Shock Absorber Rebuild Parts

Is oil seeping from a shock, or has the damping gone soft after many miles off-road or on track? Here we bring together seal kits, O-rings, piston rods, hoses and spacers so you can rebuild your shock absorbers instead of replacing them completely.

What the rebuild parts are used for

A shock absorber wears from the inside. Seals and O-rings lose their sealing ability, and scratches on the piston rod can ruin even new seals. With the parts here you can replace the individual wear parts, e.g. a Buna seal kit for a .875 inch shaft, a new piston rod or a complete rebuild kit for the Bilstein 7100 series. The category also includes hose kits, typically for shocks with an external reservoir, and spacers for the bearing in the shock eye, e.g. for the lower mount on Jeep and Toyota. You will also find an extension for the fill valve, which can make access easier when charging with gas. Brands in the category include King Shocks, FOX, QA1, KYB Powersports and Progressive.

How to choose the right part

Shock absorber parts are rarely universal. Check these dimensions before you order:

• Body diameter: e.g. 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 inch. Parts for one size typically do not fit another.
• Shaft diameter: seal kits and piston rods are available for different shaft sizes, e.g. .500, .750 and .875 inch.
• Bolt and bearing dimensions: spacers are specified by bolt diameter and width, e.g. 12 or 14 mm.
• Brand and series: the part must match the shock's manufacturer and model. So compare with the part number on your shock.

A rebuild typically requires special tools and new shock oil. If the shock is gas-charged, it must also be filled with nitrogen to the pressure specified by the manufacturer. If the shock is heavily worn, a new off-road shock absorber or performance shock absorber may be a better solution. You can see all types under shock absorbers.

Frequently asked questions

When should a shock absorber be rebuilt?

Typical signs are oil on the shock body or shaft, reduced damping so the car sways or bounces more, and noises from the shock. How often it is necessary depends on the shock, your driving and the manufacturer's service interval.

Can I replace the seals in my shock absorbers myself?

It depends on the shock. Many models require special tools and a clean workspace. Gas-charged shocks must also be refilled with pressurised nitrogen afterwards. If you do not have the equipment, a workshop with shock equipment can do the job.

How do I find the right seal kit?

The seal kit must match the shock's brand, body diameter and shaft diameter, e.g. .750 or .875 inch. Measure the shaft or find the shock's part number and compare it with the product description before you order.