Car: 1999 Camry XLE
Mileage: 235,250
I just wanted to share my experience and opinion. I have looked at endless Monroe vs. KYB quick strut threads around the net. I installed KYB quick struts in December 2013 (187,500 miles) on all 4 corners. Even before I jumped back then I read up heavily on all my options. I went with KYB due to the firmer ride. I purchased the fronts from Advance since RockAuto was out of stock. The units that arrived from Advance were manufactured in 2008, yes 2008. Obviously they sat for 5 years. Was torn on what to do but went ahead and installed. The RockAuto units (rears) were only 8 months.
All started well then after a year the dreaded Camry strut bearing problem developed on the left front. Conveniently (for KYB) just outside of the warranty period. I tried my hardest to ignore it but I finally caved in and decided to go with new front quick struts. The KYB’s had also really deteriorated in comfort and started riding rough after about 35k. Any thoughts on if the age of the units before install could have lead to early failure? I ran the fronts for just under 48k. The rears still feel fine.
I decided to go with Monroe quick struts since I lost some faith in KYB. Monroe also has a lifetime warranty so if the strut “bumping” occurs after 370 days I can still warranty them. Right out of the box the Monroe’s felt way better then the KYB’s ever had. Now (possibly) in the defense of KYB, the entire front end has recently been redone (calipers, rotors, pads, wheel bearings, inner / outer tie rods, and ball joints). The front end rebuild is part of what drove me to replace the struts. Well that and 4 month long battle with a highway speed shake. The initial highway run on the Monroe’s had drastically dampened the shake but it is still there slightly.
Going for a Road Force balance in the morning just to make sure the tires are spot on. The front tires have less than 10k on them.
Just figured I’d add my $0.02 on my KYB vs Monroe quick strut experience. I already know when the backs are ready I’ll be going with Monroe.
Mileage: 235,250
I just wanted to share my experience and opinion. I have looked at endless Monroe vs. KYB quick strut threads around the net. I installed KYB quick struts in December 2013 (187,500 miles) on all 4 corners. Even before I jumped back then I read up heavily on all my options. I went with KYB due to the firmer ride. I purchased the fronts from Advance since RockAuto was out of stock. The units that arrived from Advance were manufactured in 2008, yes 2008. Obviously they sat for 5 years. Was torn on what to do but went ahead and installed. The RockAuto units (rears) were only 8 months.
All started well then after a year the dreaded Camry strut bearing problem developed on the left front. Conveniently (for KYB) just outside of the warranty period. I tried my hardest to ignore it but I finally caved in and decided to go with new front quick struts. The KYB’s had also really deteriorated in comfort and started riding rough after about 35k. Any thoughts on if the age of the units before install could have lead to early failure? I ran the fronts for just under 48k. The rears still feel fine.
I decided to go with Monroe quick struts since I lost some faith in KYB. Monroe also has a lifetime warranty so if the strut “bumping” occurs after 370 days I can still warranty them. Right out of the box the Monroe’s felt way better then the KYB’s ever had. Now (possibly) in the defense of KYB, the entire front end has recently been redone (calipers, rotors, pads, wheel bearings, inner / outer tie rods, and ball joints). The front end rebuild is part of what drove me to replace the struts. Well that and 4 month long battle with a highway speed shake. The initial highway run on the Monroe’s had drastically dampened the shake but it is still there slightly.
Going for a Road Force balance in the morning just to make sure the tires are spot on. The front tires have less than 10k on them.
Just figured I’d add my $0.02 on my KYB vs Monroe quick strut experience. I already know when the backs are ready I’ll be going with Monroe.