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Opinion on KYB struts

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by kmc6566, Oct 18, 2010.

  1. kmc6566

    kmc6566 Junior Member

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    I need to replace the struts on my 2002. KYB Struts seem to be the cheapest. I'm always looking to save money. But are they worth it or am I better off getting Monroes? Thanks.
     
    #1 kmc6566, Oct 18, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    KYB is the original equipment strut/shock manufacturer. It's not clear whether their branded parts are better or worse than the original equipment parts.

    I didn't know that Monroe made suitable parts that fit Prius.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Oct 18, 2010
  3. freidawg

    freidawg Prius Recycler

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    I can not claim direct experience with KYB's for the Prius. I have not been happy in the past with KYB aftermarket parts for other cars I have put them on. (I have put them on a few different ones over the years) They don't seem to last very long....

    Eric
     
    #3 freidawg, Oct 18, 2010
  4. kmc6566

    kmc6566 Junior Member

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    #4 kmc6566, Oct 19, 2010
  5. BigMiles

    BigMiles New Member

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    I'm trying to decide between Monroe and KYB now. What did you end up buying and why? Are you happy with your choice?
     
    #5 BigMiles, Aug 11, 2011
  6. kmc6566

    kmc6566 Junior Member

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    I went with Monroe struts because I couldn't find anyone to say anything positive about the KYB struts. And since I plan on keeping the car for a few years I wanted something that lasted. Also, I found them on Ebay for just a little bit more than the KYB struts. Made since to get them. Hope that answers the questions.
     
    #6 kmc6566, Aug 24, 2011
  7. dabard051

    dabard051 Tinkerer-in-Charge

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    What a coincidence, I just replaced the struts on both my 2002 Priuses (Pri-i?).

    Here are some hints:

    Ask the local dealer to print out the parts list and a picture of the strut assembly.

    --purchase new boots to go with; mine were totally rotted away.
    --purchase new strut bearing assemblies (which attach the strut to the car body).
    Mine were either badly worn or corroded (the cars had very different histories)
    --purchase new lower insulators (US$20 each, from Toyota; no aftermarket available)
    --prepare to reuse the insulator portion of the upper OEM combo insulator/boot. News are $$
    --purchase new "dust seals" (look like fiber washers of some sort)
    which go on the strut piston at the bearing interface.

    The procedure starts with removing the wiper arms (!),
    the black cover over the wiper assembly, and the
    wiper motor assembly. Yes, it needs to be done...
    the wiper assembly blocks access the the strut bearing bolts on the top.

    You will need 2 jacks: one to lift the car (or then place it on jackstand) and then later use the other jack to compress the springs while you attach the coil spring compressor bolts for the move of the spring from the old strut to the new.

    Carefully observe how the strut comes apart; you need to replace the components in the same order AND alignment, otherwise you will experience clunks from the front when you finish.
    Look for alignment features like arrows (on the top bearing plate of the strut) and dots of paint.

    Once I got the process figured out, it was about 2 hours per side, including freeing up rusted hardware from salt and corrosion.

    Needed an alignment afterwards.

    Good luck!
     
    #7 dabard051, Aug 25, 2011
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