I have been doing some research on struts for my '96 Saturn SL2. Monroe Sensa-Trac and KYB GR-2 struts were the most frequently recommended replacements for my vehicle. Since both of these brands advertised a lifetime warranty, I decided to read the warranty contract to see what this warranty covered.
After reading the warranties from both companies, I discovered a major difference. Although KYB and Monroe both offer a lifetime warranty against defects, only Monroe's warranty covers normal wear and tear. In other words, Monroe will replace worn-out struts under their lifetime warranty. On the other hand, KYB's warranty states explicitly that it does not cover normal wear and tear. Also, KYB requires that you return to the original place of purchase to make a warranty claim while Monroe does not. Lastly, it's important to remember that neither warranty covers labor for the removal and installation of struts under warranty; the warranty only covers parts.
Here are the quotes from the warranty contracts:
Monroe:
Quote:
Tenneco's obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement of the worn-out or defective product in accordance with this warranty. Cost of removal and installation are not included, and any incidental and consequential damages are excluded under this warranty. This warranty has no cash value. This warranty does not apply to products which have been modified, improperly applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes.
To make a claim under this warranty, return the worn-out or defective product with the dated original receipt to the dealer from whom it was purchased or to a TA dealer for verification and exchange under this warranty.
http://www.monroe.com/support/warranty.asp
KYB:
Quote:
4. Warranty claims will not be honored for products that:
a. are worn, but are not defective. (An example is where only one unit is defective and the consumer requests a pair be replaced. Since the KYB warranty only covers the defective unit, the claim for the worn but not defective unit will not be honored.)
http://www.kyb.com/technical/warranty.php
From KYB's FAQ:
Quote:
The KYB Limited Lifetime warranty covers the product against manufacturing defects. Just like tires, shocks and struts are products that normally wear over time and miles driven. The KYB Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear.
http://www.kyb.com/technical/warrantytips.php
Therefore, if you perform your own repair work and are planning to keep your vehicle for a long time, the Monroe struts may be a better choice. Of course, I do not have any experience with the performance of either brand. Either way, the major difference in warranty is something that you should keep in mind if you are deciding between these two brands of struts.
After reading the warranties from both companies, I discovered a major difference. Although KYB and Monroe both offer a lifetime warranty against defects, only Monroe's warranty covers normal wear and tear. In other words, Monroe will replace worn-out struts under their lifetime warranty. On the other hand, KYB's warranty states explicitly that it does not cover normal wear and tear. Also, KYB requires that you return to the original place of purchase to make a warranty claim while Monroe does not. Lastly, it's important to remember that neither warranty covers labor for the removal and installation of struts under warranty; the warranty only covers parts.
Here are the quotes from the warranty contracts:
Monroe:
Quote:
Tenneco's obligation under this warranty is limited to replacement of the worn-out or defective product in accordance with this warranty. Cost of removal and installation are not included, and any incidental and consequential damages are excluded under this warranty. This warranty has no cash value. This warranty does not apply to products which have been modified, improperly applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes.
To make a claim under this warranty, return the worn-out or defective product with the dated original receipt to the dealer from whom it was purchased or to a TA dealer for verification and exchange under this warranty.
http://www.monroe.com/support/warranty.asp
KYB:
Quote:
4. Warranty claims will not be honored for products that:
a. are worn, but are not defective. (An example is where only one unit is defective and the consumer requests a pair be replaced. Since the KYB warranty only covers the defective unit, the claim for the worn but not defective unit will not be honored.)
http://www.kyb.com/technical/warranty.php
From KYB's FAQ:
Quote:
The KYB Limited Lifetime warranty covers the product against manufacturing defects. Just like tires, shocks and struts are products that normally wear over time and miles driven. The KYB Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear.
http://www.kyb.com/technical/warrantytips.php
Therefore, if you perform your own repair work and are planning to keep your vehicle for a long time, the Monroe struts may be a better choice. Of course, I do not have any experience with the performance of either brand. Either way, the major difference in warranty is something that you should keep in mind if you are deciding between these two brands of struts.