Gabriel shocks - any good?

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Sat 23 Oct 2004 17:53
Gabriel shocks - any good? - Mike H
I've been advised by my local independent garage that I need some new front shocks for my 1996 Megane 1.4. They can supply some Monroes at c.£60 each, with £85 for fitting - a total of around £200. ATS have offered to supply & fit some Gabriels at £125 including VAT all in (supply & fit) - obviously a more attractive option!

As the car is only likely to be with me for perhaps another year, having only bought the car for my son to learn to drive in, I'm reluctant to spend more than necessary. Does anyone have any experience of the Gabriels?
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Sat 23 Oct 2004 20:14
Gabriel shocks - any good? - Dynamic Dave
I've heard the name before, but never heard of anyone using them. If it's any help their website is www.gabriel.com/

Presuming they'll come with a 1 yr guarantee, and you're only keeping the car that long, then why not?
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Sat 23 Oct 2004 20:25
Gabriel shocks - any good? - Mike H
Dave, thanks for the link.
If it's any help their website is www.gabriel.com/


Unimpressive website - the application finder seems to stop at 1998, and doesn't include any recent Renault models but still lists the Fuego - which, IIRC, was last produced in 1979.

Presuming they'll come with a 1 yr guarantee, and you're only
keeping the car that long, then why not?


The bottom line is yes, it makes sense to go with them unless I hear a whole load of horror stories.
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Sat 23 Oct 2004 21:22
Gabriel shocks - any good? - trancer
Gabriel is an American company and that website seems to have been designed for that market and the last Renaults imported there were from the Fuego era, or late 80's at best. This is not to say that they don't make shocks that are suitable for the Megane, just that they wouldn't list it on a website intended for a market that would have no clue what a Megane is, let alone own one.

Gabriel have been around for decades (certainly were a dominant brand back when I used to leaf through my Dad's 1970's car mags) and I haven't heard anything bad about them...or anything good, but you have to agree that they couldn't have lasted that long if their products didn't last a year. I would go for the Gabriels at the lower cost if it was my car.
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Sat 23 Oct 2004 21:51
Gabriel shocks - any good? - Aprilia
Gabriel are part of a 'mega-multinational' - Meritor Corp. (which also owns Purolator filters, TESH, Wabco brakes and part of the old Lucas Industries).
Gabriel are fine - just a typical shock. In the US they tend to be a cheaper brand; they have been in the UK since the 1960's to my recollection.
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Sun 24 Oct 2004 10:02
Gabriel shocks - any good? - DL
They're fine. Primarily retailed by Partco IIRC
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