TEIN Spindle Thrust Washer

TEIN: Japanese Suspension Engineering at Its Finest

TEIN is one of the most respected names in performance suspension, and the brand's name says it all. Short for TEchnical INnovation, the name reflects a long-standing commitment to pushing the boundaries of ride quality, handling, and driver experience. Founded in 1985 by rally driver and co-driver Hakaru Ichino and Yoshio Fujimoto, TEIN was born out of a genuine gap in the market for performance suspension parts capable of satisfying serious enthusiasts.

Built in Japan, Tuned for the World

All TEIN lowering springs and coilovers are manufactured and assembled at the company's factory in Yokohama, Japan. A key factor that sets TEIN apart is building suspension parts based on consumer demands, road conditions, and regional specifications — meaning customers get the most suitable product for where they actually drive. To ensure consistent performance in specific regions, TEIN operates R&D facilities in multiple countries that test fitment locally, with TEIN USA established in 2001 in California.

TEIN's manufacturing capabilities are impressive: the company employs CNC machining centers, computer-aided design systems, and advanced processing equipment throughout production. All inner parts of TEIN shock absorbers are cleaned using ultrasonic washers. Every product is rigorously tested — TEIN shocks are repeatedly stroked over 10 million times, simulating roughly five years of real-world use under normal driving conditions.

A Suspension Solution for Every Driver

Whether you're building a dedicated track car or simply want a sharper, more planted daily driver, TEIN has a solution. Their coilover adjustable spring lowering kits are among the most popular upgrades in the performance suspension market, offering full ride-height adjustability and tunable damping in a single package. Most TEIN lines are engineered for daily driveability — the Flex Z, for example, uses a damping-matched-to-spring-rate approach with 16-click adjustability, letting drivers soften for commutes and firm up for spirited driving without swapping kits.

For those seeking a complete suspension overhaul, TEIN's coilover spring and shock assemblies deliver the full package — matched springs and dampers engineered together for predictable, balanced performance. At the top of the lineup, TEIN's Super Racing and Super Drift coilovers are fully fledged track suspension systems designed for drivers who need every bit of adjustability available. These high-end systems feature specific spring and damper rate changes, developed in collaboration with professional D1GP drivers.

Drivers looking for a straightforward improvement in handling and stance without a full coilover conversion will find TEIN's coil springs to be an excellent starting point. TEIN's lowering spring kits instantly reduce wheel gap for sharper turn-in, all while maintaining a comfortable, streetable ride.

Proven on Track, Trusted on the Street

TEIN suspension has been proven in D1GP, rally stages, and grassroots motorsports worldwide. TEIN's reputation for quality and reliability extends beyond everyday use — its products are chosen by Group-N racing teams for showroom-based cars in competitive environments. One standout feature of the TEIN lineup is the availability of overhaul and replacement services: most TEIN shock absorbers can be overhauled or replaced, with additional revalving options that allow drivers to change damping force specifications to suit evolving driving requirements.

Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Scion are among the core vehicle applications in the TEIN lineup — though TEIN is compatible with all types of vehicles, from sports cars to compact cars, minivans, and SUVs, and for rare or older models not in the standard lineup, custom one-off orders can be manufactured. Few brands combine this breadth of fitment with TEIN's depth of motorsport heritage.