13 replies to this topic

[beardylondon]

The more I unpick my mini, the more work I see!

 

The shock absorbers are now 28 years old, they are Monroe branded, they seem ok, but with surface rust, I might just paint them if they are working ok, I will test soon.

 

If I do replace, can anyone recommend good, but reasonably priced ones, I don't need anything fancy. Otherwise I'd probably go for Kayaba gas ones, as sold by Spares.

Edited by beardylondon, 10 July 2026 - 02:31 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

I've had the Kabaya Gas-adjusts on mine for more than ten years and am happy with them.

Edited by Quinlan minor, 12 July 2026 - 07:01 PM.

[whistler]

KYB Gas-adjusts every time.

[Cooperman]

The old Monroe dampers were excellent. I believe they were also sold as Woodhead-Monroe and I remember using them on a Rally Cooper S back in the '60's.

[IronmanG]

I have the kyb gas adjusts and I have to say the ride is decent

Edited by IronmanG, 10 July 2026 - 08:23 PM.

[beardylondon]

Mine are of 1999 vintage, from local motor factors I seem to remember!

The old Monroe dampers were excellent. I believe they were also sold as Woodhead-Monroe and I remember using them on a Rally Cooper S back in the '60's.

[beardylondon]

Got them off, seem to be working fine, 28-29 years later.

Just need a good sand and a paint…

[absx2]

Got them off, seem to be working fine, 28-29 years later.

Just need a good sand and a paint…

I have them on my mk3 and the ride and handling are excellent, I think the old saying " if it ain`t broke don`t fix it " applies here quite well  :)

[Spider]

Monroes are an excellent production shocker, most brand name ones are pretty good. Monroes were making my custom rear shocks, but sadly, they had to up their MOQ 40 sets . I've gone to another brand, but they are nothing in the world like the Monroes, and while being a name brand, I've already had to replace 2 sets.

[Earwax]

Just looking at your picture - for my peace of mind - will you check the bottom mount on the picture is not twisted - i know the bottom can rotate but on first glance something struck me as not straight.  Probably just my morning eyes - not filtering between metal and rubber

[beardylondon]

No it’s fine, it’s just the angle of the photo / or lens distortion

[tarnofsky]

Have been using KYB Gas-a-just on all my minis since late 90s whenever I replaced shocks. Had only one failure after about 25 years after fitting the dampers: the rubber eye on a rear shocker had degraded and the screw inside it was able to move more than allowable. The shocks themselves (still the old ones in white, should anyone remember...) were all fine when tested on the bench.
To make it short: I can only recommend the Gas-a-justs. Excellent value and performance.

[beardylondon]

Thanks. I ended up removing all the old paint from mine and re-painting them, and they look great. Just got to do the rears now!

Edited by beardylondon, 04 October 2026 - 06:25 PM.

[bpirie1000]

The shockers are only there to dampen the bounce. Most is done with the rubber cones..

Paint them up. Bang em badk on. Check the rubber mounts..