Some TEIN shock absorber kits use OE parts on the vehicle. For vehicles with upper mounts, mini vans models with the rear shock absorber and springs separated, may use OE parts for the rear shock absorber. Depending on the vehicle model and item, OE parts may be used, but recently there have been some trouble occurring from this, and this will looked into here.

For an example, we will look at the HONDA STEP WAGON (RF3) equipped with the BASIC WAGON. When installing the BASIC WAGON to the STEP WAGON (RF3), the rear shock absorber does not require the OE dust boots. But, other manufacturers use the OE dust boots. There have been some cases where TEIN user’s have used the OE dust boots. (Photo 9) TEIN have our own original dust boots so if you also use the OE dust boots then when the shock absorber strokes, while driving, the two dust boots will interfere with one another and abnormal noises can be heard because of this. Also the dust boots will become damaged and will need to be replaced.

Because the TEIN dust boots is shorter, many mistakenly put the larger OE dust boots on top. TEIN dust boots have been designed to be of the appropriate length from the ground level (Photo 10), even if you think the dust boot length is not long enough, when the ride height is dropped, it is not true, and it will not affect the function of the dust boots. With TEIN dust boots, there is a bump rubber inside (Photo 11), but because it is difficult to see, some mistakenly attach an unnecessary bump rubber over the dust boots. If you do this, the ride comfort will drop because the compression stroke will be insufficient, and will continuously try to press upwards.

When installing any TEIN product, please read the user’s manual before proceeding with any work, even if you are experienced with the installation process.