Originally Posted by Or
Yes, KYB is (unless something has changed lately) the OE manufacturer. Use them with confidence.
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However, due to some manufacturing defects both the front struts keep making some clunking noise to the point where I can't stand it anymore.
I have since moved to Monroe and the noise is gone.
I doubt it's a manufacturing defect, more likely an installation error. This is a not uncommon complaint with all replacement struts - the upper mount bearings making noise most of the cases and maybe here. I hear of it more often with Monroe vs. KYB, actually. In general, my experiences mirror the above. Monroe's feel good, but then wear out quickly. KYBs feel a little stiffer, often much appreciated, but then settle in and give a nice long life.
Could be an assembly defect. On mine the strut nuts weren't quite tight enough, so there was some clunking which took me a while to figure out. Also for my Focus atleast, the front spring rate was a bit softer than the original springs and rode maybe 1/2" higher. After 20k km damping rate is now pretty much normal, though it started a bit stiffer and I think the ride height has decreased a bit.
I dunno, I expected this kind of stuff from Monroe which is why I've always gone with KYB, but they haven't really impressed me this time.