[Milanomike]

Looking to do struts and shocks on daughters 3s. I normally avoid the quick struts as it seems they have a higher rate of issues, if the internet and a local shop owner I know is to be believed.

Anyhow, Rockauto lists the Excel G's for the 3, but mentions they have the internal anti-rollover spring (sometimes called an internal tension spring). Usually this means that the shaft won't extend enough to assemble the strut. No one else mentions this including the KYB website. These usually require a tool to extend the shaft and hold it, which of course I don't have or want to buy.

Before I buy, thought I'd see if anyone has installed KYB Excel G struts recently on their 3 without issues.

Thanks, Mike

 

[theblooms]

KYB Excel G's are fantastic on our cars. Ride exactly like stock, no issues whatsoever. I ran a set on mine for over 100,000 miles!

 

[Milanomike]

Yeah, I've run KYB's on other Japanese cars with great results. Trying to figure out if the latest version will mount up without having to extend the strut. Sent KYB and email will see if they respond, unfortunately no # to call.

 

[Milanomike]

Well, KYB responded pretty darn quick. They stated that the current struts have the internal spring (they did not state if this has always been the case). They indicated that you need to compress the spring further to be able to put the assembly back together. Hmmmmm, how much further I wonder, lol.

 

[Grendel65]

Regarding ANY aftermarket parts... DO NOT use any source other than the manufacture website application guide. Online parts distributors sales even many nationally chained auto parts stores information (including computerized parts looks up) are often incorrect, have unchecked and or corrected misapplication and almost always outdated.

I use KYB products on a few of my rides however for my taste I prefer the Gas-Adjust. Unfortunately, they do not offer it in many applications. The "G" series is an upgrade from OEM shock and struts on most platforms and even a person that is not sensitive to how their vehicle handles will notice an improved difference over the OEM dampeners.

 

[Milanomike]

Well yeah, parts places just want to sell parts, buyer beware, hence the question.

Car is a daily driver for daughter, don't need anything other than stock approach to this car. Looking for a few more years out of it.

KYB did reply again and indicated that the spring will need to be compressed about 2 additional inches. My compressor is pretty stout, a knockoff of the german one, but maybe I'm crazy, 2 extra inches seems like a lot to me. Just wondering if anyone has installed these recently.

 

[Grendel65]

My suggestion was universal not just for you but others on their hunt to hopeful use the best method to insure they get the correct part the first time.


80% of customers walking into a brick-and-mortar auto parts store never have all the "correct" needed information about their vehicles when at the counter helping the employee to get the right part the first time but often always blame it on the counterperson when returning slamming it the counter and replying YOU SOLD ME THE WRONG PART!!


The installation is the same as FACTORY when replacing OEM to aftermarket dampeners with few exceptions of the front strut assembly.
I have no idea what a German strut spring compressor differs from any other. My Old CAL-VAN 512 has worked on pretty much all makes and models when OEM struts are concerned?



IMO KYB gave you information overload. You should have no unusual problems replacing the struts if you follow the Factory Guide! What you can do is have KYB send any installation information that would come with the part number for your application. This way you will be prepared in advance should there be something unusual with the installation procedures. I will add that in KYB application guide they give this additional information if some applications have more than a simple replacement procedure.

 

[Milanomike]

Geez, KYB answered the question I asked. Not sure why you went off on the tangent here, but whatever, no harm done.

 

[Milanomike]

OK, finally got around to this, installed KYB struts and shocks, new mounts at the front and rear. Car rides nice, big improvement, the KYB's seem great for a daily driver 3.

Still need to replace the eccentric bolts and no doubt the lower control arm where they are seized in the bushing sleeve. Whamming them with a 4-pound hammer didn't do it but will try it again in the next week or so. Probably need to saw thru bushing/bolt, this would be a good time to have a lift in my garage.