Interesting damping failure, 1997 i30 front struts

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BearZDefect

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Part 1:

My 1997 i30, which hasn't exhibited obvious damping issues while driving, fails a shove-the-bumper test. That is, give the bumper a good downward push and observe the rebound.

Here is what I find interesting: After the car has been at rest for a while (say an hour or more) it fails the test, but if I shove it again it passes nicely, with good control.

So my question #1 is not whether they are going bad (I realize they are) but what is failing? A leaking seal inside? There are no external leaks.


Part 2:

While I don't anticipate having the time to replace them soon, I have looked at my replacement part options. This is a part I'd rather buy over the counter locally. Here are the options I've found in stores here:

Gabriel (Say no more, I know better than to install these)
Monroe Gas-Matic
Monroe Sensa-Trac

Any opinions about the Monroe products above? Any experience with them in this application? Do they provide enough control? How long can I expect them to work well?

Rock Auto has KYB GR-2 for a reasonable price, but if they aren't better than Monroe I'd rather buy locally. Bilstein does not seem to have a part for this application.

I have read opinions on maxima.org but most of those are related to lowering and adjustable struts, both not my interest.

Whenever I get around to this I'll work on the strut mounts too.

Thanks!
 
Just bought and installed a set of Gabriel Ultra struts this afternoon in my Escort...$39 each was a steal. I have the KYB GR-2's in the rear, used them on several applications with so-so results. I think that premium shocks like Bilstein and Koni are leaps and bounds beyond the performance, ride, and feel that a Gabriel or Monroe would exhibit, but the benefit of purchasing over the counter and having a warranty that can be used also over the counter (rather than boxing up and sending back to the manufacturer) has it's merits.

I've used (and raced) on the Monroes and did not find them to be anything special, but cost was very low. This was in an '87 CRX Si about 8 years ago, shocks bought from Pep Boys.

On the other hand, I have seen a set of Bilsteins transform a 1-to Van from an unsafe lumbering hulk (on "new" Gabriel low-buck shocks) to a confident highway cruiser in the hour it took to change them out. Same deal with several racecars. It comes down to how much you can initially afford, and what the labor will be....if you do it yourself, the value of YOUR time and having to do it again soon (possibly) when putting a "real" strut on there.

If you have the cash and a part # is available, I'd go with Bilstein, Koni, or even Tokico (in that order). Having run them ALL (and sometimes several brands in one car), it's worth the extra few dollars. I would place the KYB GR-2 a step ahead of the Monroes/Gabriels though, so if those are your options go ahead and get the GR-2's, Rock Auto usually has some great prices!
 
KYB is superior to Monroe hands down. Better quality and superior components are used. Of course Bilstein and Koni are the kings in this market, but it is a different price bracket as well.

According to KYB their are no GAs Adjusts for your car. I like the their Monotube high pressure design akin to Blistein minus the cost.

The Sensatrack is marketed as a "premium unit" when in fact it really falls below OE grade but a little higher than "service grade" junk.

Also consider replacing the springs on your coil over as well. 11+ years definately took a tool on them. I just did all shocks, struts, mounts on 1998 vehicle with 180,000 miles. The ride height is restored and the ride quality is original again. I can not stress how important springs are w/a coil over replacement at this stage.

Are you keeping the car or selling it?
 
Thanks for the replies!

outrun, I plan to keep the car. If I were selling it I'd sell it as-is and let the next owner make this decision.

Bilstein claims no strut for this car AFAIK.

I didn't know KYB has a monotube strut for this car, what is the model? I know of the GR-2 and AGX, but don't need the adjustable AGX.

Solo2driver, Tokico and Koni are available from on-line stores.

I know Gabriel struts work fine at the beginning but soon get sloppy. I'd give them 10-20k miles of decent performance. I don't want to do the installation work again if I can help it.


So far, it sounds like I'd best give up on buying locally and order some KYB GR-2 struts.
 
KYB does not manufacture a monotube...they are all twin-tube, gas-charged shocks. The Gas-A-Just is the basic, the GR-2's are their "premium", and the AGX is an adjustable "performance" model...keep in mind the AGX changes compression and rebound at the same time, with a LOT of crosstalk, and very poor high-speed rebound characteristics. That means that on all settings above full soft, they tend to be very "skaty" and skitter over bumps at high frequencies. Good at creating artificial spring rate, but that's about it.

The Tokico HP (Blue) would not be a bad choice, and probably a notch above the GR-2's.

Reading your question #1, I am not certain that you need new struts. It may be the strut "priming" itself on the first pump...remember, one push is just a push-- your car will do that 90 times in 15 seconds. If the front end feels floaty or bottoms out quickly, or a general lack of front-end response, then think about replacing.

+1 on changing the springs, I did that on my Subaru after 170K miles with OEM Subaru springs and WOW what a difference. Metal cycles out, especially when you add heat and rust.
 
I had a '95 Maxima and was very active on Maxima.org. I've also ridden in a lot of Maximas with different suspensions. I know a fair bit about the different suspension options available.

Even on stock springs, the best performing option is Koni yellows. They will out-ride, out-handle, and out-last anything else you can buy. They are also the most expensive (duh) and the fronts require disassembly of your front struts to install. Your call on that.

Barring them, definitely get the GR-2s over anything else in the store. Tokico HP (a.k.a. "blues") are about the same quality overall and slightly softer for a smoother ride at a very minor handling cost. Again, store bought dampers are not even worth considering next to those two.
 
BearZDefect,

Don't forget that CarQuest sells KYB GR2's if you want to buy local. Because of my employer's affiliation with CarQuest, I got a 10% discount......$66 each down to $60, which is comparable to mail order.

Never hurts to try to wrangle a discount with CQ or NAPA. Rock Auto was $51 plus shipping. With CarQuest, I can get warranty replacement easier.

I also found out that a few local smaller chains (Parts Plus, Auto value) could order KYB's for slightly more $.


Good Luck
 
d00df00d,
doitmyself,

I appreciate your responses very much. Thank you!

I had the impression Koni yellows are the best, but when the time comes I'll have to decide on the price and required modifications.

If not, GR-2 from CarQuest sounds like the ticket. I'll pay a small premium to buy this kind of part over the counter.
 
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