GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Just got my new front struts,strut boots,and strut mounts......with tax it would have been almost $1000CDN...luckily my bro works at a parts store and got them all for about $500 with taxes.They are all KYB's.The same that come stock on these cars.(gr-2,or excel-g)Going to get the local Toyota shop to install and aline them........another $400CDN..man these import prices are crazy. .Probely about $1000 when all is said and done.Well saved a few $$ anyway.lol

front struts are EASSSSSSSY to install. DIY! DIY!

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »front struts are EASSSSSSSY to install. DIY! DIY!Seriously.... THIS...^^^^

There are 3 reasons I would not do this..1 its my wifes car and would not trust my work on her.lol2 no spring compresser3 and its getting to bloody cold to do it in the driveway.lol

Hi - I was changing the front brake pads on my 2006, and noticed that the bellows on the front struts are pretty much wasted. There is no abnormal noise, tire wear, or other issues with the front end, but I was wondering if I should consider replacing these.The car now has 45,000 miles, mostly on nice roads (pretty careful to avoid potholes, speed bumps) and we do not drive aggressively.What kind of mileage have other drivers been getting out of the OEM struts, and what warning signs should I be looking for to indicate that the time is near?Thanks in advance for your advice.

if i remember right and what i was trained, it was like 50,000 miles when the strut manufactures recommend to replace them. but it ranged on on some manufactures. im going from memory it has been some years now, but like a range of 45000-55000 depending on how you drive and the roads. if im wrong somebody correct me.

huh, well i guess i better get to it then bc i'm still on OEM's and i'm at around 110K miles

Well had them installed on thur........and wow what a difference.With 150,000 kms on them it was time for a change.the ride so much better.not that the old ones were that bad.It makes the rear seem a lil soft now.....so maybe going to have to do those in the spring.lol.

If you have a neighborhood garage to drop them off with, they can swap the springs for a fee like $25 each, though that leaves you rideless for a while. Don't try yourself.....That sounds a little steep even in $CDN. Is that for F or F/R, or did you get the strut+spring setup? The fronts usually go first. I put Monroes on rather than KYBs. I used Gabriel strut mounts and KYB boots (at Autozone and Advance auto), and the cost was like $250 less a Monroe rebate. Look around I'll entertain the notion that KYB makes better shocks if you can tell me why the stock unit failed (seal) after 60K. Anyway, I'll buy into what Keith says.

The boots will go before the shock (one hopes) in most cases in winter climate. If you had the work done for you, it would be poor economy to replace the boot only....the pull and rebuild costs way more than the boot. I would recommend just riding it till the shock goes, or if you really want to replace them, do the struts and strut mounts too (about $80, $50 each). You'll know when they go based on how it handles bumps on spring only, plus the noise....I've heard it referred to as a golf ball rolling around in the trunk....Newer KYB boots are a vinyl thermoplastic and my hold up better than the older rubber typeAlways replace in pairsI have heard people getting over 100K, but I have had mine go not too much older than yours. It just all depends. I suppose having the boots shot could accelerate. Quote, originally posted by The Viber »Hi - I was changing the front brake pads on my 2006, and noticed that the bellows on the front struts are pretty much wasted. There is no abnormal noise, tire wear, or other issues with the front end, but I was wondering if I should consider replacing these.The car now has 45,000 miles, mostly on nice roads (pretty careful to avoid potholes, speed bumps) and we do not drive aggressively.What kind of mileage have other drivers been getting out of the OEM struts, and what warning signs should I be looking for to indicate that the time is near?Thanks in advance for your advice.

Quote, originally posted by Wolfman213 »huh, well i guess i better get to it then bc i'm still on OEM's and i'm at around 110K milessame here and I have 90k

Just bought my used vibe (2004 w 115k on it) and had all 4 replaced due to the originals being on it. altho it was not feeling that bad honestly. But they had a deal with the Monroe sensatrak's buy 3 get one free, plus got the mounts and boots done for a total of 790.00 installed, not brave enought to do it myself... haven't noticed a big difference (needed new tires too so got those as well) but we will see.