Shock and Strut Replacement -- Cheap, OEM, or Upgrade?

158 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2009 at 7:41 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Performance Mods, Suspension

This forum is to discuss shock/strut problems and how to best deal with what is becoming a rather expensive replacement item on cars approaching 60K-80K miles. Are products sold by chain stores just too cheesy to give decent performance? Is it worth upgrading shocks and struts if you are a more or less docile driver? Is OEM a rip-off for what you get?

Let's hear your ideas and experiences.

Outline

Messages Page 10 of 17: 1; ...; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; ...; 17; Prev; Next; Last

#87 of 158 Re: Do I need springs for the rear suspension? - '02 Subaru Impreza WRX [ke by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 03, 2008 (9:43 am)
Replying to: kevin111 (Jan 02, 2008 11:49 pm) I think you just blew out a strut. I'd replace both rear strut inserts and not worry about the springs for now. I suppose once the rear struts are disassembled you could inspect and compare the two springs and see if there is a marked difference in height. Alignment sounds like a good idea. The WRX is not all that great a handling car to begin with, so any alignment issues is probably going to aggravate that. The rear tire deviance sounds like some sort of camber issue, worth looking into. Replies to this message: paisan (Jan 03, 2008 12:04 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Jan 03, 2008 12:44 pm) paisan (Jan 03, 2008 5:30 pm)
#88 of 158 Re: Do I need springs for the rear suspension? - '02 Subaru Impreza WRX [ke [Mr_Shiftright] by paisan Jan 03, 2008 (12:04 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 03, 2008 9:43 am) The WRX is not all that great a handling car to begin with Huh? -mike Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 03, 2008 12:44 pm) paisan (Jan 03, 2008 5:30 pm)
#89 of 158 Re: Do I need springs for the rear suspension? - '02 Subaru Impreza WRX [pa by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 03, 2008 (12:44 pm)
Replying to: paisan (Jan 03, 2008 12:04 pm) Yeah I know Subaru freaks never like to hear that, but the WRX gets its reputation from its grip, not its handling. It's got a lot of front end lift and subsequent understeer. All correctable with some suspension parts, at the expense of some noise and comfort. Replies to this message: paisan (Jan 03, 2008 5:30 pm)
#90 of 158 Re: Do I need springs for the rear suspension? - '02 Subaru Impreza WRX [pa [Mr_Shiftright] by paisan Jan 03, 2008 (5:30 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 03, 2008 12:44 pm) okie dokie -mike
#91 of 158 Re: Do I need springs for the rear suspension? - '02 Subaru Impreza WRX [kevin111] by okko1 Jan 04, 2008 (3:43 pm)
Replying to: kevin111 (Jan 02, 2008 11:49 pm) check the additional cost of the spring replacement as there should not be any additional labor if you do it at the same time as the strut.
#92 of 158 KYB struts by sean300 Jan 14, 2008 (8:25 pm)
Hello. Has anyone had any experience with KYB struts? I recently changed all four struts on my '98 Lexus es300 and this brand was highly recommended. I hear they provide a sporty ride and are good, especially on Japanese cars. Will they outlast OEM or Monroes? Replies to this message: paisan (Jan 15, 2008 5:52 am) Mr_Shiftright (Jan 15, 2008 9:19 am)
#93 of 158 Re: KYB struts [sean300] by paisan Jan 15, 2008 (5:52 am)
Replying to: sean300 (Jan 14, 2008 8:25 pm) I've installed several sets of KYB struts on Subarus over the years. The GR2s are a good OEM replacement with a slightly sportier ride over stock. The AGX version has adjustable settings on it. If you really want a sporty ride I'd personally go with Bilstien or Koni Sport inserts. -mike
#94 of 158 Re: KYB struts [sean300] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 15, 2008 (9:19 am)
Replying to: sean300 (Jan 14, 2008 8:25 pm) They are "okay" IMO. I think they are a good value, but I have busted a few. I can't say that they are vastly superior to OEM. Bilstein is a great shock and I think a cut above the rest. But for the money I think you made a good choice.
#95 of 158 KYB struts by sean300 Jan 15, 2008 (11:39 pm)
I like them. I've only had one problem and that is when I had them put on the vehicle. A few days later when going over the Throgs Neck Bridge I hit a bump and the car began to shake violently. Luckily, my mechanic is only 15 minutes away. He said that one of the holes on the strut was slightly larger than normal and that caused some play with the bolt. He said that he put a washer on to stabilize it and so far it seems to have been ok. I personally think that he didn't tighten the bolt fully. As for the sporty ride, they appear to give a similar ride to the oem's but it's a Lexus, not a 350z or any other sports car. Total cost (p & l): $550.
#96 of 158 do I replace 1 shock or all? by royceb Mar 31, 2008 (10:09 am)
the right front shock broke from rust on my 97 ford contour. I can see there are 2 coils and one is still intact. If i could I would like to do it myself. Is it possible? Are OEM shocks the best type to get?