Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about shock absorbers — what they do, how to tell when yours are worn, which Gabriel range fits your vehicle, and where to buy and fit genuine Gabriel.
Worn shock absorbers lengthen braking distances and reduce the effectiveness of ABS and ESP. If your vehicle has 60 000 km or more on the clock, have them checked.
About Gabriel
Autoworld South Africa (Pty) Ltd has full ownership of the renowned Gabriel brand of shock absorbers in South Africa and across many countries in the African continent.
Gabriel first came to South Africa in 1935, and local production started in 1962. In 1984 Gabriel South Africa designed and manufactured the gas spring, which was then adopted by Gabriel plants worldwide.
Sales, marketing and distribution operate from Johannesburg, serving a network of wholesale distributors across South Africa and into Africa, with product also exported internationally.
Gabriel packaging carries integrated anti-counterfeit devices on both the packaging and the product itself — an industry-first security measure that lets you confirm a product is authentic before it is fitted.
Use the Cypheme verification tool and follow the on-screen instructions to check any Gabriel product.
Finding & buying Gabriel
Gabriel South Africa does not sell directly to the public and is distributed by a network of appointed wholesale distributors. The Gabriel range is available for purchase at most wholesalers, spares shops, and fitment centres nationwide.
Use the search at the top of this site to look up a part by Gabriel item number, by vehicle make and model, or by a competitor's item number.
You can also browse the full range for passenger, light, medium and heavy duty vehicles in the downloadable PDF catalogue or the electronic catalogue.
Gabriel builds a series for each type of application:
- Technomatic — passenger cars, station wagons, MPVs and LCVs, for both tar and gravel. Shock absorbers, spring seat shocks, MacPherson struts and cartridges.
- GasRyder — nitrogen gas-pressurised units for passenger cars, sports cars, station wagons, small LCVs, MPVs and SUVs, for quicker response and greater ride control.
- Safari — large bore oil and gas units for light commercial and heavy passenger vehicles, taxis, SUVs and MPVs, on and off road.
- Safari HDP — big bore, heavy-duty performance units for SUV, 4x4 and light commercial applications.
- FleetRyder — extra large bore units for heavy commercial vehicle and fleet applications, including air suspension.
- Gaslift — the Gabriel gas spring range.
Always confirm the correct part for your vehicle in the Gabriel catalogue, or ask your fitment centre — fitting a shock to an application other than the one listed in the catalogue will void the warranty.
Yes. The Gabriel Gaslift series is a customisable gas spring solution used for bonnet and boot applications, opening, holding open and closing doors, and for canopies, sun beds, window solutions and a wide range of industrial applications.
A universal range is available off the shelf by stroke and extended length, and custom units can be specified.
How shock absorbers work
Shock absorbers, also known as dampers, are designed to absorb and dampen the shocks and vibrations that occur when a vehicle travels over bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces. They help maintain stability, control, and comfort for passengers by minimising the bouncing and oscillations of the vehicle's suspension system.
Shock absorbers work by converting kinetic energy (movement) into heat energy. They contain a piston that moves within a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid or gas. When the vehicle encounters a bump or rough road surface, the piston moves up and down, forcing the hydraulic fluid or gas through small passages, which dissipates the energy and slows down the movement of the suspension.
No. The vehicle's overall suspension system, including the springs, carries the vehicle's weight and load. The shock absorber is not load-bearing — it is there to control the movement of the suspension system by reducing the excessive bounce caused by the springs.
The most common types are hydraulic (fluid-filled) and gas-filled shock absorbers. Hydraulic shock absorbers use hydraulic fluid to dampen movement, while gas-filled shock absorbers use a combination of oil and compressed gas (such as nitrogen).
A conventional shock absorber only damps suspension movement. A MacPherson strut does the same job but is also a structural part of the suspension, locating the wheel and carrying the coil spring — which is why struts are replaced as a complete unit or, on some vehicles, by fitting a replacement cartridge into the existing housing.
Gabriel supplies shock absorbers, spring seat shock absorbers, MacPherson struts and MacPherson cartridges. The catalogue lists the correct type for your vehicle.
A gas-charged shock is still filled with oil; nitrogen gas is added under pressure. The pressurised gas keeps the oil from aerating (foaming) under hard work, which gives a quicker, more consistent response than an ordinary hydraulic unit — better ride control and, ultimately, better safety.
Whether a gas or hydraulic unit is correct depends on the vehicle and the application, so follow the Gabriel catalogue listing for your model.
