Elka 2.0 front shocks (recommend to avoid) - 2020 4runner off road kdss

I have seen a few posts re issues with Elka shocks.

I purchased a set of 2.0 fronts for a 2020 4runner a few years ago. After ~20,000 km (asphalt and gravel roads) the bearings failed. Both top and bottom bearings were corroded and making excessive noise. I received a set of replacement bearings at no cost, and it took me about a day to install myself + cost of an alignment afterwards. I provided detailed install notes - the provided install process from Elka was incomplete and did not adequately address install with KDSS. I also reported to Elka that the issue was with the o-rings, which did not fit to adequately seal the bearings. After another ~20,000 km I have the same issue again, and have to pay for the replacement bearings. Seriously??!!! OEM and aftermarket shocks last for many years without such issues. It is not reasonable to have critical components failing after such a short period of time.

I will do one more replacement of the bearings, and will look for more reliable aftermarket shocks in the future.

 

Do you know what brand bearings are being used?

 

It is a simple steel spherical bearing. They are specific to the Elka's. The issue is the (lack of) sealing from the environment. There is a machined brass insert with o-ring. In my first set, the o-rings had extruded out and let in much water. Both tops and bottoms were corroded and making a large amount of noise.