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Anyone have rattling noises with Brand new KYB Excel G shock absorbers?
I have 76k on a 2013 Rx350. The back suspension definitely felt like it needed an upgrade but had no rattling noises. So read here on the forums people were putting in the KYB excel G replacement shocks for a closest to stock ride. I bought 2 off amazon and installed them, was a simple install. Right off the bat was a noticeable improvement in the ride. But within 2 days a metal like rattle developed at lower speeds (I think at high speeds you don't hear it because of more wind and road noise). Over time the noise keeps grown louder and louder. I checked everything underneath was tight and nothing loose in trunk and everywhere else. So I ordered another one from amazon and when I took the replaced one off the vehicle, I noticed there was oil on the bottom cylinder of the shock absorber. (after about 50 miles of driving it seems to have failed). But when I checked the new one that just came in, it also had oil on the lower cylinder (see pictures). Is this normal for right out of the box to me leaking? I had no choice but to install it, and the noise went away immediately, but now again 2 days later its back, same noise. Again checked they are in nice and tight nothing is lose. I think these are junk and maybe a line of them being sold on amazon are bad. Has anyone else had this issue with KYB? Going to return them and for the 4th time do this job again so I want to buy a decent rear shock and in 5000 miles I will replace the front struts to match. What manufacture has a good soft ride quality that still wont kill your handling. I guess the Bilstein B4's are the way to go? I like the ride quality of the Excel G's but seem their build quality sucks. Are the softer Sach's shocks to disruptive to handling? Heard Monroe is not the one to use here. Are the B6's way stiffer than stock? Looking for opinions as I don't want to keep changing these. I contacted kyb customer support and they basically blame your vehicle as the problem and point the finger at everything else on your car. I don't think a brand new shock absorber should be leaking oil like the pics below and I had zero noise rattles before changing to these. Can someone confirm if they have had a similar experience?
I suspect they may be counterfeit KYB shocks being sold on Amazon. Who is the actual seller?
If you can find Bilstein B4 shocks get them. Rock Auto appears to have them in stock, but usually they only have a few so act fast. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...+absorber,7556
I gave up on Amazon for car parts. Last straw was a couple months ago, got fake kyb gas adjust shocks for my GMC (bushings didn't fit). Went to rock auto, noticed that the packaging and bushings were different, but it fit. Also have noticed over the years that many retailers don't honor warranties if you get from Amazon. And, it shouldn't leak out of the box. I had that happen too from Amazon, years ago...returned.
These are being sold by the KYB shop on amazon. I will put in for a return and order Bilstein B4's from rock auto.. What is the part number for the front struts for a 2013? You still have to go by the 2014 highlander part numbers for the struts right? Is it BILSTEIN22282842 for the right?
BILSTEIN19282862 are the B4 rears for a 2013 RX350 I believe, going to order these.
You got part of it correct. You had the right number for the rear shocks. See below for the front struts parts numbers.
This is pasted from an older post: The Bilsteins front strutsthat are listed for the 2010-2013 Highlander as it has the same front suspension as the 3rd gen. RX350. The Bilstein B4 Part numbers are 22282675 and 22282668. Rock Auto appears to have them in stock today.
If you decide to replace the rear shocks with Bilsteins, you want the ones listed for the 2014 - 2017 Highlander as it has the same rear suspension with shocks as the RX. Part No. Bilstein 19-282862 for the rear shocks.
The 2010-13 Highlander is different in that it has struts in the back.
I recommend replacing the front strut mount bearings (there are 2) with OEM Toyota ones when replacing the front struts. You can find them on eBay from one of the discount Toyota dealers. Toyota OEM Factory Front Strut Mount Bearing Part No. 90903-63014
So I replaced the new kyb's that came from amazon with the Bilstein B4 shocks...
and all rattling noises are gone. When I removed the new kyb's that had less than 500 miles on them both shock housings had oil leaking on them. Thats 3 new shocks from amazon all leaking oil. Also look at the rust already on the one top mount? These are being sold as new on amazon not remanufactured from the KYB store???? I sent them back to amazon for a full refund. Buyer beware.
I just ordered the Bilstein B4's for the front from rock auto. Also ordered the strut bearings (toyota/lexus oem) off ebay. These will be going in soon, going to use existing springs.
Just wanted to add to this thread. I literally just went through the same thing as OP. I got brand new KYB shocks that were rattling and knocking over bumps at low speeds. Pulled them off and replaced them with Bilstein B6's, noise is completely gone. Something seems to be up with KYB recently I suppose. Side note I ordered off of RockAuto.
My KYB 349203 Excel-G Gas Shock (rear) from Amazon has been running strong for the past 40k miles. We went with the Bilstein B4 route for the front recently, so I'll probably give Bilstein rears a try when the rear struts go out.
Bilstein makes the best shocks on the planet. When my wife's 2015 RX350 FWD factory shocks (now at 93,000 miles) begin to show signs of wearing out, I will install Bilsteins.
I’ve got B6 on mine going strong so far 2 yrs later.
Where were your KYBs mfr? I used KYB on my Highlander 4 yrs ago and on someone’s 2010 RX350, but I got them front and back from a 3rd gen Highlander instead (2014-2019). They were both made in Japan and ride real nice and don’t clunk.
02-17-23, 06:35 PM
Anyone have rattling noises with Brand new KYB Excel G shock absorbers?
