Replacing Shocks and Struts

FAQ: KYB Americas | The Differences Between Monotube & Twin-tube

The strut assembly uses the Excel-G strut which are twin-tube construction.

 

The struts typically are filled with nitrogen gas and also contain a very thin oil which lubricates the piston within. In fact, safe disposal of the used strut requires you to drill a tiny hole in the strut body to vent the gas and drain the oil.

 

@Patrick Wong do you think toyota original struts also contain some Nitrogen ? Just read bout it. Seems like an inprovement yet might make the ride stiffer which is the thing i would like to avoid. Cause im spensing lots of hours on e freeway driving.

 

Yes, the Prius original equipment struts and shocks contain nitrogen gas. This is pretty standard.

 

about to pull the trigger on this & leaning towards OEM. The OEM parts sites I see sell all the components for the struts individually, what parts did you end up getting new vs. what did you re-use? For example, is it really necessary to buy the strut mount new? I would think the stabilizer link would be better to change than the strut mount (not that it HAS to be an “either-or” just illustrating my point). Thank you! -Dom

 

All I reused was the spring .

Everything else was new .

Just avoid using suicide sticks and you’ll be good to go.

 

Thank you! Not sure I get the "suicide stick" reference but, admittedly, I am only a "shade tree" mechanic. One additional question for you - any additional tools necessary to assemble strut? I have a spring compressor & will follow the job up with a professional alignment but, where the KYBs come pre-assembled with the spring & everything, the OEMs look like you have to assemble them. Want to make sure there's not anything special to consider for that outside of the spring/alignment.

Did anyone ever respond as to if the KYBs were OEM, just rebranded? I ask because I find I have had the best luck with OEM parts. Please advise, thank you!

 

Here’s a suicide stick reference and meme:

Possible Monthly install meets. Bay Area-Fremont

The preassembled unit’s, just makes sure to check the top nut as that has a tendency to loosen and now you have a rattle.

Good luck and keep us posted .

 

LOL! Thank you, that was amusing...
So, no trick to assembling the OEM strut assembly, outside of the spring compressor?

 

Nope .

With the spring compressor, the job is easy.

 

Springs wear also. Just a lot easier and faster and safer to replace the whole unit as one piece.
Out of the hundreds I've replaced 95% of them have worn bearing, dust covers, bumpers, and some had
smashed rubber where the spring sits. When you figure in the cost of replacing them also, it's right at or
in most cases more than then the whole assembly.

 

These babies?

 

yes

 

Torque spec is 177 IIRC. Which means a bear to break loose.

For camber adjustment you sub alternate bolts with narrower shanks. Sounds cumbersome.

 

If you haven't read this article, it's Very short read.

https://priuschat.com/index.php?threads/206141/

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I bought the set of kyb strut plus fully assembled for the front and now i feel every little bump on the road. What PSI are you guys running. I have all my tires on 38-39PSI. I might try 37 all around but 1 PSI might not make a huge difference.

 

Maybe your old ones were so bad, and the new ones are solid, so you feel it more.
With the Continental tire I had, 36 to 40psi didn't make much difference in feeling the bumps.
I could tell the difference, but it wasn't horrible. Didn't make any difference in the mileage either.
I kept them at 36psi.
With the Cooper tired though, 36 up to 38psi, I can really feel the bumps. And they are noisier.
When I went to 40psi, it felt like I was riding on the rims. It didn't help the fuel mileage either.

 

i have michelin energy at 40psi on a aftermarket rim with 38 offset instead of 42 on oem. I will try 36 psi and see.

 

I know, but what if there are no assembled struts available?
For the model I own, only separate parts are offered from KYB.
Front struts, springs, top mount. No accessories from KYB.

Excel-G - KYB Americas
Excel-G - KYB Europe
https://kyb-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/KYB-2018-Shock-Absorbers-Version-A.pdf
https://kyb-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/KYB-2018-Coil-Springs.pdf

 

I know, but what if there are no assembled struts available?
For the model I own, only separate parts are offered from KYB.
Front struts, springs, top mount. No accessories from KYB.

Excel-G - KYB Americas
Excel-G - KYB Europe
https://kyb-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/KYB-2018-Shock-Absorbers-Version-A.pdf
https://kyb-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/KYB-2018-Coil-Springs.pdf