Replacing Struts/assembly(rear) of a FWD Sedan Corolla LE

[SpideyTX]

Hello everyone:

I came across this amazing community looking/searching for a place to buy & replace the struts of my 1991 Corolla LE FWD.

Bought this car about 5 years back.... Now its very close 200K and the rear shocks were going bad from about 6 months and now they have are completely worn off with the struts cylinder hitting the mount/chasis almost without any resistance..!!

Also, the extreme temps nowadays here in Toronto(Canada) makes it even worse as the shock/struts have already lost its oil/gas charge and maybe the extreme temperatures are locking them up and they are hitting even more harder!

I was thinking of getting some used or after market struts to keep the costs minimum as its already a pretty old(20-Year) car, but I am finding a lot difficult than I thought it would be and also the cost for an after-market(Non-OEM) rear strut is pretty close or more to a KYB GR-2 struts..!!

I was looking for KYB Struts and not sure if I would have to replace the springs too and in that case I would have to look for a complete strut assembly..!!

If anyone of you all experience users here can suggest me a good place to look for these and also get them replaced(Currently I got someone to replace them at $50 each) at a good cost better than $50 each or atleast as good as the same cost and a mechanic with excellent knowledge and experience.... I would appreciate it very much.

Looking forward for some great help/advice. Thanks a lot in advance..

[SCT]

I would suggest to you to get both struts and springs. If budget is tight, just struts.

I'm not sure about Cananda, but OEM struts and springs for this car is plentiful. Even aftermarket.

It may be a 20yr old car, but it's one of the most reliable car IMO. Do it good and it returns the favor

[eage8]

your best bet is probably just to get some KYB GR-2s. They have a lifetime warrenty which is nice.

you probably don't need to get new springs. The fact that they're bottoming out so easily is worry-some. but you should be fine.

$50 is pretty cheap. I saved some money when I did a set of mine by taking off the strut assembly my self and taking it to a mechanic that way. he did it for $20 per corner.

[SpideyTX]

Originally Posted by SCT

I would suggest to you to get both struts and springs. If budget is tight, just struts.

I'm not sure about Cananda, but OEM struts and springs for this car is plentiful. Even aftermarket.

It may be a 20yr old car, but it's one of the most reliable car IMO. Do it good and it returns the favor

Can you/anyone suggest a place here in Toronto Canada where I can get KYB-GR2s at a cheap/good price..?? And also any reliable place/mechanic..?

Thanks in advance..

Originally Posted by eage8

your best bet is probably just to get some KYB GR-2s. They have a lifetime warrenty which is nice.

you probably don't need to get new springs. The fact that they're bottoming out so easily is worry-some. but you should be fine.

$50 is pretty cheap. I saved some money when I did a set of mine by taking off the strut assembly my self and taking it to a mechanic that way. he did it for $20 per corner.

[Mr.Nutcase]

Go with Monroe quick struts,

[SpideyTX]

Originally Posted by Crazy_Butcher

Go with Monroe quick struts,

What are these..? Are they also called Gas-Matic Monroe? And why do you suggest these over KYB? Cheap/Good...??

Please explain in detail. Thanks..

[Bitter]

strut with spring on it already and the top mount. pre-assembled and ready to install.

[SpideyTX]

Originally Posted by Bitter

strut with spring on it already and the top mount. pre-assembled and ready to install.

I know/understand.... You mean the the complete Strut Assemblt kit.

But I asked why did Crazy_Butcher suggested Monoroes instead of KYBs..?? I mean, one could even get a complete Strut assembly kit in KYBs too....

But did he mean to suggest that if Monroes are better quality and or cheaper than the KYBs...??

I am finding a lot difficult than I thought to get KYBs in Toronto Canada. I can get Monroes in Toronto but then they are about $125 each.... Very costly..!!

If someone could suggest an alternate/after-market OR Non-Oem struts which are good(not bad) and cheaper in Toronto.. then please suggest/advice and help me out. Thanks....

[RobMilkshakes]

AFAIK KYB does not make a quick strut. I've never seen a listing for one.


As for non-oem struts, most are geared towards performance and cost more, sometimes as much for one as a whole set of KYBs


As for differences between Monroe and KYB (now this is all customer opinion, not my own, no experience with monroe), apparently the monroes are supposed to ride a little smoother, but ultimately both are standard OE replacements


edit: I looked back at your earlier post, gas-matic is jsut a series of shock absorber that they produce. Along with sensatrack, gas-magnum, etc. however the differences in lines usually just comes in with shocks, not struts.

[eage8]

Originally Posted by SpideyTX

I am finding a lot difficult than I thought to get KYBs in Toronto Canada. I can get Monroes in Toronto but then they are about $125 each.... Very costly..!!

I would just order a set from tirerack.com.

they're very nice, and great to deal with. They also have the GR2s for pretty cheap and I assume they ship to canada.

[RobMilkshakes]

+1

[SpideyTX]

Originally Posted by RobMilkshakes

AFAIK KYB does not make a quick strut. I've never seen a listing for one.

Here.... have a look - KYBs GR2 Complete Strut assembly - http://www.kyb.com/products/shocks/strutplus.php

Originally Posted by RobMilkshakes

edit: I looked back at your earlier post, gas-matic is jsut a series of shock absorber that they produce. Along with sensatrack, gas-magnum, etc. however the differences in lines usually just comes in with shocks, not struts.

Which ones are good in the above monroes..?? I presume that Sensatracks are the best but how are gas-magnum and any other series in Monroes compared..? Cheap/Quality..??

Originally Posted by eage8

I would just order a set from tirerack.com.

they're very nice, and great to deal with. They also have the GR2s for pretty cheap and I assume they ship to canada.

Well.... This(Below) is the reason..!!


Shipping to Canada not just costs more but costs almost the price of performance series shocks/struts(Adjustable)...!!!! And Tirerack even charges Brokerage fees on top of it..!!

Isn't there anyplace in Canada.... Where I can get/buy KYBs or Monroes at a better price..?? PLEASE HELP! Thanks..

[RobMilkshakes]

ultimately, unless a company ships from canada (I'm not the one to ask, I do not know of the stores/suppliers there) you'll pay high shipping/customs/international bs, or pay slightly higher in store. I'd suggest just checking locally and seeing what you can find.

Also about the lines of struts, the primary one carried is the sensatracks in monroe, the others are usually not carried in struts. There are no gas magnums or anything other than oem replacements through monroe

[Donald]

Having used both brands, my opinion on the difference between the Monroes and KYB GR-2, is that the Monroes have a softer damping rate (more float) than the KYBs, more like the original Toyota struts.
The KYB gives a slightly firmer, more controled (sportier) ride. It's like the difference between a BMW 320 and an 1965 Chevelle.

I will only put Monroes on a car I am planning to sell, not one I plan to drive.

I have never seen that KYB strut assembly listed for the AE92.

[Mr.Nutcase]

Originally Posted by SpideyTX

What are these..? Are they also called Gas-Matic Monroe? And why do you suggest these over KYB? Cheap/Good...??

Please explain in detail. Thanks..

The Monroe quick struts are assembled, they have new spring, which will restore rideheight.....