140,000 time for new struts? UPDATE, review, questions.

[michaelj1978]

The ride is still pretty good and I do 90+ percent highway driving. I plan on keeping the car for at least another 100K. Just put on new tires (Michelin Defenders) and had the right inner/outer tie rod replaced. No other repairs.

I did see a set of KYB's on Amazon for $266 (free shipping with my prime acct)

Here is the description: CONVENIENT 4 piece KIT for 2003 - 06 PONTIAC Vibe
Includes 4 KYB GR2 / ExcelG Part Numbers: 235704 235703 344612 344612



Will the guy at my shop be able to use my stock springs with these? Also, he recommended getting the top plate replaced too on the front struts. Is there something that will match up with these? Finally, is there a full kit that's already assembled,, plate/strut/spring that is affordable? I'd like to spend under $800 for everything. They quoted me labor of $160 to install new struts/shocks/plates and another $80 for an alignment.

[Zimm]

nice choice on the tires! i just bought a set to replace my stock RSA's. so far, so good!

[lannvouivre]

Monroe has Quick-Strut assemblies now for the front, which has all the hardware. Here's their catalog: http://www.monroe.com/en-US/catalog/e-Catalog" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Doesn't look like they have the full assemblies for the rear.

Do you think they've gone out?

[DRYfrosty04]

haha yeah good idea to change them. my car is at 150k mi. i just changed mine out with tokico blues. when i got the old ones out, they compressed by the weight of just the piston itself. I came back from a test drive to find the rods all the way in the chambers... XP

[ImUrOBGYN]

Yes, do them. Trust me, they'll need it. You definitely want to replace the front strut top mounts as they are integral to the alignment and probably need replacing at this point, too. Once you get a new pair/remove your old ones, you'll probably understand what I mean. There's more there than just rubber to wear out. Were your old tires tread worn down when you got your new tires? If so, had they worn all evenly? A bad strut OR a bad top mount is enuf to ruin a new tire. You may not need to replace the rear mount bushings, but for the price of a set, it's best to do those, as well.

Do yourself a favor and do it all at once. 4 struts, 4 mounts, and 4 new dust boots/bump stops if you need them.

Oh, and whatever replacement strut you buy should be compatible with your stock spring.

[michaelj1978]

I think I'll go with the KYB GR2's that are listed on Amazon. $233 for front and rears. Does anyone know if my stock springs will fit on these?

As for tires, they have always worn evenly and I keep 35lbs of pressure in them. Check them once every other week.

In addition to shocks/struts can someone itemize a list of everything else I need to get and any part numbers or where to get them would be appreciated.


Thanks.

[Salsa Guy]

I think you should get the mounts also. I'm in the same boat on my Trix and Vibe...145K and 135K. If those struts/shocks are for the car, the stock spring should work.
A wheel alignment would be in order after the work

I Plan on putting lowering springs on the Vibe but will put new the struts and mounts when it's done. The Trix on the other I'll be removing the Lowering Springs when I put the new Struts/Shocks on...my daughter doesn't like them.

[michaelj1978]

I think you should get the mounts also. I'm in the same boat on my Trix and Vibe...145K and 135K. If those struts/shocks are for the car, the stock spring should work.
A wheel alignment would be in order after the work

I Plan on putting lowering springs on the Vibe but will put new the struts and mounts when it's done. The Trix on the other I'll be removing the Lowering Springs when I put the new Struts/Shocks on...my daughter doesn't like them.

I'll definitely get an alignment after. I'll get the mounts too. Is there additional hardware that goes with the mounts? I know I need new boots too since mine fell off. Is there anything else to go along with the boot? As for the rears, it looks like there is a kit that goes with the shock, some sort of mounting kit.

Anything else I'm missing? I'd hate to get it up to the shop and not have everything I need.

[Salsa Guy]

In regards to the Boots I assume the dust boots on the struts themselves? They would normally come with the new struts. There are also mounting kits for the rear struts and much cheaper than the fronts $20 vs $60.

I haven't replaced my struts yet just added lowering springs to the trix but done it to other FWD cars. I'm sure somebody will chime in on that repair

[michaelj1978]

Well I ordered everything through Amazon (prime) and cross referenced all the parts with KYB's online catalog.

I got the following for my FWD 2005 Vibe:

Excel G 235704 (front strut left)
Excel G 235703 (front strut right)
Excel G 344612 x 2 (rear shock)
Strut Boot SB102 x 2 for the front.
Strut Boot SB108 x 2 for the rear.
SM5215 x 2 front strut mounts.
SM5382 x 2 rear strut mount kit.

Shipped to my door for under $460. The shop I know will install everything for $120 (reuse stock springs) and I have a place that will align everything back up for $80. So $660 for everything installed. I don't feel that's a bad price for something that should last the rest of the life of the car.

[Salsa Guy]

I'd say you have every thing covered. The shop is only charging $120 for everything installed??? That's a great price.

[Raven]

KYB is the OEM strut which came on the car when new. You're doing the right thing and got a very deal.

[michaelj1978]

Got them installed, rotors turned and an alignment (All for $225!)
I bought the car with 44K on it, so don't know what a new one feels like but it's quite a difference. On my highway route to work there are a few spots where it gets pretty squirrley on some bumpy wide radius turns. Not anymore. It's a much better ride. I was skeptical because it did ride pretty good before, but I'm convinced it was worth it.


The right rear was blown and I didn't know it. Turned the shock upside down and compressed it and all the oil came out. The other 3 compressed and rebounded just fine with no leaks.

The SB108 rear strut boot/bumper DID NOT fit the KYB 344612 shock. It would not fit over the shock. They were able to reuse my stock boot, which wasn't actually a boot, just a long dust cover. I will be returning these to Amazon and will make note they didn't fit that shock, though KYB's catalog says they are the correct boot for it.

QUESTION!? The KYB top strut mount did not come with a cover. If I remember my old stock mounts had the nut covered up and possibly greased underneath? If so does the top nut on the strut need greased and covered?

All in all I'm happy and it's made my 75 mile round trip to work much more pleasant.