car maintenance - top absorber mounting

My original top absorber mounting had given way after 80000km of very loyal service.




















Just look at the sludge that completely killed the ball bearings. No wonder, "thud thud " sound could be heard whenever i go over uneven surface at slow speed.


4 months ago, i opted for a non original mounting which costed 1/4 the price of original mounting which i totally regretted.
It served my for only 4 months before the irritating sound returned.




















The slightest of unusual sound emitted from any part of my car is quickly picked up by my ears, quickly prompting my brain to take charge and rectify the problem ASAP. And so, i opted for genuine Toyota mounting which cost ~rm200 per piece. That really hurt my wallet.




















Look at the clear coloured grease and the Japan wording engraved on the bearing.




















A quick physical comparison between my old mounting on the right and the new mounting on the left.



















lesson learnt: TAK NAK PIRATED GOODS.

New absorber

My car absorbers are doomed. It has been doomed ever since I test drove the car in June08 before deciding to purchase this beauty. I've been scouting high and low for suitable shocks for her.


Several factors in mind while searching for the right one, namely should i go for gas shocks or oil shocks or a mixture for both?


OIL FILLED SHOCKS

Pros
Comfortable
cheaper

Cons
Shorter life span compared to gas shocks
Maybe too soft for my liking


GAS FILLED SHOCKS

Pros
Stiffer ride which translates to better handling
Longer life span

Cons
Maybe too stiff for my liking

Gas and oil filled type is out of my budget, anyway Monroe Sensatrac/reflex is progressive type absorber

Besides that, which brand should i opt for? Kayaba?

1. Kayaba (Malaysian made), no Toyota mark on it, RM145 including labor cost
2. Kayaba Toyota (Malaysian made),it comes in Toyota box, RM165 including labor cost
3. Kayaba (Japan made), original, RM215 including labor cost

So many considerations running through my mind. Considering the road condition in Bintulu SUX big time, my initial plan was to stick to oil filled abs, i wouldn't go wrong with that.


After much consideration, finally i ordered A-FUJI brand Absorber which comes with 6 months warranty from an online store for a relatively cheap price. It's Gas filled. Yeap, u heard me right and I'm glad i made that choice. Read on..


Coincidentally my housemate goes back to KL during the Raya break and he helped transport my new abs when her returns to Bintulu. My Raya Angpow finally arrived and is ready to take over duty from the retired shocks that had faithfully served its time



















A-FUJI ABSORBERS


Couldn't wait to install and test it. I'm just so curious of how it would perform on my car, whether it's comfortable enough or would it be too stiff for my liking, how about the ride height?I'm overwhelmed with anxiety, it's hard to get through the night.


















AHH foo gee


The very next morning, rolled my car into a trusted workshop. My suspension is about to GET PIMPED YO~



















Car in workshop



My mechanic got to work immediately, dismantling the entire suspension from its bracket. The old Absorber boot is totally worn ed out, torn ed beyond recognition. No choice but to order new boots.























Absorber boot


The old Absorbers are out. i personally tested all four of them and as i expected they're all having erectile dysfunction, LOL . Upon compression, the abs did not rebound. Nothing could be done to make them erect, not even direct simulation or even high dosage of Viagra. LOL.
























Old shock


The whole process is make simpler with the help of this machine. It compresses the coil spring and hold it in place to let the old abs out and the new ones in.
























Mechanic in action


finally, after approximately 2 hours, all the abs are in place and fitted into my car.












































New shocks in place


Quickly tested my ride height, height clearance has increase by 1 finger. Yes., that will give my car a more sturdy look and reduced the chances of scraping the undercarriage.



















Test ride height


Finally, after alignment was done, time to hit the road. I went slow initially to let it run in nicely. Took a few spin around familiar roads, bumpy ones, while intuitively listening for any more knocking sound which my old abs emit. it's completely silent now. I'm glad.


My short review

A-Fuji absorbers are 20% stiffer than stock. It is comfortable yet provides a firm ride, as to my liking. It doesn't let me down during spirited driving. When tackling corners at high speed, the car has very little body roll even though ride height has increased. I'm amazed. Thumbs up.



















JDM Corolla AE110