Wear & safety
Shock absorbers are the single most overlooked item in vehicle maintenance and replacement parts. Worn shocks can cause excessive spring movement of the vehicle, making it difficult to handle. Worn shocks also affect brake control, reduce the efficiency of Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP), and can cause the car to sway dangerously.
Shock absorbers in good condition are not only a necessity for proper car handling, they become especially important in emergency manoeuvres. Worn shocks won't keep your wheels in contact with the road, no matter how new your tyres are.
Signs of worn-out shock absorbers include excessive bouncing or swaying while driving, uneven tyre wear, longer braking distances, a nose-diving sensation during braking, and a rough or uncomfortable ride. A visual inspection may also reveal fluid leaking from the shock absorber, or dented and damaged housings.
Yes. On wet roads, even with good tyres, worn shocks allow the tyres to bounce and lose grip, so road handling is poor in wet weather. Stopping distances get longer, and you have less control when cornering or when caught in a cross wind.
They can. Worn shocks let the tyre bounce, creating worn or bald spots that accelerate tyre wear and shorten tyre life. The extra suspension movement also causes suspension and steering components to wear out more quickly.
The most common cause is damaged or missing bump or rebound rubbers. Visit a fitment centre to have them checked and replaced immediately.
There is no specific mileage or time interval for replacing shock absorbers, since their lifespan depends on factors such as driving conditions, road quality, and vehicle usage. As a rule of thumb, vehicles with 60 000 km or more should have their shocks checked. It is advisable to have them inspected regularly — typically during routine maintenance intervals — and replaced if they show signs of wear or damage.
Fitment & replacement
While some experienced DIY enthusiasts may be able to replace shock absorbers themselves, it is generally recommended to have them replaced by a professional mechanic or technician. Replacing shock absorbers involves working with the vehicle's suspension system and requires the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure safe and effective installation.
Note that incorrect or negligent installation voids the Gabriel warranty.
It is generally recommended to replace shock absorbers in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced suspension and consistent handling characteristics. Replacing them in pairs ensures the suspension system functions properly and provides optimal comfort and stability.
Yes. New bump rubbers must be fitted with new shock absorbers. Re-using the old bump rubbers, re-using the original OE bump rubbers, or leaving them out altogether will void the Gabriel warranty.
The Gabriel bump rubber is Part No. 143057.
Gas shocks are mostly filled with oil; the gas simply provides a faster reaction time. The nitrogen gas used is not flammable.
Drivers may forget how a good shock absorber feels, and an adjustment period is needed. Shocks wear out gradually, so drivers tend not to notice the change and slowly adjust their driving to compensate for the extra roll or bounce.
Shock absorbers are pressurised and contain oil, so assembly, disassembly and disposal should be carried out at a fitment centre by a trained professional. Gabriel publishes generic fitment and disposal instructions, but cannot be held liable for injury or damage to property where the work is not done by a trained professional at a fitment centre.
Yes. The Gabriel E-Learning Test and Certification validates the technical understanding, installation competence and product knowledge of technicians, fitment specialists and sales professionals — covering how shocks and struts work, fault diagnosis, correct installation, and recommending the right Gabriel solution. It works as both a training tool and a reference guide.
Warranty
Gabriel warrants its products to be free from defects in material, function, quality, performance and durability, to the original wholesale or retail purchaser only. The warranty period starts from the date of installation.
All consumer warranty claims must be directed via the place of purchase, together with the minimum required warranty claim information. Proof of purchase is essential — a copy of the original purchase invoice is required for every claim, along with the customer's details.
Gabriel accepts no liability for defects arising from:
- negligent or incorrect installation;
- unfair wear and tear, wilful damage or carelessness;
- abnormal driving environments, or misuse including motorsport and extreme off-road use;
- product alteration or modification;
- modified suspension — raised or lowered — that the shock absorber was not designed for;
- re-use of bump rubbers (Part No. 143057) or the original OE bump rubbers, or fitting without bump rubbers;
- fitment to a vehicle other than the one listed in the Gabriel catalogue.
The warranty is limited to replacement of the product originally supplied; Gabriel is not liable for consequential loss or damage, including labour or fitment costs.
In terms of the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008, where a product supplied by Gabriel is unsuitable for its intended purpose, of poor quality, not in good working order, defective, sub-standard, or wears out before the reasonable service life of the product, and it is returned to Gabriel within six months of delivery to the buyer, Gabriel will replace the product under the normal warranty.
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These FAQs cover the basics. For questions specific to your vehicle's suspension, speak to a qualified fitment centre or get in touch.
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