KYB Struts

[Mario]

Has any body try this struts? and what is your opinion on the brand. Time for struts and wondering if they are any good.

Your comments will be appreciated

Thanks.

1987 300D 124000

If you do go with KYB's, I certainly would recommend that you go with the standard ones, not the performance. I have the performance and they are as stiff as anything you can imagine.

Good luck,

I recently replaced the front struts on my 87 wagon with
KYB standard ride struts. They were a perfect fit and the ride is more than adequate for the way I drive the car.
Some members might be more perceptive of handling characteristics or might have different handling requirements for their cars, but if you are looking for a cost effective replacement strut with a great warranty, I think you won't be disappointed.
Steve

[Herr Leber]

I had a bad experience with KYBs on one of my Porsche 944 cars. The things outright failed in a very short period of time.

Stick with Bilstein and you wont regret it.

[Cressida]

I got a set of KYB struts for my Chrysler minivan this week. One of the struts top plate is welded on at an angle putting it almost against the piston. Although it is moving freely now, if any more lateral play develops it may rub against the metal cap. The piston should be more in a centered position.

I got these from tirerack and they were made in Mexico. There is a cheesy sticker poorly slapped on the side that says KYB. I don't think this type of work should be tollerated and I'm very dissapointed in getting this type of merchandise from what I thought was a good manufacturer.

Would you think this strut is OK to use or should I send it back ?

[Herr Leber]

There is definitely something wrong there. Maybe they didnt add a spacer ring on the cartridge or didnt fill the housing with oil.

Metal shouldnt rub on metal. That strut housing cap is going to leak very soon if it isnt already.

[csnow]

Send it back. If only 1 is like that, it would seem clear there is a problem.

Actually, send them both back. KYB is junk, IMHO.

Bad results on a variety of cars. Short lifespan on all, and mixed handling results. Ok handling on some, awful on others.
I had to learn this the hard way. You do not.

Bilstein or Boge for the MB.

What else can you get from Tire Rack for the Chrysler?

[Cressida]

Thanks for the comments - they are helpful..

The problem is that strut selection for the Chrysler minivans is limited only to a few names like Gabriel, Monroe, and the KYB GR2's - which now I know are not made in the OEM KYB plants but are outsourced or purchased by KYB from this plant in Mexico and perhaps another one in Spain. Nothing is available from Boge, Bilstein or other names that many consider to be of superior quality.

As a comparison, I went and look at the Gabriel brand of strut for this application and they are exactly the same as this strut from KYB (of course, without the problem pictured above). Both are manufactured in Mexico at what appears to be the same plant.
I suspect AC Delco may also be the same but I've not seen one up close yet.

Is there any difference b/t these brands of struts for this model? Yes, IMO they come off the assembly line and are placed in different "branded" boxes prior to shipping. That is it.

I'm going to sleep on it over the weekend. I will either send the one back for replacement or return both of them. This has been an eye opener I must say.

[Herr Leber]

My KYBs failed quickly but I was really abusing my 944 in and out of NYC. I didnt expect them to fail but in comparison, Billsteins and Boge lasted through the same NYC torture test that I put the KYBs through.

I have to say though that the ride form the KYBs was great and I have yet to duplicate that 'just right feeling'. Bilsteins were too hard for me, Boges too soft, adjustable Konis not in the budget