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My front right KYB-GR2 strut is dead after hitting a pothole

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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:30 PM
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My front right KYB-GR2 strut is dead after hitting a pothole

Yep fellas, my front right strut is dead. I hit a pothole a couple of nights ago and now its dead. Does anyone know of stronger struts that can take a beating? I know, I know avoid potholes, but driving in New York City I will hit a few.

If I were to stick with the KYB-GR2s is it recommended to replace the bad one? Or go with a different brand all around?
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Nmax92
Yep fellas, my front right strut is dead. I hit a pothole a couple of nights ago and now its dead. Does anyone know of stronger struts that can take a beating? I know, I know avoid potholes, but driving in New York City I will hit a few.

If I were to stick with the KYB-GR2s is it recommended to replace the bad one? Or go with a different brand all around?
If you are going to go with a new set, I'm almost sure the preferred set are Koni's; they are very expensive as far as struts go, but I've heard quality is unbeatable.

Second would be Tokico, which will probably be the best "bang for your buck" and is what I will be upgrading to since I am on a budget.

As far as "strength" goes and breaking, I'm not entirely sure; ratings will probably vary on the way the product performs. Although my stockers have held up quite a long time.

*edit for grammar
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:49 PM
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You could get Tokico HP gas struts as long as you dont have lowering springs, because they are not designed for this use and are known to prematurly fail if used in this manor, you can find them HERE: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOKIC...spagenameZWDVW


But if you can afford them the best performing and the most reliable are KONI Red ajustable oil strut inserts, wich will work with all lowering springs with out any issuse. You can find them HERE: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KONI-...spagenameZWD1V
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 08:06 PM
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Im on a budget too, so what your saying is replacing the one bad strut is a no go right?
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Nmax92
Im on a budget too, so what your saying is replacing the one bad strut is a no go right?
How old are your other KYB's? If they are relatively old than it might feel weird. But if they're all semi-new... there shouldn't be a problem in replacing it with a slightly used KYB. (Since I'm assuming that you can't buy one new)
Old Jul 6, 2007 | 09:44 PM
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Having two struts, each manufactured by seperate companies, on the same car axel (meaning front/rear) is possible, although I frown apon the thought, and would not recomend it. If you can't get a set then just replace with another KYB strut and watch out for potholes.
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 06:42 AM
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I know when I picked picked kyb's, one reason was because they are very inexpensive to replace and not hard to find. Koni's were just a little out of my reach at the time, but if I were looking to upgrade, koni's are it.
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 01:02 PM
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I'm not looking to get Koni's now. New York roads would destroy them and having to replace them constantly would be a P.I.T.A.

I'm just gonna get another KYB for now to replace the bad one so I can drive safely until I do a full suspension upgrade, struts, springs, sway bars, bushing.

You what kills me too. is the fact that I got a damn wheel alignment less than a month ago. This is the second max I've had with problems on that same side of the car. I must be cursed
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 01:50 PM
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If you bought them new they have a life time warranty. Might want to see if it applies..

~Alex
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 04:15 PM
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They do have a warranty, but I need my car for work. I called the place where I ordered them and they told me that I would have to contact KYB, ship the old one to them, they would check it and verify if its still in warranty. thats too much time going back and forth.
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 04:55 PM
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buy a new one and send in the old one - then when/if they replace it - you have an extra... but can still use your car with the new one you bought.
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 06:44 PM
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Black92GXE - I might do that. thanks for your help fellas
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 09:56 PM
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I just hit a pothole on stock struts and springs and it held up fine. My rim got bent up pretty bad though.
Old Jul 7, 2007 | 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff583
You could get Tokico HP gas struts as long as you dont have lowering springs, because they are not designed for this use and are known to prematurly fail if used in this manor, you can find them HERE: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOKIC...spagenameZWDVW


But if you can afford them the best performing and the most reliable are KONI Red ajustable gas strut inserts, wich will work with all lowering springs with out any issuse. You can find them HERE: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KONI-...spagenameZWD1V
FYI - Konis are NOT gas-charged struts...
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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So oil filled struts are better than gas filled struts? Is that why Koni's are more expensive than KYB and Tokico?
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Nmax92
So oil filled struts are better than gas filled struts? Is that why Koni's are more expensive than KYB and Tokico?
it's because they are adjustable.
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 03:56 PM
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This is kinda off topic but how can you tell if the strut is bad? Ive had my Kyb set for about 4 years and they still seem nice and strong over hard hits.
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by nForce
This is kinda off topic but how can you tell if the strut is bad? Ive had my Kyb set for about 4 years and they still seem nice and strong over hard hits.

Excessive wheel hop over bumps or pot holes/spongy feel on uneven roads surfaces/I'll handling through curves/uneven tire wear<---(extremely worn struts)etc..
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 04:22 PM
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Sounds like my front struts might be blown but they seem to still hit hard over bumps and no spongy feel at all.
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by nForce
Sounds like my front struts might be blown but they seem to still hit hard over bumps and no spongy feel at all.

Why? Tire wear?
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by nForce
Sounds like my front struts might be blown but they seem to still hit hard over bumps and no spongy feel at all.
Were they like this when you first got them? Or a bit softer over bumps?
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
Why? Tire wear?
yea major tire wear. I think my axles are bad though when I go around turns I hear cracking / poping sounds from the left drivers axle and the drivers axle seems to be pushed up when looking at it from under its not in the middle like it should be.
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by nForce
yea major tire wear. I think my axles are bad though when I go around turns I hear cracking / poping sounds from the left drivers axle and the drivers axle seems to be pushed up when looking at it from under its not in the middle like it should be.
Yeah, CV joints. Although that shouldn't effect your tire wear any. Have you had an alignment done recently? Usually the first culprit.
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 09:50 PM
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I have replaced every single strut one at a time, I just buy what ever is cheap from orielly's and put it on; ride is fine, and I havent experienced any problems having different brands on; also I drive over some super shoddy roads around curves at 80 and they seem to hold up. try a big ol pothole that you could loose your children in
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted by maxitech
FYI - Konis are NOT gas-charged struts...

Werd
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