Original suspension manufacturer?

[LukeFinch]

Hello, new to the community and my first post

I have a 2002 1.0L K11 that’s only on 29,000 miles however could probably benefit from new shock absorbers. I’d like to keep the car totally original where possible so does anyone know who the suspension was originally manufactured by?

Many thanks

Luke

 

[villanueva_00]

Well i assume that original shock were probably manufactured outside nissan and then rebranded as Nissan (This is only an assumption). Either way if you could find original or NOS shocks they are probably not in the best shape.
I would simply just put new OEM equivalent shocks probably Bilstein B4 or Kayaba Excel-G (should feel like stock ride) . No point in searching for original shock in my opinion.

 

[Fabrizio]

Hello, new to the community and my first post

I have a 2002 1.0L K11 that’s only on 29,000 miles however could probably benefit from new shock absorbers. I’d like to keep the car totally original where possible so does anyone know who the suspension was originally manufactured by?

Many thanks

Luke

Hello, first of all congratulations for a such fresh car.
What's wrong with a 29,000 miles shock absorber? Can you describe the drive experience?

 

[LukeFinch]

Thanks for your reply Villanueva_00, I totally agree and I was probably going down the KYB route anyway but just curious of the original manufacturer to satisfy my OCD

Thank you Fabrizio, I was fortunate enough to have purchased the car from a family friend who bought it new and kept it garaged. The NSR shock absorber is significantly weaker which can be felt in cornering and confirmed when jacked up and lever bar under wheel compared with the OS accompanied with slight play in the top mount causing a quiet knock over speed bumps.
I suspect the lack of use over its 22 years has caused this or a rogue pothole.

 

[Fabrizio]

I have a friend who is going mad because once changed the shock absorbers the car become as rigid ad a kart.
On these old car it's extremely hard to find the proper spares. Usually the dealers sell you the spare as a "compatible", of course, but it doesn't mean "proper" (gas shocks vs oil shocks is the tipical dealer's swap and the kart is the tipical result).
If you don't race in rallyes, I suggest to go by steps: first check/change the top mounts; than give a look to the suspension bushings.
Think also to rigenerate your original shocks. If they are the original.