Rear shocks - is this right?

[bearmarm]

Attached pics show the stock shocks and the replacements I put on. As you can see, the rubber part on the new ones is much smaller. Is this right?

 

[Syrup]

I had the same concerns yesterday when replacing mine. The outer rubber bushings don't do much. I was more concerned that the new ones have a slightly smaller outside diameter of that tube the bolt goes through which means a little less material to grab. They got me to work okay. I'll double check them when I get home.

-Syrup

 

[CorradoKev]

Attached pics show the stock shocks and the replacements I put on. As you can see, the rubber part on the new ones is much smaller. Is this right?

No, that does not appear to be correct. The bushings are missing to prevent lateral movement of the shock along the length of that bolt. The new shock should have included new mounting bushings.

 

[RMinNJ]

The actual metal of the shock looks narrower so even with big rubber bushings on each side it would not seem right.
What shocks did you get ?

 

[Syrup]

The actual metal of the shock looks narrower so even with big rubber bushings on each side it would not seem right.
What shocks did you get ?

Those are KYB's (P/N 343459).

I checked them when I got home and they seemed fine despite the fairly schitty roads I have to drive on.

-Syrup

 

[RMinNJ]

Ok..yeah...the pictures of the KYBs online all look like that... odd. I guess if you cannot push them from side to side they are ok. Wonder why they could not have been made wider..

So how does it feel with the new shocks? Any tighter in the back?

 

[Natesriv]

That 2nd pic is wrong. There's not supposed to be any space. on either side of the bottom of the shock. The 1st pic is the correct setup

 

[TurtleOverlord]

Looks exactly like mine did, I got KYBs too.
There are metal tubes that come out either side of the shock making contact with either side.

 

[bearmarm]

Yes, they are KYB's. The metal that the bolt goes through is the same width so nothing is loose. It is the rubber interior part that is narrow compared to the oems. As for the ride, I can't tell a difference. The right was leaking so I had to replace the oems.

 

[Italianjoe1]

That's fine, different design but same function.

Some of the aftermarket options use a smaller bushing, the center tube is still right as it fits in without bending the tabs. Won't affect anything, that bushing does very little. You actually want it as stiff as possible while still allowing a little rotation. A small, firm bushing is perfect for that.

 

[Natesriv]

I'll have to snap a pic of my KYB setup.... I may be wrong

 

[lkz6678]

My rear shocks are dead and leaking (55K miles) and I just ordered the same shocks, KYB 343459. Is there anything else I should replace along with the shocks? Hardware, bushing, mounts, etc? I don't know much about suspensions...

BTW I got them on Rockauto for $46.79 each plus ~$7 shipping.

Also, strangely, on Amazon it was telling me that the 343459 is not compatible with my 2013 Sonic LS but on Rockauto and Autozone it said yes it was compatible. So I ordered them.

 

[Natesriv]

Not really, I believe just put the new ones on.

 

[lkz6678]

Got my rear shocks installed today at one of my mechanic shops in Tijuana for $25. I probably could have done it myself if I felt like putting in the time. I notice a big difference in how the car rides and handles.
Now whats next on the list of things to fix...

 

[AERSUPERSTAR]

Is that the rear or front I can’t c but I don’t remember mine being that close in the 1.8 but they’re 1.4 or 1.5