Monroe, Gabriel or KYB quick struts?
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
My Monroe quick struts didn’t last at all.
The bushing went bad and had Nissan replace it (yes you read that right)
Then they blew.
Lifetime warranty is non existent.
The bushing went bad and had Nissan replace it (yes you read that right)
Then they blew.
Lifetime warranty is non existent.
How long until the bushing went bad?
How long until they blew (leaked)?
I always post my hate for Monroe is struts I witnessed fail catastrophically at 14k miles. Installed by a local tire dealer -- not me -- in a KL Cherokee
And this was not just some leaking, this was like a 1" rod in an 1-1/8" hole: zero resistance in either direction and slopping side to side. I had to disassemble to use the springs on new Mopar struts, and that always gives you an intimate feel for where the old struts were.
The vehicle would literally get death wobble over 45mph. Craziest thing I've ever seen from an IFS rig.....but when you have pogo sticks with no damping.....
I have no idea if the springs were Monroe springs, but probably.
Anyway, if you can let anything out the door that COMPLETELY craters in 14k miles, I have zero faith in ANY of your products. YMMV......good luck (in an Albanian accent)
And this was not just some leaking, this was like a 1" rod in an 1-1/8" hole: zero resistance in either direction and slopping side to side. I had to disassemble to use the springs on new Mopar struts, and that always gives you an intimate feel for where the old struts were.
The vehicle would literally get death wobble over 45mph. Craziest thing I've ever seen from an IFS rig.....but when you have pogo sticks with no damping.....
I have no idea if the springs were Monroe springs, but probably.
Anyway, if you can let anything out the door that COMPLETELY craters in 14k miles, I have zero faith in ANY of your products. YMMV......good luck (in an Albanian accent)
This would be the way to go to ensure the springs are OEM quality. You can always get the free loaner spring compressor tool from AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts or O'Reilly's if you don't plan to do more struts in the future. If you choose this route, inspect the rental tool before leaving the store to ensure the threads are not galled and the safety hooks are intact.
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2021
- Messages
- 120
Here’s what I can say after doing a lot of research and going with KYB: The KYB loaded struts are loaded with Excel-G struts. These are excellent among aftermarket options. I like the handling.
The springs are usually good. I haven’t read any complaints. If you have a Carolina squat afterwards, its because your rear springs are worn and need replacing too.
The boots are not great. Mine wore out in 5k miles and were shredded. The OEMs were shredded too for what it’s worth, but 5k miles is premature. Disappointed in that.
The mount - extremely dependent on the application. Some models are just trash. Others are fantastic. Here’s where you need to look up Amazon reviews and scour forums for your model specific experiences. In certain CRVs for example, too many accounts of noisiness. On the other hand for B16 Sentras, fantastic and no weird clicking issues. So I went with KYB because the experiences were good for my car and so far the mounts have been functioning fine.
In summary, it’s a great strut surrounded by OK components. Sometimes bad mount design but you’ll have to read up to see if your model has a good mount or a questionable one.
The springs are usually good. I haven’t read any complaints. If you have a Carolina squat afterwards, its because your rear springs are worn and need replacing too.
The boots are not great. Mine wore out in 5k miles and were shredded. The OEMs were shredded too for what it’s worth, but 5k miles is premature. Disappointed in that.
The mount - extremely dependent on the application. Some models are just trash. Others are fantastic. Here’s where you need to look up Amazon reviews and scour forums for your model specific experiences. In certain CRVs for example, too many accounts of noisiness. On the other hand for B16 Sentras, fantastic and no weird clicking issues. So I went with KYB because the experiences were good for my car and so far the mounts have been functioning fine.
In summary, it’s a great strut surrounded by OK components. Sometimes bad mount design but you’ll have to read up to see if your model has a good mount or a questionable one.
1A Auto is only selling TRQ brand. Are they any good? I’m guessing no.
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2021
- Messages
- 120
Unless you are having an issue with the mounts of springs, I would just replace the struts. I mostly use Monroes and have never had an issue with them. The one time I used a Gabriel I didn't like the fact that the top nut didn't have a hex or wrench flat on it.
They are probably made in China by Sensen like many no-name brands. Sensens are pretty much garbage struts that will fail within 2 years.
Perhaps; however, anomalies in ride height might be attributable to the universalized nature of the springs in most quick struts. For example, a person's vehicle may be offered with several spring varieties from the factory (depending on the model's suspension, options, etc.) -- and most quick struts offer only one or two part numbers to replace all of them across the board.
A Chrysler minivan may have come with up to 10 or 11 unique front springs...and there's frequently only one quick strut model to replace them. It's sometimes a case of a "good enough" compromise, which will frequently affect ride height, handling, etc.
This is why I bought a proper floor-mounted spring compressor and only replace the strut cartridge and any required extra parts such as mounts/bearings, cushions, etc., while retaining the factory springs.
Over the course of 10 years, the $300.00 tool has already paid for itself.
I think that's what happened to my Altima. Same spring for V6 and 4 banger.
If I had the V6 it might ride somewhat properly.
Reputable aftermarket like Eibach will make two different springs for I4 and V6. So there is nothing stopping Monroe and KYB doing it, apart from cost.
I've used KYB QS in 2 different cars, '00 Sable with the rust and break springs and a '09 Malibu.
In both cars I put another 100k miles on them with zero issues strut/shock wise. They are my go-to reasonably priced aftermarket parts.
In both cars I put another 100k miles on them with zero issues strut/shock wise. They are my go-to reasonably priced aftermarket parts.
Probably in the minority here - it really depends on your roads. Where I live, the roads are awful. KYBs were my first choice when I wanted to replace them on my Corolla - they were way too stiff for my liking.
I switched to Monroe Quickstruts (don’t use the economy line versions from RA) and they’ve been just fine for a little over 55k miles.
The Focus is also riding on the Quickstruts at the back - but those have been on there for only 15k miles.
Imo - Monroe > Gabriel > KYB if you live where the roads are bad.
The Monroe’s for both vehicles were made in the US.
I switched to Monroe Quickstruts (don’t use the economy line versions from RA) and they’ve been just fine for a little over 55k miles.
The Focus is also riding on the Quickstruts at the back - but those have been on there for only 15k miles.
Imo - Monroe > Gabriel > KYB if you live where the roads are bad.
The Monroe’s for both vehicles were made in the US.
