KYB front strut mounts
#1
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
KYB front strut mounts
Hi all.
My front strut mounts are getting a bit crusty, and I also didn't know that they could be rotated for caster when I installed them so they are due for an alignment too (since rotating them to factory spec will change the geometry).
OEM units are pricey (especially after international shipping and currency exchange). I don't mind paying for them if I have to, but KYB units are about half the price.
I've found aftermarket parts are a mixed bag, so I'm just curious if anyone has had good luck with KYB replacements or any other name brand aftermarket.
Thanks
My front strut mounts are getting a bit crusty, and I also didn't know that they could be rotated for caster when I installed them so they are due for an alignment too (since rotating them to factory spec will change the geometry).
OEM units are pricey (especially after international shipping and currency exchange). I don't mind paying for them if I have to, but KYB units are about half the price.
I've found aftermarket parts are a mixed bag, so I'm just curious if anyone has had good luck with KYB replacements or any other name brand aftermarket.
Thanks
#2
Rotary Enthusiast
You're right, they're a lot cheaper than Mazda mounts. I too always wondered how well the KYB mounts would work. I once emailed KYB technical support and asked a few questions about their mount. The guy replied that they're same as the stock mounts. When I replaced my struts last year, I just bought the stock Mazda mounts.
#3
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
You're right, they're a lot cheaper than Mazda mounts. I too always wondered how well the KYB mounts would work. I once emailed KYB technical support and asked a few questions about their mount. The guy replied that they're same as the stock mounts. When I replaced my struts last year, I just bought the stock Mazda mounts.
I'm mostly concerned with the caster thing and the ride height. While I could hypothetically return them if they aren't right, that means an appointment at the alignment place to find out, and then another alignment later on. So about $240 just in alignment costs if they turn out wrong.
Makes me wish I had gone for coilovers initially just to avoid all these little expenses later.
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DR_Knight (03-17-22)
#4
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
I just placed an order for two units on Amazon. If they don't look right out of the box then I can always return them.
If they DO look right, I'll be the guinea-pig and report my findings.
If they DO look right, I'll be the guinea-pig and report my findings.
#5
Rotary Enthusiast
Rockauto has KYB mounts for $30 each. They had other brands that were selling for a little as $22.
#6
Rotary Enthusiast
Every KYB product I've purchased so far has been pretty good and worked as advertised (shocks for my Rx7 and my Celica, both fit perfectly and worked very well). My concern with a strut top is that aftermarket vendors often list a part for multiple vehicles even if there are differences.
I'm mostly concerned with the caster thing and the ride height. While I could hypothetically return them if they aren't right, that means an appointment at the alignment place to find out, and then another alignment later on. So about $240 just in alignment costs if they turn out wrong.
Makes me wish I had gone for coilovers initially just to avoid all these little expenses later.
I'm mostly concerned with the caster thing and the ride height. While I could hypothetically return them if they aren't right, that means an appointment at the alignment place to find out, and then another alignment later on. So about $240 just in alignment costs if they turn out wrong.
Makes me wish I had gone for coilovers initially just to avoid all these little expenses later.
#7
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(plus the machines need calibration, so they frequently aren't right anyways)
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#9
Rotary Enthusiast
#10
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Mazda uses KYB stuff, so it should be fine. the off brands are iffy.
#11
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
Ok, so Rockauto was a bit conservative on their ship time...Got 1 of the 2 front mounts in today. Overall impressions....not bad. It came with the appropriate self locking hardware, the plating and paint seem to be ok, and there are no sharp burrs anywhere that are oh so common on a lot of cheaply made parts. the bearings are pre-greased and from the looks of it, it should work fine.
still waiting on my new AGX shocks to come in, but i'll report back with fitment confirmation at some point. If anyone is interested i ordered some of the cheap back shock mounts as well. Seems pretty hard to mess up a flat plate, 2 rubber bushings and a piece of tube....we'll see how they go as well.
still waiting on my new AGX shocks to come in, but i'll report back with fitment confirmation at some point. If anyone is interested i ordered some of the cheap back shock mounts as well. Seems pretty hard to mess up a flat plate, 2 rubber bushings and a piece of tube....we'll see how they go as well.
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Relisys190 (03-18-22)
#12
Rotary Enthusiast
Back in July 2020, I replaced 4 of my KYB AGX's with the same. Had about 17 years and 159k miles on those AGX's. They were rusting especially at the front bracket and KYB was offering a rebate at the time. Decided to take advantage of their rebate. I decided to buy Mazda front mounting blocks and rear bushings. I remember that one of the rear bushings was discontinued by Mazda. It's good that you can get them aftermarket now. The only thing I'm disappointed with are the Mevotech front bumpers/boots. The boots detached from the bumpers. I ordered front bumpers/boots from Mazda. I should get sometime next. week. I thought the AGX's that I installed back in 2003 provided a sportier firmer ride.
#13
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
I'm running no boots at all on my Rx7s AGXs, but I should probably get some OEM ones to help extend the lifespan.
Those Rockauto mounts look pretty decent, so if the KYB are the same or better then they should be fine. Amazon tells me they'll arrive Tuesday.
#14
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
KYB mounts are in. As expected, they are pretty close to OEM. The thing I was most worried about is the built-in offset from the OEM unit, but that is in fact present:
Offset:
And the little positioning nub to let you know which setting it's on:
The bearing is smooth but firm, and otherwise it seems very well-made. As long as there are no hiccups when installing, I'm quite happy with it.
Offset:
And the little positioning nub to let you know which setting it's on:
The bearing is smooth but firm, and otherwise it seems very well-made. As long as there are no hiccups when installing, I'm quite happy with it.
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rlynchster (04-02-22)
#16
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
I also measure 1/4", but opposite the notched side. I'll probably have the old ones out of the car on Thursday (weather dependent), so I will take a comparison photo once I have them apart.
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rlynchster (04-02-22)
#17
Rotary Freak
Thread Starter
With my shocks out and apart I took some comparison photos:
The outer metal casting is basically the same.
The OEM part has a round cylinder cast into the rubber (probably the place they inject the rubber into the mold), and a small square shape that I believe is the alignment mark for the caster setting. Meanwhile the KYB part has the little cylinder only, but in the location of the square shape. So I'll have to keep that in mind while installing.
Also, you can see a height difference in the bearing when the mounts are flipped upside down. This may very well be due to my original mounts being 36 years old and compressing, so the KYB part is probably not to blame.
The outer metal casting is basically the same.
The OEM part has a round cylinder cast into the rubber (probably the place they inject the rubber into the mold), and a small square shape that I believe is the alignment mark for the caster setting. Meanwhile the KYB part has the little cylinder only, but in the location of the square shape. So I'll have to keep that in mind while installing.
Also, you can see a height difference in the bearing when the mounts are flipped upside down. This may very well be due to my original mounts being 36 years old and compressing, so the KYB part is probably not to blame.
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rlynchster (04-02-22)
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