hopefully the handling a bit too.

Does anyone know any good brands and types that would be worth buying?
Thanks very much for your help,
Daniel

EDIT: actually while I'm asking, I've noticed that when I try to use the heater to stop the front windscreen from steaming up or just to generally heat the car there is a horrible squeaking noise which doesn't stop. Any ideas?
Thanks

[Sprocket]

For that price, a standard set from any manufacturer

[1984mini25]

the ones i have are GMax
Reduced bounce over minior bumps and work well for general daily use

£18 for a full set in minisports sale

BUT
For you buget
u can get full sets of Spax £40(max), gaz £36, koni £44 and bilstern £49
so realy its take your pick
minisport

<karl>

EDIT: actually while I'm asking, I've noticed that when I try to use the heater to stop the front windscreen from steaming up or just to generally heat the car there is a horrible squeaking noise which doesn't stop. Any ideas?

mine squeaks and rattles could be down to the motor?

[Gortey]

Yeah i was looking at the GMAX ones but theres a bit of false advertising going on in the new January 2006 mini magazine, it says £18 for a full set when in reality its just for 1.
Are they easy enough to fit?
Thanks

[1984mini25]

but theres a bit of false advertising going on in the new January 2006 mini magazine,

That would't be the first time by minisport :erm:


The Fronts are the easyest to fit

Jack up car and remove wheel
Remove the two bolts and remove damper
Re-fit new damper in reverse order

what you might find is that the spacer from the old damper has rusted on
easly removed with a pair of mole grips and wd40

[1984mini25]

Rears:

Driver’s side
Before you jack up vehicle remove the nut from the top of the damper in side the boot

Jack up and remove wheel

Remove nut and sleeve (same prob as front) on radius arm

Re-fit new in reverse order

full tightern the top nut/nuts when vehcle is on floor

Passenger side
To get to the top of the damper you fist have to move the fuel tank

Remove tank strap bolt
Move spare wheel over on to other side of boot
Remove filler cap
Manoeuvre the tank to where the spare should be, just enough to get to the damper and be careful of stretching fuel pipes etc.
support with spare wheel and replace filler cap

Jack up and remove wheel

Remove nut and sleeve (same prob as front) on radius arm

Re-fit new in reverse order

full tightern the top nut/nuts when vehcle is on floor

And refit the tank in reverse order

[minidaves]

fit the kyb gaz adjust these are very good

dave

[rob3]

fit the kyb gaz adjust these are very good

dave

Agreed, ive have very good experiances with these, they dont go rusty either. Unlike my GAZ adjustables

[dklawson]

That's "gas-a-just". Gaz is a trademark name/word for a totally separate company from KYB.

With shocks you generally get what you pay for. I paid a bit more than your budget to get the KYBs (about $200 from Mini Spares with shipping charges). Stock/standard shocks would have been a little less and should fall in your budget.

[eddyg]

just got my kyb gas adjust and just fitted the front ones on. I have cooling issues at the mo so only got to take it bout 200 yards but feels amazin! a whole new car. I say spend a bit more now and u won't regret it. I have to put the new ones on the back tomoz!

[Gortey]

Thanks for the help, I've narrowed it down to the GMAX (GMAX) which are £57.45 for a complete set.

Or the KYB Gas Adjust shocks (KYB) which would cost £93.44 for a set.

They both have pretty much the same specs, 25% uprated for the Gmax and 30% uprated for the KYB. Would it be worth spending the extra £40 and getting the KYB or are the two pretty similar anyway and so better to save the money and opt for the Gmax?

Thanks, Daniel