KYB Struts

[Kyle Hamelin]

Well the struts on my corolla are finally being replaced. A guy recommended putting KYB struts on my car for all four wheels. Any comments about these struts? They do have a lifetime ware and tare warranty and he is selling them to me for 175.00 a piece.

[PhatRoyale]

They're good OEM replacement struts.

That price is way too high for basic struts. You can get them very inexpensively off ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-4...Q5fAccessories

[NorthernIllinoi]

I just bought 2 rear KYB GR2 rear struts for $120 shipped..moderate DIY

[landphil]

I'm going for the tokico's when I do my wife's corolla - had KYB's on my old jetta and they didn't hold up too well. E-bay has sets of tokico's for around 450-500 including shipping to Canada. Just stay away from UPS for shipping - their brokerage fees = highway robbery.

[PushnFords]

I replaced all four on my '99 with KYB GR2s I bought off eBay for $271. All four of my bumpers were shot...it would be a good idea to check them out before ordering or just replace them too. I thought they were pretty good struts.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Good strut for the money. Great basic OEM-quality/ride replacement.

[I VIK I]

Have the same setup, Unfortunately I paid alot more then what ebay is selling them for but none the less they are a nice set.

[Kyle Hamelin]

I just had them installed on the car which was in dire need of new struts and I really like them I must say. also just put on new break disc's and pads both premium and the car is riding like its new. that and the fact i just had 1500$ worth of autobody rust removal,dents, and new paint and i am hoping this 01 corolla last for a while longer seeing as it only has 174km on it.

[leerosky]

i just replaced my shocks with 4 monroe gas-matic i guess thats then name and the car rides so much better compare to the ones i replace now im looking foward to replace the springs.

[thor2015]

I have my sister's 2000 Chevy Prizm (rebadged Toyota Corolla) and am in the process of replacing both rear struts (need the rubber spring seats and boots before I can continue). I took her old KYB struts in to Carquest and with no questions asked walked out with a brand new set for free. This has been the cycle ever since she had her first set installed. No questions on mileage or purchase date- just show the receipt and exchange. Granted, if this were some kind of rally or performance car I'd probably consider another brand but for a daily driver that sees mostly highway and interstate use you cannot argue with free.

[PhatRoyale]

Originally Posted by thor2015

I have my sister's 2000 Chevy Prizm (rebadged Toyota Corolla) and am in the process of replacing both rear struts (need the rubber spring seats and boots before I can continue). I took her old KYB struts in to Carquest and with no questions asked walked out with a brand new set for free. This has been the cycle ever since she had her first set installed. No questions on mileage or purchase date- just show the receipt and exchange. Granted, if this were some kind of rally or performance car I'd probably consider another brand but for a daily driver that sees mostly highway and interstate use you cannot argue with free.

[Salty_Dog]

I have KYB's and Tien's at all four corners. I'm happy with them.

[Kyle Hamelin]

exactly how do you know when they should be replaced? how do I know when their gone? because nothing can last forever.

[Crowbar911]

I replaced my oem's when they were leaking oil all over my garage floor.

The rear passenger was completly blown, but the "spring back test" still did fine.

(push down, and it comes back with no bumps)

[thor2015]

Kyle,
Shocks and struts are tricky things to diagnose. Sometimes they will show obvious signs of being worn out (such as leaking oil from the strut body as mentioned above) and other times they will wear out with the only symptom being slightly diminished ride quality.
For the person who pays a shop to replace their shocks and struts, there is a Uniform Inspections guideline that details under what conditions shocks/struts absolutely need to be replaced. This list can be found here:

http://www.motorist.org/uics/uics_suspen.HTM

You can see that most all of the required symptoms relate to obvious physical defects or extreme conditions. Personally, I like to replace mine every 50k unless a physical defect occurs within that time. The KYB's have a lifetime warranty so the only cost to me is the time I spend replacing them. However, I realize that for those who pay labor charges to a shop this is not always the most economical or desired option in which case the above listed guidelines are the circumstances under which these components absolutely have to be replaced.