OK,
after 12 years of ownership it's time to overhaul the rear suspension..,

going to clean and repaint the axle / spring cups

while it's all apart I'll also change the original dampers for new..,

anybody recommend a brand that has given good service..,

I'm completely open to info.

used "original Birth" for the front 4 years ago and have been fine.., but I may have just been "lucky":worship:

Charlie

How about low mileage OEM dampers from a breakers. It's not like the originals have given poor service.

OE ones were probably specified differently for different models, but aftermarket will just produce a 'one size fits all' compromise. However, any big brand name should do fine. Sachs, Boge, Bilstein, Monroe, TRW, Kayaba, etc. Gas-filled ones will perform better, but with a Panda, we might not notice.
A quick search brings frightening prices, but these guys look cheaper. I've used them before, takes a little more time to arrive. http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/rear-shock-absorber/fiat-panda-169-1-2-60hp_v17628_g900002.html

I think BOLK is their own brand, so origin unknown. For me, I think I'd be going for the Monroe ones.

If you prefer Sachs, their part number 311 421 are the ones you need. (311 843 are for the van version)

Some say they can tell the difference after fitting premium quality shocks, but almost any brand new shock will feel subjectively better than a worn-out one, and no shock is going to overcome the inherent limitations of the twist beam rear suspension.

IMO the whole point about a 12 yr old 1.1 is low cost motoring, so in keeping with that, I'd be reluctant to spend a vast amount on high end shocks. That said, I'd avoid the cheap rubbish, though. A good way to end up tearing your hair out would be to compare three middle market brands at a similar price point; the reality is that it likely makes no difference at all which of them you choose, so availability and 'who's got the best deal this week' may be a better criteria for making the choice than an outright technical assessment.

Anyone tried ContiTech dampers on a Panda? They seem to be available at pretty reasonable prices at the moment.
I know a few people who have used them in other cars with no problems.
I will be needing a couple of rear dampers quite soon so would be interested in opinions.

DaveMcT said:

How about low mileage OEM dampers from a breakers. It's not like the originals have given poor service.

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they "look" ok,
but are bound to be TIRED..

I'd rather buy something with a form of warranty TBH, as I'm unlikely to need to get back under the car for another while..

Try Sutton Auto Factors on the net. Prices were good and delivery very quick. I fitted Fiat dampers on the rear and after only 2 years one is already shot, the KYB fronts from SAF are still going well and look in better condition externally as well.

varesecrazy said:

they "look" ok,
but are bound to be TIRED..

I'd rather buy something with a form of warranty TBH, as I'm unlikely to need to get back under the car for another while..

Click to expand...

My car came to me with rusty back axle and 35K on the clock. The ride was normal Panda.

Ive fitted a Fiat 500 back axle (that had done 5K miles) complete with brakes springs and shocks. The ride is 100% better its all new so should be!!!!

So Im saying that low miles used shocks are a cheap way to go. But absolutely point in buying if the breaker doesn't know the mileage.

They are one of the easiest parts to replace, so you could do it after working on the axel.
I replaced mine when the car was 9 years old and the old ones had just as much damping as the new ones.
Check for leaks, bad rust and the condition of the bushes.
Shop4Parts is a good place to buy shocks.

I don't have a problem with the 4 year old front damper struts S4P's "birth"

just wondered what other people have found..,

Charlie

Given it is a simple cheap car, I would get Euro Car Parts better ones at £29 each. Any new shock absorber will feel much better that what is on there. It is a light simple car. Get the standard replacement.

How does the rear suspension of the Panda differ from the front? Is it just a straight up damper/shock like assembly with a coil spring and large axel beam with those cups?

Not sure if mines needs replaced or not, but now when I go over speed bumps the front of the car is quiet and smooth as can be, though the back you can now feel and hear the creaks from..

When I rust proof under the car I plan on doing the axel too to avoid the cups from snapping, what a horrible thing to have happen! And scarily common too it seems.

Please share what you end up buying for future reference

MLW said:

Given it is a simple cheap car, I would get Euro Car Parts better ones at £29 each. Any new shock absorber will feel much better that what is on there. It is a light simple car. Get the standard replacement.

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how many years / miles have they served you..??

MLW said:

Given it is a simple cheap car, I would get Euro Car Parts better ones at £29 each. Any new shock absorber will feel much better that what is on there. It is a light simple car. Get the standard replacement.

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Do you have a link to Euro at £29 each? My search on their site shows £34.49 each.

They always have a discount offer. At check-in put in the code for today's discount. It is 31% =SAVEME

You need to buy them online to get the discount. Either delivered or click and collect.

MLW said:

You need to buy them online to get the discount. Either delivered or click and collect.

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Sometimes if you are nice to the staff at the counter they will give you the online price .

Otherwise you could just whip out your mobile and do a 'click & collect' whilst in the shop!

I'd agree with the comments regarding customer service; I've always found them to be excellent. The quality of the parts is highly variable; beware of anything with the Crosland label on it as ECP now own the brand and use it on whatever parts they can source most cheaply. If you stick with reputable, known brands (MANN & Lemforder are two good examples), you won't go far wrong.

When buying aftermarket parts, you often need to take home two or three alternatives to be sure of getting one that fits; you just return the unused ones later. The trade do this all the time.

Very true.
Just stick with Mann or Bosch or any of the top brands and all, is usually well. Try shopping at FIAT and all is in prospective!

MLW said:

Very true.
Just stick with Mann or Bosch or any of the top brands and all, is usually well. Try shopping at FIAT and all is in prospective!

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don't think these BOSCH ones will fit..??
https://shop.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/bosch-suspension-parts

If you want suspension upgrade do all four corners with a Bisltein, Koni or whatever floats your boat. If you are simply replacing for MOT go to any parts supplier.