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Monotube Vs Twin-Tube – What is the Difference? What is Better?36creative2020-08-26T09:34:31-04:00

Monotube Vs Twin-Tube – What is the Difference? What is Better?

There are many rumors and discussions regarding which type of shock absorber is better, the Mono-tube or the Twin-tube? Mono-tube and twin-tube are known as two different types of suspension systems that each work in very different ways.

Mono-Tube

In a mono-tube shock absorber, the shocks components are contained within one tube. A mono-tube system contains a shell case which works as a cylinder. Within that cylinder you would find a piston valve, oil, and gas. The construction of a mono-tube does also include some differences compared to the twin-tube design. A mono-tube design utilizes a free piston which separates the oil chamber from the gas chamber within the shell case.

Twin-Tube

In a twin-tube shock absorber there are 2 cylinders: 1 cylinder is set inside the shell case, and the second cylinder contains the piston valve which moves up and down within this second cylinder known as the “inner cylinder”. With a twin-tube design, there is no piston or barrier between the oil chamber and gas chamber.

Pros and Cons of Mono-Tube Shock Absorbers

Pros of Mono-Tube

  • As temperature increases, oil is able to release heat with less effort.
  • Zero restrictions on installation angles.
  • Less prone to cavitation
  • Larger oil capacity and greater heat dissipation allows for a stable damping force that is continuous.
  • Air is not able to penetrate the oil or gas since they are completely separated.
  • 100% efficiency through all temps.
  • The piston valve is bigger and wider in a mono-tube design which allows for a wider area of pressure. In turn this means the shock can create even a subtle damping force precisely.

Cons of Mono-Tube

  • A stiffer ride is expected because an injection of high pressured gas is required in the structural design.
  • This high pressured gas can also lead to a higher amount of stress on seals which can cause more friction.
  • More expensive to manufacture
  • When there is external damage or force on the shell case, that directly affects the inner cylinder.
  • Since the oil and gas chambers are positioned next to each other, it is increasingly difficult to maintain sufficient stroke.
  • The inverted design has more friction caused from more moving parts.

Pros and Cons of Twin-Tube Shock Absorbers

Pros of Twin-Tube

  • Unlike the inverted design, friction can be stopped.
  • External damage to the shell case does not effect the shock absorber.
  • The twin-tube design provides a superior manufacturing process which keeps the cost of production low.
  • Gas pressure is kept low thanks to the base valve, this creates a more comfortable ride.
  • Low gas pressure reduces stress on seals and also keeps friction to a minimum.
  • Sufficient stroke is attained with far less effort. This is because each oil and gas chamber are separated.

Cons of Twin-Tube

  • The construction causes difficulties when installing.
  • Aeration is possible since the oil and gas chambers are not separated.
  • Size of Piston is greatly decreased compared to the mono-tube design.
  • Oil capacity is reduced in comparison to the the mono-tube.
  • Low Pressure – Generally very Soft
  • Small Pistons, more prone to heat and limited on damping
  • CAVITATION- Fluid and gas mix, exponential performance loss up to 35%
  • 1 Directional Mounting

All ISC Suspension systems use the mono-tube design for performance purposes along with the fact that the pros of the mono-tube design greatly outweigh it’s cons.

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