RIDEX Front Shock Absorber – MX-5 Mk1 NA 1.6 & 1.8 • 854S0489

RIDEX 854S0489 Front Shock Absorber – MX-5 Mk1 NA 1.6 & 1.8

Replacement RIDEX gas-pressure front shock absorber / suspension damper for Mazda MX-5 Mk1/NA 1.6 and 1.8 models.

RIDEX 854S0489 uses a twin-tube gas-pressure design with a telescopic damper body, upper pin mounting and lower eye mounting. MazSpec lists this exact SKU specifically for the MX-5 Mk1/NA and recommends replacing front shock absorbers in pairs. One shock absorber is supplied per order.

Shock absorbers control spring oscillation and suspension movement after bumps, braking and steering inputs. Worn dampers can reduce tyre contact with the road and adversely affect handling, braking stability, ride control and tyre wear.

• Part type: Suspension shock absorber / damper
• Installation position: Front axle
• Shock absorber type: Gas pressure
• Shock absorber system: Twin-tube
• Design: Telescopic shock absorber
• Upper mounting: Pin
• Lower mounting: Eye
• Maximum extended length: 459 mm
• Minimum / compressed length: 339 mm
• Approximate weight: 2.32 kg
• EAN: 4059191101627
• Quantity supplied: 1 shock absorber
• Recommended quantity per front axle: 2
• Brand: RIDEX
• Part No.: 854S0489

MX-5 fitment: MazSpec specifies this shock absorber for Mazda MX-5 Mk1/NA vehicles. RIDEX independently lists MX-5 I/NA applications from 1989–1998 covering 90–150 PS, including 1.6 and 1.8 engines.

Replacement recommendation: Shock absorbers should normally be replaced as an axle pair. Installing one new damper alongside a heavily worn unit can produce uneven damping characteristics from side to side.

Common replacement reasons: Excessive bouncing after bumps, poor body control, nose dive under braking, reduced stability, knocking from the damper area, fluid leakage, uneven tyre wear or deterioration identified during an MOT or suspension inspection.

Other items to consider: Inspect the opposite front shock absorber, coil springs, upper mounts, bump stops, dust boots, anti-roll bar links, suspension arms and ball joints while the suspension is dismantled.

Useful tools / consumables: Trolley jack and axle stands or vehicle lift, socket and spanner set, torque wrench, penetrating fluid and a suitable spring compressor where removal of the spring from the damper assembly is required.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Advanced. Suspension spring removal can involve substantial stored energy and requires suitable spring-compression equipment and safe working procedures.

Why RIDEX? RIDEX suspension dampers provide a cost-effective aftermarket replacement using application-specific mounting dimensions and damping construction. This twin-tube gas-pressure unit is designed for everyday road use and OE-equivalent replacement applications.

What’s in the box: One RIDEX 854S0489 front shock absorber. Spring, upper mount, bump stop, dust boot and other suspension hardware are not included unless physically supplied with the unit.

Installation notes: Raise and support the vehicle securely before dismantling the suspension. If the coil spring must be removed from the shock assembly, use a correctly sized professional-quality spring compressor and ensure the spring is fully restrained before removing the upper mount. Inspect all reused suspension components, assemble the replacement in the same orientation and tighten all fasteners to Mazda specifications. Replace dampers in axle pairs and check wheel alignment and suspension operation after installation where appropriate.