I had my car on the ramp at my local garage for a post purchase inspection, and to investigate a 'thump' noise from the rear when driving over rough road surface/potholes. The noise is from both sides, but far louder on the NS.
The car had new rear shocks fitted in May, (prior to my purchase) (MOT)) as the old ones were weeping oil.

The 'new' ones have no make/name on them. One marked L, the other R. That is all. When reversed off the ramp, over the rollers, the back end bounces noticeably.

No play in any bushes, etc. The garage is an MOT station, by the way.

I am really dubious about the no name shocks, so they will be replaced using :

Bilstein Dynamic shock absorber LR023573 and LR023580


Is this the best option, or are there good alternatives?

All responses will be much appreciated.




Steve. “He that strikes the venison first shall be the lord o' the feast.” — Shakespeare, King Lear.

2012 Vogue SE. 4.4 TDV8, Sumatra Black

I had no issues with Bilstein shocks on my MY12. The first pair of rears lasted as long as the orginals and another pair has just been fitted by the current owner.

However Bilstein rear air-springs are too short for MY10-12 off-road where they burst from being over-extended and Bilstein front struts are fitted with Dunlop air-springs which didn't last long so other air-springs were fitted to the Bilstein struts. L405 D350 SE Carpathian Grey D5 19" rims

Last edited by GraemeS on 14th Jun 2025 10:36pm. Edited 1 time in total

I just replaced my (MY12 CVD) rear shocks with new (OEM) Bilsteins from Island 4x4 @ £199+vat each. Perfect! The older I get, the more I realise that people confuse wrinkles for wisdom

Many thanks to both of you.


Steve. “He that strikes the venison first shall be the lord o' the feast.” — Shakespeare, King Lear.

2012 Vogue SE. 4.4 TDV8, Sumatra Black

Another vote for the Bilstein replacements from Island 4x4.
Best price around and quick delivery.
My originals were both weeping a little so I decided to get them changed out as they were only going to get worse.

Thank you.

It would seem that the Bilstein's are the correct choice.



Steve. “He that strikes the venison first shall be the lord o' the feast.” — Shakespeare, King Lear.

2012 Vogue SE. 4.4 TDV8, Sumatra Black

I too got mine from Island 4x4 a few years ago.

No issues.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

No answer to your current predicament as we only ever fit JLR parts, but just wanted to mention on the late model 322's all the rear shocks leak a little misting. Ive never Sean one that doesn't so... Note to later viewers of this post. Don't just change them as they look misty as they all do that

Mine weren't misty, just worn-out. L405 D350 SE Carpathian Grey D5 19" rims

Cam-Tech-Craig wrote:

No answer to your current predicament as we only ever fit JLR parts

Does this mean JLR parts only, or would you go with Bilstein rear shocks, or a GKN prop from normal trade sources?

On the subject of the rear shocks, are they actually 'sided'? Different part numbers, but nothing to distinguish them out of the box. Fittings are the same and they turn 360deg, so I can't understand the two part numbers thing.

I fitted them on a 'first out of the box' basis, so it's 50/50 if I'm wrong.....  The older I get, the more I realise that people confuse wrinkles for wisdom

The bush extension on 1 side only that locks into the suspension arm determines to which side the shock will fit. L405 D350 SE Carpathian Grey D5 19" rims

Do jlr make many of their own parts? 🤔

LR only manufacture bodywork & assemble other suppliers parts Paul,
2001 Discovery 2 TD5, 211,000 miles & climbing
2006 FFRR TDV8 Vogue 151,000 miles & now sold
Member of Midland (Land) Rover Owners Club, www.mroc.co.uk

New shocks were fitted yesterday. The drive home from the garage is only a mile, but I noticed immediately that the clunk was absent.
I went for a drive to Elgin this morning,(70 mile round trip), and the handling is night and day different. Even SWMBO commented on how much nicer the ride is. I did not realise just how much the back end was moving around before.

Now, what's next?



Steve. “He that strikes the venison first shall be the lord o' the feast.” — Shakespeare, King Lear.

2012 Vogue SE. 4.4 TDV8, Sumatra Black