I am having both rear struts replaced on my 2005 Outback with KYB strut-plus assemblies. The original struts were self-leveling type, which are very expensive to replace with new Subaru struts. Anyone ever use the KYB strut-plus? I have rebuilt struts with KYB Excel-G units, and they were great. These along with a four-corner brake job using BOSCH QuietCast brake pads and rotor kits. For the breaks, I got new pins and boots. I ordered all parts from Rock Auto. The selection for pins was limited to Carlson (used these before) for the front and Dorman and unknowns for the rear. I went with the Dormans, but when they came in, they were in NAPA boxes, so you order Dorman and get a NAPA box with a Dorman part number. Both brands were made in China (nothing new), maybe a First Brands issue, never had that with RA before. I am paying for the installation work by a local shop that has been around for decades because my body won't let me crawl around anymore.
KYB strut plus and other parts for Subaru
- Thread starter fozzdesy2001
- Start date
I am running them right now on my 2009 Outback, no problems and a decent ride. I couldn't get OE when I got these due to the vid so these were a second choice, no regrets. the front strut mounts and bearing are very close to OE and use a sealed ball bearing which is good.
NAPA doesn't really make an attempt to hide that their "Solutions" line is reboxed Dorman. Quite a misnomer because Dorman actually means PROBLEM if you run it through the auto tech Rosetta Stone
That said, for slide pins and boots I consider it all interchangeable. I'm a little leery of aftermarket abutment clips but for slider pins and boots I'm not sourcing OEM unless it's an exotic application
That said, for slide pins and boots I consider it all interchangeable. I'm a little leery of aftermarket abutment clips but for slider pins and boots I'm not sourcing OEM unless it's an exotic application
I didn't try too hard to find OE because I had a Forester with the self-leveling rear suspension that went out, and I found out each strut was more than the cost of 2 new normal ride struts installed! Might have been a great feature when new, but it doesn't age well, good to know the KYB strut-plus rides nice.
Last edited:
There is nothing wrong with KYB quick struts 
While the car is on the lift, ask the shop to spray some penetrating oil on the pinch bolts. They will know where to spray. For the brakes, just be glad you only need the slide pins and not the whole caliper
While the car is on the lift, ask the shop to spray some penetrating oil on the pinch bolts. They will know where to spray. For the brakes, just be glad you only need the slide pins and not the whole caliper
Similar threads
