I know Toyota tried to soften the OEM struts for example in the 2008 Corolla. But otherwise most of theirs feel like cheap progressively dampened struts that are "harsh" -- in that going over lane markers or bumps you feel a sharp jolt up your spine. Maybe yours are soft because they're, ummmm, well aged?
A couple of recent posts from owners seem to like the Monroe QuickStruts (QS), except one with a broken mount bolt. The only reason I wouldn't want Monroe is because they put older SensaTracs in QS. But it has to do with the positional valving changes vs modern inertia sensitive multistage valving. See video:
http://www.gabriel.com/gforce1/eng/default.htm
That's why for non-performance driving I'd rather spec Gabriel Ultras and spend a bit more getting other parts (spring seats, mounts, bearings,etc) than going with a QS. However, as I stated, QS seems to receive good responses otherwise.
2. New ball joints will be firmer than old joints.
Moogs are very good chassis parts (US-made only) and is
Spicer. Yes, if they come with grease zerks, then they should be filled full with grease after you installed them and before initial driving. Redline CV-2 is my preference. But Mobil-1 works too. I'd stay away from dino grease. You can find a grease gun on sale at your local Harbor Freight, if you don't want to spend for a
Lincoln.
3. Personally I'd stay away from KYB. aka "Keep Your Bilsteins". I think the GR2s are still cheap progressively dampened??
4. Did you check Monroe's Safe & Sound Guarantee? They'll even pay $50 per corner to swap them out. But that's for Sensatracs and didn't mention QS. (But QS uses SensaTracs???)
"If, for any reason, the qualifying products* don't live up to your expectations within the first 90 days, replace the products and we will refund your original product's purchase price, plus labor (up to $50 per axle). We're that confident you will be satisfied with our products."
http://www.monroe.com/support/warranty.asp
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5S-FE-4-Life
I have a 99 Camry with 145k miles, and I just replaced the original rear struts with Monroe Quick Struts. While I was replacing them, I replaced the original sway bar links with Moog sway bar links. The shocks seem to definitely work, but when I go over bumps, the ride is a bit rougher than before.
1) I noticed the Moog sway bar link parts that rotate had much more resistance than the original Toyota part. I attributed this to the old ones just being worn out. I didn't think I had to add any grease to the Moog parts. Should I have gotten something other than Moog for a smoother ride? Do I need to add grease to the brand new Moog part (it has grease fittings).
2) Did I make a bad choice with the Monroe Quick Strut? I read that KYBs were good replacements, but I thought the Quick Struts would be a good way to make sure I didn't make any mistakes putting the assembly together. I also figured all new parts would be a good idea in the long term.
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