KYB Strut Plus SUCK

[Twisted1]

Are these are the struts where you decided not to follow the mounting instructions, and threw away the factory hardware and used an impact gun- both specifically forbidden in the KYB instructions?

That’s what you described previously:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/new-kyb-strut-plus-popping-noise-on-turns.376088/

After years modding at TN, we’ve observed quick strut failures almost always come down to installation errors. This seems another case of that.

I removed the OEM hardware and used the chintzy ones that came with the kit. Nothing improved.. I also didn’t bother tightening the top nut as it was clear as day that the bearing was the issue if you read through that link you posted of my previous thread where I talk about a helper turning the wheel and I could feel the bearing bind and pop with my hand on the spring.

 

[Twisted1]

Thank you for the feedback. I was looking at KYB, but no more. Do need shocks for my GS300 though... Once OEM Shocks, coil springs, and top hats are considered - the price on a set makes a good set of coilovers look cheap. So I guess I may just go for coilovers and try to get them to a very mild drop, compared to OE height.

My pleasure. I would stay away from these assemblies as they do not ride like OEM. KYB states that they make the Strut Plus units 15% firmer than stock to make up for worn out suspension but that’s rather ridiculous IMO since some of us change out if not all, most of the parts in the suspension. Toyota just had 25% off all parts and it was a great time to buy some OEM stuff! I wouldn’t shy away from OEM struts. Coilovers are fun but they can have issues with the sleeves rattling and spring perches loosening up over time.. I use to have Ground Control coilovers back in the day on my 90 Integra and they were a pain to say the least..

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Those replacement strut assemblies are put together like some clutch kits. The main part, the strut, like the clutch disc and pressure plate, are made in house and of good quality. It's the other parts that make it up that is cheap Chinese junk, like the bearing plate, spring, bellows and cushion, or on clutch kits, the throw out and pilot bearings.

Springs rarely wear out unless you're over 250,000 miles. I'd rather have an old oem spring on a new strut than a whole new aftermarket strut assembly.

the OP's Camry, and many Toyotas, are known for sagging springs

 

[Soft Cars]

I took advantage of Toyota’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday 25% off sale on all parts (thanks slacktide_bitog for the heads up!) and bought all new Toyota struts.

I looked all over the internet for some genuine Toyota struts but couldn't find any.

E D I T

I was looking for coil springs, not struts! No genuine Toyota coil springs anywhere.

 

[Twisted1]

I looked all over the internet for some genuine Toyota struts but couldn't find any.

E D I T

I was looking for coil springs, not struts! No genuine Toyota coil springs anywhere.

What year and model?

 

[atikovi]

I looked all over the internet for some genuine Toyota struts but couldn't find any.

E D I T

I was looking for coil springs, not struts! No genuine Toyota coil springs anywhere.

Just look at my local Toyota site. 2000 front springs $80-$90 my cost in stock.

 

[dnewton3]

There was a time when Monroe was despised and KYB was considered the king. Looks like KYB has managed to lower themselves to the competition ...

 

[Soft Cars]

What year and model?

2000 Toyota Camry 3.0L V6. Your car.

 

[Twisted1]

2000 Toyota Camry 3.0L V6. Your car.

My local Toyota dealer has the rear spring for $120

 

[Soft Cars]

You

My local Toyota dealer has the rear spring for $120

You should just build a set of 4 from scratch and be done with it. You got a spring compressor?

 

[Twisted1]

You

You should just build a set of 4 from scratch and be done with it. You got a spring compressor?

Yep I attached pics in my first post. Grabbed OEM loaded struts with all OEM parts and ordered brand new OEM struts front and rear

 

[oldcodger]

I installed a KYB set on my 2012 Frontier 2 years ago and have no complaints. Also KYB shocks on the rear. No complaints so far. The ride is just slightly more firm than I would have liked but and I have put 30,000 miles on the truck with them.

 

[Twisted1]

I installed a KYB set on my 2012 Frontier 2 years ago and have no complaints. Also KYB shocks on the rear. No complaints so far. The ride is just slightly more firm than I would have liked but and I have put 30,000 miles on the truck with them.

Glad they worked out for you. Wish I could say the same..

 

[Oro_O]

For those who want to know how to install strut kits w/o damaging them like this, here’s the Factory instructions. Key things are properly torqueing the upper struts - NO impact tools, and using the supplied hardware and not mismatched nuts and bolts. Going back later and re-doing it won’t help once the damage is done.

https://www.kyb.com/resources/technical-information/installation-tips/

 

[Twisted1]

For those who want to know how to install strut kits w/o damaging them like this, here’s the Factory instructions. Key things are properly torqueing the upper struts - NO impact tools, and using the supplied hardware and not mismatched nuts and bolts. Going back later and re-doing it won’t help once the damage is done.

https://www.kyb.com/resources/technical-information/installation-tips/

You must be getting paid per post by KYB

 

[Oro_O]

You must be getting paid per post by KYB

No, just honest about things and don’t want people getting fed 1/2 a story. Integrity and accuracy matters. It also behooves the community to get the full story and pitfalls, because it can help people from forming incorrect impressions, and avoid similar mistakes in the future. The point of a “community,” in many ways.

 

[Twisted1]

No, just honest about things and don’t want people getting fed 1/2 a story. Integrity and accuracy matters.

I agree with that. But you’re assuming something here without true knowledge of the situation…

 

[cptbarkey]

There was a time when Monroe was despised and KYB was considered the king. Looks like KYB has managed to lower themselves to the competition ...

Not from a few anecdotes.

 

[willbur]

Sorry to hear about your bad luck with KYB's quick struts

Too bad Toyota doesn't make OEM quick struts. Honda and Ford make them for some cars, and Mando makes OE quick struts for many cars where they are the OE supplier (mostly Korean cars).

KYB seems to have more trouble with their aftermarket strut mounts than others

yes and this goes back years...

 

[zzyzzx]

I put Monroe Quick struts in a 2000 Camry (4 cylinder) a few years ago and they are still doing great.