Replacing struts, KYB or Strutmasters or?
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Replacing struts, KYB or Strutmasters or?
Had enough miles on old struts ('95 with 160K miles) so looking to replace struts (all 4), mounts and maybe the bellow/stops.
4 sets of KYB's with mount/bellow came out to be $620, which is more expensive the 4 strut assemblies (with new springs) from Strutmasters ($ 609). And since I am doing it myself I would prefer not having to compress the springs (thus I prefer pre-assembled Strutmasters).
I plan to call Strutmasters but like to get some unbiased/2nd opinions.
Question 1: Can I just swap the old strut assemblies (no air suspension) with new Strutmasters without any mods?
Question 2: Any experience or comments on ride or reliability of KYB vs. Strutmasters? I need good damping over rough roads (more than plush/soft ride) because the roads are bad where I drive.
Question 3: Any other suggestions on cheaper or better alternatives for about the same money?
Just bought tires and over $1000 of rubber parts (mounts, flexible couplings, ball joints, etc.) so just don't have the will to go OEM on struts. Thanks for any comments/help.
4 sets of KYB's with mount/bellow came out to be $620, which is more expensive the 4 strut assemblies (with new springs) from Strutmasters ($ 609). And since I am doing it myself I would prefer not having to compress the springs (thus I prefer pre-assembled Strutmasters).
I plan to call Strutmasters but like to get some unbiased/2nd opinions.
Question 1: Can I just swap the old strut assemblies (no air suspension) with new Strutmasters without any mods?
Question 2: Any experience or comments on ride or reliability of KYB vs. Strutmasters? I need good damping over rough roads (more than plush/soft ride) because the roads are bad where I drive.
Question 3: Any other suggestions on cheaper or better alternatives for about the same money?
Just bought tires and over $1000 of rubber parts (mounts, flexible couplings, ball joints, etc.) so just don't have the will to go OEM on struts. Thanks for any comments/help.
Last edited by ck90211; 12-01-11 at 12:00 AM.
#2
Super Moderator
iTrader: (6)
The task isn't that difficult swapping springs and mounts. Rent a spring compressor, this will save you some $ over replacing the springs and mounts which are probably fine in the first place. That has you in the $350 for the struts.
The instances I see for replacing the mounts and springs is if your car has seen the harsh winters where roads are salted or in other seaside type environments where corrosion is a factor.
The instances I see for replacing the mounts and springs is if your car has seen the harsh winters where roads are salted or in other seaside type environments where corrosion is a factor.
#3
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
The task isn't that difficult swapping springs and mounts. Rent a spring compressor, this will save you some $ over replacing the springs and mounts which are probably fine in the first place. That has you in the $350 for the struts.
The instances I see for replacing the mounts and springs is if your car has seen the harsh winters where roads are salted or in other seaside type environments where corrosion is a factor.
The instances I see for replacing the mounts and springs is if your car has seen the harsh winters where roads are salted or in other seaside type environments where corrosion is a factor.
You can "rent" the spring compressor for free at Pep Boys or O'Reilly's (Kragen's). You buy it and then return it for a full refund within 2 (O'Reilly's) or 5 days (pep boys). It helped me when I did mine to have an air gun to drive the spring compressor, otherwise it would have been a little tedious.
I bought KYB mounts before taking things apart and then found the original ones (170k miles) to look just fine. I installed the new ones anyway since I did not want to deal with return hassle. I saved the old ones, along with some other stuff (boots, etc.) that were in fine shape. But I agree, chances are you will not need them unless you have some specific reason to think otherwise.
Regarding "Just bought tires and over $1000 of rubber parts (mounts, flexible couplings, ball joints, etc.) so just don't have the will to go OEM on struts.", are you sure you need struts? I replaced all 4 at ~170k miles on my '91, and sure it tightened it up a little, but if I were wavering on "the will", it could have easily been something to not do at all. Those OEM struts are pretty good. I'd say maybe one of the 4 I threw out was really finished.
#7
Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks guys. I am doing all these at once because the car is going to Cambodia soon (for 2 year job assignment), and any parts (OEM or aftermarket) will be pricey, and roads much harsher than SoCal's.
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post