strut warranty questions

[DxElite]

I recently got a set of Eibach springs and was planning on buying tokico struts online since it's cheaper, but I started to think about the lifetime warranty.
I'm thinking that it would be better to pay more and buy locally so I can just walk in and get a quick exchange rather than mailing it off and waiting without a car for a few weeks.

I looked online for details on tokico's lifetime warranty, but all they have on their site is just "lifetime warranty for street use."
I also looked at KYB and their lifetime warranty specifically states that it does NOT cover normal wear and tear.

Even though KYB says it doesn't cover normal wear, the Advance Auto parts store I go to are "cool" and will do a warranty exchange regardless. KYB is also easier to get so I am leaning towards KYB, but I would prefer Tokico.
There is only ONE authorized Tokico dealer around here. And I have no idea if they will be as flexible and/or easy to deal with to get a warranty exchange.

So my questions are:

1)What are the Tokico warranty details? Does it specifically state that it does NOT cover normal wear and tear?

2)Has anyone ever claimed warranty for either brand? Through online store or local dealer? How was the experience?


in advance for any feedback.

[bigbird]

tokico will be the way to go. tokico hase a lifetime(unless they changed it) waranty and are generaly a better product then KYBs...at least the GR2s. that being said...contacting the company would be the best bet in both cases because they will likely send you a copy of the warranty information if you ask for it.

Gibson99 actuall has used his tokico lifetime warranty because he had GCs so i would PM him and see what he has to say.

that all being said. i would never choose KYB over tokico for the simple reason KYBs are clese to stock dampening anyways. and since your rolling on eibachs...youll make either shock last a long time.

[DxElite]

I'll try asking them for a copy of their warranty details.

I did find a more info on Tokico warranty through the local dealer's site. Their site states that Tokico lifetime warranty includes "defects in material, workmanship, and wear-out" so it should be much easier to get warranty replacement for Tokico than KYB for normal wear and tear.

I'm going to try asking the local Tokico dealer as well on what their procedure for warranty exchange is.

Thanks bigbird for your input. I'm only considering KYB since it's easier to get, but since Tokico warranty is better I'm back on getting Tokico.


Any experiences of strut warranty claims is still .

[DxElite]

Updating with some more information.

I found this on the local dealer's website:

Warranty Claim Procedures. To make a claim under this warranty, return the defective or worn-out unit, with a photocopy of your invoice, to any dealer participating in TOKICO's warranty program or, alternatively, directly to TOKICO for verification of warranty coverage and exchange for a new unit. Any return must be accompanied by a return goods authorization form and a statement containing the claimant's name, address, telephone number, date of purchase of the product, description of defect, and make and model on which the unit was used on. If return is made directly to TOKICO, TOKICO will, upon verification of warranty coverage, within 30 days after TOKICO's receipt, send a new unit in exchange for the returned unit, and refund the cost of shipping the unit to TOKICO if shipped using regular ground services..

So for those of you who don't have a local dealer to do warranty service for you, Tokico will refund the shipping cost if they do replace the unit. Still waiting for Tokico to reply to my request for an official copy of their warranty details, but it looks like the info from an authorized dealer should be trustworthy.


I received a reply from the local Tokico dealer about the warranty, here's what they said:

Normally, if the shock is visibly leaking fluid or has some other warrantable defect, then we will just do an exchange. If its a question of "it just doesn't ride right anymore" then, we send it to Tokico for inspection/testing.

They do warranty replacement for "worn out" struts but it has to be sent in to Tokico before replacing and the car will be out of service for a while anyways. And it looks like the shipping cost to Tokico for testing would be on them.


I also asked them about the "warranty program" and this is what they said:

You MUST have proof of original purchase to make a warranty claim. Therefore, if you buy a set from us or any other Tokico dealer, if one piece goes bad, you can submit proof that you are the original purchaser of the shock. Secondhand shocks, ie they are on a car you buy, are not covered any more by warranty.

Knowing that, I can buy online for a cheaper price and be able to walk in with "proof of original purchase" and get warranty services from them instead of the site I bought it from.
I've found cheaper prices from places that are not listed in Tokico authorized dealers list, so still not sure if it has to be from an authorized dealer, but from the reply it looks like it should be so it'll be a hassle-free warranty claim.


If I get any more information I'll post them. Until then, I would still like to see posts for personal experiences with claiming strut warranties for ANY brand.