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KYB Rear Shocks installed

558K views 1.9K replies 246 participants last post by  xavis  
#1 ·
Elantra Rear Shock Absorbers

My 2012 Elantra with 10,000 km sounded like the rear suspension was bottoming out with a loud clunk whenever I went over a bad bump or heave in the road. It was the right rear shock, which was replaced under warranty. The car handled well so it wasn't as if the damping had disappeared. About 500 km later the left rear shock had to be replaced under warranty as the loud clunking as if the suspension was bottoming out returned. I'm not sure of the shock manufacturer Hyundai is using, but they obviously had/have a quality control problem or the shocks just aren't up to the job. I live in the country and drive a lot of secondary roads, but have never had shocks go like this before. Something in the internal hydraulic value circuit is going wrong. Hopefully the new replacements last longer or I may have to go aftermarket.
 
#1,555 ·
Don't order a set, yet, until we find someone that has done it.

It would appear, to me, that the only thing Hyundai did underneath was upgrade to better shocks, nothing else to the rear suspension. With that in mind, it would seem that it's apples-to-apples across the board, underneath. The KYB that fits the 2011, also fits the 2012-2013.

I'm trying to use common sense, here. Mostly, the design changes over this model run have been cosmetic. For the most part.
 
#1,557 ·
Okay all went well with the KYB install on my 2013 GLS, it took me an hour (I had to go to Lowes to get the 1/2 inch 17 &19 sockets. I got to say I like the results ,I found myself deliberately hitting road imperfections and was waiting for the usual slide,but it never happened. BTW is the alignment necessary after this work? I saved myself $102.00 for the install and the alignment of $79.99 (which the shop manager said I would definatly need.
IMO I don't think so.However I am going to get the forced road balance to add the final touch.:)
 
#1,561 ·
Nice job on the install. And that's a good time on the stop watch. Congrats. You're not the only one that went out searching for pavement conditions you would formerly have tried to avoid.

Alignment? Forget about it! No need. You're good. Tell your shop manager to go peddle his idiotic nonsense to someone else. You're NOT in the market, as it were.

"Rear alignment" shop talk is for a different thread. Trust me when I say there's no shortage of threads/posts about the rear alignment conditions of the Elantra. One quick search will tell you more than you want to know. There's enough reading material to fill a small wing in the Library of Congress.
 
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#1,560 ·
I am also waiting to hear if the 2013 shocks are good for a 2014. I'm not sure what they upgraded because both drive the same to me. I had a 2013 as a rental while waiting for an insurance check for my previous car that was totaled. First time driving the rental and hitting some bumps I thought what the heck, the car felt all weird with the back moving around. I just thought it was something with that car until I bought my 2014 and it felt the same. After I got my car I discovered this forum and saw what a common complaint this is.
 
#1,562 ·
...until I bought my 2014 and it felt the same.
Kasper03 bought a 2015 Sport yesterday. As time permits between our crazy schedules, I'll ask if I can go for a ride in it. See if I can feel any noticeable difference. I know what the 2011 and the 2013 felt like, BEFORE. And I know what the 2013 feels like, AFTER. So, all things being equal, I think my posterior can differentiate between the two. I'd like to think so, anyway.
 
#1,570 · (Edited)
2014 SE w/ Pref. Package. Got the KYB's in today and will be installing them with the help of my co-worker who's studying the automotive industry this Thursday!

I'll give an update to see if this mod is still relevant for 2014-2015 owners after a couple days of testing them out.

NOTE: Not sure if you're asking which model Elantra I bought or which model KYB's I bought.. The shocks in my picture are the STOCK shocks on my 2014. I ordered the same KYB's mentioned on this thread.
 
#1,571 · (Edited)
Got my KYB's installed. After a couple days of driving, I will say that the change is quite hard to notice, although some bumps where the rear would jump/bounce a good bit have been reduced and less "severe" than before. Is it still worth $110 shipped? I think so. You upgrade from plastic housing to metal housing and even a small upgrade in performance is welcome.

On a side note.. Do not jack up the rear on the tow hook. My friend used his floor jack on that spot and it pushed the spare tire well upwards towards the trunk..

