Shocks and struts may look simple on the outside, but in reality they are complex pieces of automotive machinery. We recently discovered this video on QA1’s YouTube Channel which details their entire manufacturing process and gives us a good idea about how shocks and struts are built.

QA1 uses all steel bodies and laser cut mounting tabs.

Tyler Uilk, Production Manager at QA1 is our guide through their facility in Lakeville, Minnesota. Like most manufacturing environments, the QA1 shop is loud, so give your speakers a good crank to hear what Uilk has to say. All of the QA1 shocks and struts start with a durable and tough steel body that have the laser-cut mounting tabs welded on by one of their expert welders. The shock bodies are then powdercoated and sent to the assembly area.

After assembly, each shock is tested on a dyno to check for proper valve adjustment.

The internal pistons and valve blocks start out as regular bar stock, and are CNC machined to extremely tight tolerances. All the internal components are then anodized for added durability, and sent off to the assembly area to meet up with the shock bodies. Techs assemble the internal components on the shaft, fill the body with oil, and seal it all up. One of the most interesting parts is that QA1 test all their shocks and struts on a dyno to make sure there are no leaks at that the adjustable valving is performing as it should. Once everything checks out, the shock is boxed up along with any mounting hardware, and shipped off to customers and retailers.

Best of all, this entire process goes on right here in the U.S. of A. For more information  on QA1’s suspension products, and to find parts for your own ride, check out their website, or give them a call at 800-721-7761 and tell them we sent you!