The special design of the shock absorbers allows to double improve the car's handling compared to conventional gas-filled models.
The use of a dual set of valve plates (Twin Disc Technology) in MONROE® REFLEX shock absorbers makes it possible to stabilize the vehicle faster due to the fact that the device instantly reacts to even minor changes in piston speed. When driving on uneven surfaces, the Twin Disc valve immediately responds to any small vibrations, which minimizes body movements.
Tests have shown that during sharp maneuvers, such as changing lanes or avoiding an unexpected obstacle, the body roll relative to the road surface remains quite small. A conventional shock absorber does not detect such changes, and due to weak damping, the driver, even after successfully performing a maneuver, is not always able to keep the car on the desired trajectory. The result can be a skid and a dangerous situation.
The fast response of the double plate package in MONROE REFLEX significantly increases the accuracy of maneuvers in the most difficult conditions. At the same time, the hydraulic fluid passes from the upper cavity to the lower one through channels with a constant cross-section.
The channels in both plate packages have a very small diameter, so the fluid resistance increases as the piston speed increases. This achieves better damping. In addition, the shock absorbers immediately react to small body movements and start working before the body tilts significantly.
When the piston moves slowly, the pressure is sufficient to slightly open the first plate package. The second one remains closed, and the fluid continues to flow through its holes. This approach avoids excessive fluid flow that would cause body roll, and the closed second package prevents the shock absorber from extending too quickly.
At medium piston speeds, the increased pressure opens both plate packages, and the shock absorber characteristic becomes linear. At high speeds, the valve must pass the maximum volume of fluid, otherwise the impact will be transmitted through the shock absorber to the body. To prevent this, both plate packages bend fully, allowing the fluid to pass through the valve in the greatest quantity.
MONROE REFLEX combines a progressive characteristic at low piston speeds with a linear one at medium and high speeds. This significantly reduces rear axle skidding during maneuvers and improves the vehicle's directional stability.
During a series of tests conducted by the independent French organization GTS, MONROE REFLEX shock absorbers showed outstanding results. GTS specialists performed many checks both on a test bench and on a test track with a Renault Espace. These included driving in a circle, sharp lane changes followed by braking, and other exercises.
During the tests, the deviation of the car from the ideal line of motion was measured. The results showed that the car with MONROE® REFLEX shock absorbers deviated by 0°43' (only 13 cm), while the standard shock absorbers gave a deviation of 6°66', that is, about two meters.
At the same time, MONROE engineers did not limit themselves to just the new valve design: MONROE® REFLEX uses a new piston seal made of polytetrafluoroethylene with a bronze filler, as well as a new hydraulic fluid with a high viscosity index that retains its properties at temperatures from –40 to +120 °C.
Wear tests showed a noticeable increase in the service life of the MONROE® REFLEX shock absorber. In addition, this fluid glows under ultraviolet light, which greatly simplifies checking the condition of the shock absorber.
In recent years, all MONROE shock absorbers, regardless of type and model, are painted black with paint that is highly resistant to damage and ensures the durability of the coating.
The material was prepared by the international marketing agency AGV-Aftermarket.
