Your post has me interested.

I have an 06 Sonata LX with 80,000 miles and the original suspension. Do the OE struts gradually fail in performance, or maintain their performance until they brake some day? Would a new set of KYB or Gabriel struts improve my ride? And if so, what would I notice to be different?

Thanks for any info you can provide.
John

 

Strut & Shock wear...



John, As a rule, performance degradation is a slow process that will take place over time. Struts have vastly improved over the years. I remember the days of 20,000 miles if you were lucky. Unless a complete failure occurs you may not notice the performance level decreasing. Then one day you hit a bump and hello... your front end is like a pogo stick under a twelve year old... bounce... bounce!

Replacing your shocks & struts will improve the feel of the ride, :grin: how the car handles and reacts to bumps and changes in the pavement.

 

Thanks for the heads up himilcyclr... rock auto definitely has the lowest prices on these for my 06 gls 3.3 by almost $60
part numbers for 06 are
rear:349060
front:341476

 

also when changing out the struts do we just plug into what's already there or is it recommended to change all that out as in strut boots and mount components?

 

What to replace...



Visual inspections of these components will give you a good idea of whether they need replacing. I purchased the "top hat," and other components to replace while I am there. I will be able to install a complete strut assembly without the need to take apart the old struts.

This is my choice and not always needed. Also, I am installing new Eibach springs so replacing everything made sense in my case.

 

Just put KYBs on the rear of my other car that is not an NF. I did not replace the top hats, just the struts with a separate KYB kit of accordian plastic tubing, and bump stop.

I have never encountered a magic miles driven factor of when to change struts. I have only swapped out struts, when the seal goes bad, and the strut pumps out all its oil. A bouncy suspension on the coil spring is the result, which tells me the strut is bad. This is also confirmed by oil stains on the strut unit from the oil leaking out.

I have used KYBs for many years with great success. They ride a little stiffer then OEM, but I don't mind that.

 

KYB GR2/Excel-G
Extension=15.75"/Collapsed=12.32"/Total Stroke=3.43"

Gabriel Ultra
Extension=15.748"/Collapsed=11.39"/Total Stroke=4.41"

Overall, the extended length between the two struts are essentially the same. Collapsed and total stroke the Gabriel Ultra is just shy of 1.0" more than the KYB in both dimensions. These numbers represent nothing more than measurements and not the quality of one brand over the other. They are both gas charged, etc., etc..

I'm surprised the additional 1" of travel doesn't mean a better strut. I would have thought this would allow for more shock absorption in the travel of the strut, and less in the cabin. No?
John

 

Better strut… shock...



Not necessarily. More travel doesn't mean a better shock, just more travel and the ability take a deeper hit if you will. How the strut/shock handles the hit, recovers from and maintains stability of the vehicle is a big factor. Also, the ability to constantly perform at a high level for a longer period of time as the strut/shock ages. As I mentioned in my OP I have used both KYB & Gabriel in several styles of vehicles and have no complaints with either brand.

As for my personal needs, I found the Gabriel with its 1" further compression and my installation of the Eibach springs with a 1" drop seemed like the perfect pairing. Due to several uncontrollable situations I have not had the opportunity to install this set up in Sonia. I am anxious to do the work and give an initial impression as well as the long term viability of the Gabriel Ultras.

As of yet I have not seen or heard of another forum member using the Gabriel Strut. Any reports anyone?

 

It would if you were consistently going over bumps that cause your current struts to bottom out. I would say if you are constantly bottoming out over bumps, you should probably drive slower.

 

Eibach over Gabriels... emoticon heavy...

Greetings, Well :frown: sad to say I have not installed my Eibach Springs with Gabriel Struts & shocks. Been working on other small projects that seem to keep me... :surprise: okay a little lazy!

But I digress. This is the month of new suspension! :grin2: Including: UltraRacing 30mm Front SwayBar & End Links, Eibach (1") Lowering Springs, Gabriel Ultra Shocks & Struts with new hardware. Complete assemblies ready to install. :thumbsup:

Pictures and a complete report will be included with this project. :smile:
Tomorrow, Saturday 18th; Rear Mud Flaps, PIAA Dual Sports Horns & Rear Bumper protector all while watching the Salt Lake City Marathon go by.

 

Finally! I waited almost a year! lol... do let us know how the Gabriels are.

My KYBs have been on for about 3yrs and 60k+ miles with the H&Rs... need replacing soon.