Subaru Forester SH5 Complete Shocks

The SH5 Forester is famous for its comfort, but it is also heavy. Because of this, the front shocks take a significant beating. At Ksh 10,000, buying a “Complete” unit is often wiser than buying just the shock alone because:

• Pre-Assembled Convenience: You don’t need a hydraulic spring compressor. Your mechanic simply unbolts the old unit and bolts in the new one, saving you on labor time and reducing the risk of assembly errors.

• Top Mount Value: A new genuine Subaru top mount can cost over 5,000/- on its own. By getting the complete Ex-Japan unit, you get a factory-original Japanese mount and bearing that is usually much more durable than local “new” budget mounts.

Why Ex-Japan is Preferred

• Gas Retention: These are gas-charged twin-tube shocks. Ex-Japan units are typically sourced from cars that haven’t faced the high-impact stress of Kenyan potholes, meaning the nitrogen charge and internal oil are still in excellent condition.

• Spring Integrity: Over time, Forester springs “sag,” causing the car to sit lower and hit speed bumps. Ex-Japan springs from low-mileage donor cars restore the factory ride height.

• Original Valving: These units are often made by KYB specifically for Subaru. They provide the precise damping needed to keep the boxer engine’s weight balanced during sharp turns.