Date: September 2002

Kayaba is set to add two new products to its shock absorber line-up within the next few months, and will be previewing both to the aftermarket at Automechanika.

AGX is an adjustable gas charged shock absorber for high performance cars, and will be available as a twin tube shock absorber, strut or cartridge.

Offering up to eight different damping characteristics from soft to firm, AGX has all the adjustability of a race-tuned shock absorber with the simplicity needed for day-to-day motoring.

The shocks allow drivers to ‘dial-in’ their preferred performance setting to match their style of driving. Whether commuting to work, cruising up the motorway, touring at high speed on rural back roads, or getting ready for a track test day, the driver can literally fine tune the shocks' damping rate accordingly.

(For normal running, the same setting should be made to both shocks on the same axle, but for track test or circuit use, the facility exists to adjust settings so that the near side and off side perform differently.)

AGX is also particularly suitable for ‘enthusiasts’ wanting to tune or customise their cars by lowering the ride height, and the perfect complement to Kayaba’s new K-Force lowering kit. (Currently only available in the UK.)

The unique feature of the AGX shock absorber is its ability to change a vehicle's ride characteristics in seconds, and without the need for tools, having to jack-up the car, remove any components, or adjust the spring pre-compression. Adjustments are made with either a knurled dial on the shock body or with a small screw head located at the top of the piston rod, depending on the model.

AGX shocks also feature Kayaba's unique progressive valving, which allows the shock's performance to adapt to road conditions. Under smooth conditions, the piston travels up and down slowly and the valving allows the shock to travel freely for a more compliant ride. When the wheels travel over rough conditions, however, the shock’s piston moves faster. The valve responds instantly to maintain good tyre contact and improve vehicle control.

This innovative valving varies both the rebound and the compression strokes of the shock according to the speed of piston travel.

The AGX range is available for both European and Japanese models including cars such as the

Audi A3 and A4, VW Golf and Opel (Vauxhall) Corsa, Astra, Vectra and Calibra, the Mazda MX5, Nissan 200SX, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Celica and MR2.

Kayaba's new AGX line incorporates all of the key design advantages that make KYB products superior in terms of performance and reliability. A patented check valve is used to minimise oil foaming that can cause a shock's performance to fade under hard use. Sintered iron pistons and guide rods are used for greater strength and durability, while micro-smooth, hardened and chromed piston rods help to increase seal reliability and extend seal life. Multi-lip seals or self-sealing packing are used to keep oil in and contaminants out, even under rugged conditions, and seamless eye rings and cylinders are employed to eliminate the possibility of weld failures experienced with shocks using welded seam construction and rolled eye rings.

Kayaba’s new MonoMax high-pressure gas charged shock absorbers are specifically engineered for 4x4s, pick-ups and sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and deliver performance, strength and long life.

MonoMax has been designed for those who use their vehicles both on and off-road, and gives the driver increased ride control and improved safety by eliminating acceleration squat, minimising braking nose dive, and controlling roll and pitch.

MonoMax is also ideal for those who want to customise, lower or raise the ride height of their vehicles, and is the perfect match when improving the look and performance with bigger wheels and larger off-road tyres.

Mono tube in construction, this new shock absorber features an extra-large, 46mm diameter cylinder (compared with 30mm or 36mm of a standard mono tube shock) allowing an extra 60% more N₂ gas and oil in the tube (compared with a 36mm cylinder). This gives a wider shock absorbing capacity to cope with the demands of rough road running, and better heat dispersal resulting in fade-free performance.

Larger pistons are included for added strength, as are hardened and chromed 16mm diameter piston rods to endure the most demanding use. Other features include a rubber boot dust cover to better protect the piston rod from dust and grime compared with a steel or plastic cover, auto-adapt valving for a smooth, controlled ride, seamless cylinders and eye rings for extra durability, and self-sealing packing for long life reliability.

Kayaba offers full coverage for the most popular 4x4s, pick-ups and SUVs, including the Isuzu Trooper, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Mitsubishi Shogun, Nissan King Cab, Toyota 4 Runner and Land Cruiser, and Suzuki Samurai, Jimny and SJ series.

The company produces a full line of KYB suspension products and replacement parts for use in cars, 4x4s and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), including KYB branded shock absorbers - gas-filled monotube and twin tube shocks, gas cartridges and gas struts - protection kits and suspension mounting kits, as well as a complete range of K-Flex replacement coil springs and K-Force lowering kits.

Kayaba Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kayaba Industry Company Ltd, a multinational organisation whose products are sold in over 100 countries. The company's primary expertise is in hydraulics technology, and established its initial hydraulics laboratory in 1919. Worldwide, Kayaba employs over 4,000 people and has annual sales in excess of $1.8 billion.

Ref: KYB08/2002