[rukp]

Hi All,

I noticed my car is slightly lower on the right side (drivers side). measuring the wheel arch gap from top to the wheel its about 1.5cm lower on right side!

There is a slight thump when driving so thinking it has to be the shocks.

Wanted views on:

1. Replacement parts "Monroe v Belstein" or anyone prefer other OEM parts?

2. Do most people replace the mount guides as well as dampers? some people seem to say no need but thinking with age makes sense...


I did read some people who have a lower side put it down to the fuel tank and battery weight but that seems a bit odd to me!?

Thks
RUKP

[Billfitz]

It's not likely that a shock is at fault. They don't set the car height, they just prevent it from bouncing about. Something else is probably amiss.

[rukp]

Thks Billfitz,

Any general ideas, oddly the car drives well, even given the awful state of the roads it does not pull to the side when I release the steering.

Rgds


ADD SOME PHOTOS TO SHOW HOW MUCH...

[Billfitz]

You're measuring the symptom, not the cause. That you'd have to do from under the car.

[Jvac]

You definitely should look underneath the car for suspension issues or have a mechanic do so if you aren't able. Also get an alignment check if you haven't done so in a while. If they say something is wrong have them prove it / show you before they go swapping parts.
I do believe there is a slight difference in r/l ride height at the rear when the car is at rest due to the battery being over the right wheel in lhd vehicles and this is done intentionally to counter the average weight of the driver in the left seat. One would need to be seated in the car while making the measurements you did to rule this out. If you're in a rhd car this might be reversed.
To your other original questions it is prudent to replace the rear shock mounts along with the rubber spring perch pads when the shocks are being replaced since these are wear items and they are not expensive and also likely to be worn out by the time the shocks need replacement.
If one shock needs to be replaced, do both rears at that time.
It is not recommended to mix and match different brands of shocks from left to right or front to rear as they have different damping rates and this would upset the ride quality. If switching to, say, bilstein shocks, you must do all 4 to ensure matching behavior from front to rear. Lots of discussions in the suspension forum to read but if you're just looking to restore oem ride quality I would suggest sticking with oem shocks. Anything aftermarket requires some research to select the best parts for your needs and to make sure you don't unintentionally make the ride worse.

[rukp]

Thanks Jvac for the detailed reply..

Rgds
Rukp