To confirm again, KYB's DO FIT on 2014 models. Is it absolutely necessary such as on 2011-2013 models? Not really, it does seem that the stock shocks have been updated from the 2011-2013 models.
 
#1,572 ·
Thanks for the confirmation, AND the safety tip. If anything, the added dampening effect should equate to extended tire life.

All that wheel-hopping takes a toll on a tire's life...and also the sidewall continually flexing...more than normal. You should see a benefit in the "premature wear and tear" department.
 
#1,573 ·
Just ordered a pair of KYB shocks!
Looking forward to the better handling/ride quality!
>:]

I wish I could've installed it myself, but due to lack of tools and space,
I'll be charged $75 (cheapest I could find) at a local shop here in Hawaii. :\

EXCITED!
 
#1,574 · (Edited)
Welcome to the forums, a.kreation. :00000732: For Hawaii, I don't find that install price to be too outrageous when considering your locale and its cost of living.

Just remember, as great as they are, the KYB's will NOT let you take the car out to the North Shore and surf in it. If you feel the need to "hang ten," do it on the beach.
 
#1,581 ·
After a longer break-in period, I would have to say that the rear end is definitely "firmer" over bumps and not as bouncy. Still not a super-obvious difference, but it is noticeable. Just think that you're getting a stronger product in the KYB's as well, as you're moving from plastic housing to metal housing. That was enough to sway me:)
 
#1,583 ·
All you said, and the LIFETIME warranty to the original purchaser did it for me. And I DO feel the difference. Nearly 2 years, total between the 2011 and the 2013 before adding them to the `013. Yeah, I can definitely feel the difference.
 
#1,584 ·
Best mod so far!

Installing the KYB shocks was the best decision I've made so far in terms of modding my Elantra. I love how it grips the road better when turning at higher speeds!

Hopefully they come out with the front soon!!!!
I'll definitely be buying a pair of those too!
 
#1,586 ·
new guy here

I was researching the crappy handling of my Elantra, and am considering getting rid of the car.

I found this forum and the KYB shock thread, so today I ordered the shocks. I really hope they are the improvement on my car that folks here say they were for their cars!

Just for giggles, I crawled under my car (2012 GLS with ~36K) just now, and the right one is leaking.

I am so hopeful, overall I like the car, just the skitterring is no longer tolerable for me.
 
#1,588 ·
Problem with Shock Fit

Hi all,

I recently purchased the KYB Gas-A-Just rear shocks for my 2013 Elantra Limited. Since I know nothing about cars I brought them to my local mechanic to have them installed.

My mechanic claims that these do not fit my car. For reference, they are part number 554384, purchased from Advance Auto Parts.

I told him that I read on this website that they may take a little effort to install, but they should work. He said in order to make them fit, he'd have to change the positioning of how they connect, which in turn would lead to possible bending of a bar (not sure which bar he mentioned) and loss of the shock.

I'm skeptical of his claims due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback for the shocks on this website, but I don't want to try to take them to a different mechanic to only have the same thing happen. The first mechanic charged me for labor since he had to take off the OEM shocks before discovering they would not fit, and I assume any future mechanics would do the same.
 
#1,590 ·
Hi all,

I recently purchased the KYB Gas-A-Just rear shocks for my 2013 Elantra Limited. Since I know nothing about cars I brought them to my local mechanic to have them installed.

My mechanic claims that these do not fit my car. For reference, they are part number 554384, purchased from Advance Auto Parts.

I told him that I read on this website that they may take a little effort to install, but they should work. He said in order to make them fit, he'd have to change the positioning of how they connect, which in turn would lead to possible bending of a bar (not sure which bar he mentioned) and loss of the shock.

I'm skeptical of his claims due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback for the shocks on this website, but I don't want to try to take them to a different mechanic to only have the same thing happen. The first mechanic charged me for labor since he had to take off the OEM shocks before discovering they would not fit, and I assume any future mechanics would do the same.
I've installed a set on a 2013 Limited, and two 2013 GT's. I assure you, they fit with no effort.