[Paolo5]

My other car, a 2006 Getz has just chalked over 110K.

I have purchased some new KYB struts that I will probably have fitted when the current tyres reach the end of their useful life. They have done around 30K now but look to have another 30K or so left in them....so car would have done around 140K on the originals by then.

The original struts are a bit 'bouncy'...but they aren't leaking oil. They don't make any knocks over bumps.

Can anyone who has had direct experience with strut replacement etc. tell me:-
1)when the best time to replace them would be (Monroe only has a 3year/60K warranty on their's)
2)is it necessary to replace the strut top mounts with new ones when struts are replaced?
3)should the back shocks be replaced as a matter of course when struts are replaced?

Many thanks,
Paolo5

[cruiserfied]

Best time to replace struts is when they fail or if you want better ride or handling.

Strut tops will only require replacing if the rubber is cracked.

There is no reason to replace rears at the same time but it will make the vehicle feel more balanced if changing from standard spec.

Are you doing them yourself or getting them done somewhere?

[Paolo5]

Hi Cruiserfied,
Thanks for your reply.
I will have the struts done at a workshop but would do the rears myself.

Do you know how the KYB gas shocks would compare to OE units?

[cruiserfied]

That's good. Struts are dangerous if you don't have the right tools.

I've never used KYB so I can't say but I imagine there would be a noticeable difference. Depends if they are aimed at comfort or performance.

[Paolo5]

Thanks for your input, Cruiserfied.

I couldn't pass them up for the price that I paid...even though I don't actually NEED them right now.

They are:-

Excel-g Shock Absorbers - 340000 Series - Excel-g - KYB Shock Absorbers Australia

Cheers,
Paolo5

[cruiserfied]

They sound alright. You'd wanna use the same if you go rears too.

[Surferdude]

I used KYB struts and shocks in my rally cars years ago. They were more than suitable.
But Monroe are just as good. I've used both in our workshops.
Also, I don't know what KYB's warranty is but I'd be surprised if it's any more than 3 years.

Shocks wear out gradually so you don't notice the deterioration in performance. But you WILL notice a difference when you fit the new ones.
I agree with cruiserfied. You should do all four if possible for better balance.

A shockabsorber's job is to maximise the amount of time a tyre spends in contact with the road and keep the pressure on the contact patch as even as possible. Which means that in an emergency situation like sudden braking or violent direction changes over rough or uneven surfaces, you've got as much control as possible.

[Paolo5]

Thanks Surferdude.

[Paolo5]

I have my Getz booked in next Tuesday for having the struts replaced. I have also ordered some rear KYB shocks that will go in soon afterwards.

[cruiserfied]

Good stuff. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the KYB's once you've got all four installed.

[Dazzler]

Good stuff. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the KYB's once you've got all four installed.

If they are no good he'll probably say they are "shockers" 

[Surferdude]

Good stuff. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the KYB's once you've got all four installed.

If they are no good he'll probably say they are "shockers" 

And if he likes them he'll strut his stuff on this forum.

[cruiserfied]

Good stuff. Be sure to let us know your thoughts on the KYB's once you've got all four installed.

If they are no good he'll probably say they are "shockers" 

That would be rather shocking.

[cruiserfied]

It might put a dampner on things.

[Phil №❶]

Stay in control, fellas.

[Surferdude]

^^^^^
Sprung by Phil. 

[Paolo5]

  Truly sad guys....

[Dazzler]

Truly sad guys....

Chill out Paolo, you need to take the ups with the downs (Should be easier with new shockies)

[cruiserfied]

These are oscillating times.

[Surferdude]

I don't like to put a damper on this line of thought, but............

[The Gonz]

I'm picking up quite a vibe here...

[CraigB]

I'm absorbed into this topic discussions rebounding tendencies

[The Gonz]

This subject will eventually bottom out but in the meantime ... enjoy the ride.

[Paolo5]

I had the struts fitted last Tuesday. I had a wheel alignment done as well. I expected to notice a difference in the way the little yellow dart traversed bumps over typical rubbish Central Coast roads...but couldn't honestly tell that there was an improvement.

Installed the rear kyb shocks this morning. I didn't even get to the end of my street before I noticed that things were better.

Seriously....I don't know whether the rear shocks alone made for an improved ride...or if it was the combination of the front AND the rear....but the quality of ride now is heaps better than before. Not sure what brand Hy used in a 2006 Getz. (They were gas shocks.)

Anyway, VERY impressed with the difference. I went over the usual bumps today for a drive to Woy Woy and back (120 km)  and the ride is smoother and the shocks handle the terrible Central Coast roads much better IMO.

When the mechanic who installed the struts dropped me off at work on Tuesday morning, he commented ...." Your clutch has just about had the Richard!".

I told him that it has been like it is now for the 3 years that I have owned the car (50,000km)....so I might just drive it until it either starts to slip or makes for crunchy gearchanges...

[Dazzler]

That is interesting Paolo,

You have improved one of the few short comings of the getz (the slightly jittery ride)  I am a big fan of the little Getz!   

[Surferdude]

Many years ago (faaarr tooo many  ), when I could afford it I replaced the Koni oil shocks on the rear of my Datsun 1600 rally car with KYB gas. The front struts were just beefed up (heavy oil - GTX) standard units.
From the moment I tackeld the first stage, I knew the difference between oil and gas.
The rear became more predictable and more manageable than I ever could have imagined.
So, I understand what you're saying about the difference the rear shocks make.

[Paolo5]

That is interesting Paolo,

You have improved one of the few short comings of the getz (the slightly jittery ride)  I am a big fan of the little Getz!   

Hi Dazzler,
My Getz has definitely improved with the addition of the KYB struts and shocks....I drove to Sydney and back today, which is 250km. The little beast definitely seems to be a more comfortable ride....less jittery and all-round more isolated from every bump etc. It is still not in my 2010 i30's class but is a bit more than midway from where it was! Money and time well spent!

[Dazzler]