YODAONE

Toyota North America elected to discontinue support of Rack & Pinion Steering Damper # 45700-50010 and 45700-50011 for 1990 - 1994 LS400.

After 30 years, original steering dampers are expired, resulting in wandering steering, constant correction on uneven roads and under crosswinds.

Located KYB KS0006 online which is listed and depicted as a direct substitute for the OEM part.






So, I contacted KYB North America to ascertain a U.S. or overseas supply chain partner and was informed it was not a valid KYB part number....

Oh really?

Then e-mailed above images of KYB boxes emblazoned with KYB logo and part numbers to customer service rep.

Oh, well, gee... that must be European market packaging...

hmmm European packaging in English only.(??)

So, now the corporate automaton admits it is a KYB part number..

Progress !

Next I ask for KYB supply chain partners who carry THIS part number...

Automaton does not know.

So it was suggested and requested she transmit an inquiry to KYB Japan...yes the Japan that should be monitoring things over here.

AND...for good measure asked her to inquire of corporate WHY KYB aftermarket struts (based on membership posts) are not as durable as OEM and diminish the ride quality.

Come to think of it, as with the aftermarket struts, perhaps the steering dampers are of similar quality.

Any bets on whether either issue is addressed by KYB?

Meanwhile, anyone know a European or Japanese supply chain partner offering the KYB KS0006 steering damper.

Happy to test and post results.

Thanks