Isn't that why new shocks were wanted?, to dampen the spring effect which must have the effects described.

The only alternative if you wanted a choice of damping would have been variable rate dampers, but to be useful in day to day would require them to be adjustable from the driver's seat, no doubt this could be achieved but the cost would be high, i have this OE adjustable system on my Toyota and am dreading the time when new dampers are needed, no aftermarket compatibles.

I dare say they'll give a little after a whle but could seem stiffer still going into this winter as the oil inside thickens up.

I had dampers changed all round on my 90's Merc coupe a few years ago, they weren't leaking but i could feel slightly imbalanced damping as the car traversed undulations, as you have found the car was much better balanced on the road after the new ones fitted, i didn't really notice any harsher ride over bumps or the inevtiable pot holes but then the car is quite softly sprung anyway.

Edited by gordonbennet on 04/09/2018 at 09:02

The four shocks were changed plus the front mounts - all OE parts. They just seem quite unyielding - particularly around town - but they are damping much better than the old ones, if that makes sense. On the open road the car feels much more taut.

Perhaps the term 'shock absorber' is misleading - Damper is more appropriate? The springs absorb the initial shock while the 'shock absorbers' damp out oscillations in the spring.