What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Anything related to the Kizashi can go here, but please look at the other headings first. Your topic may fit better under something else.
KansasKid
Posts: 428
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2013 2:19 am
Location: Kansas City, Kansas

Finally took Kitsune into my buddy’s private shop with full car lifts for a whole list of things.
1. 6-month motor oil change. Went with Royal Purple 5W-30 since it was only $2 more than the Penzoil Platinum Full Synthetic that I was going to go with anyways.
2. CVT Fluid drain and fill. Went with Amsoil Full Synthetic CVT Fluid.
3. Front Brake Rotors and Pads. Last year, I bought some StopTech front brake pads, StopTech drilled and slotted front rotors, as well as some StopTech rear brake pads. I changed the rear brake pads last fall, because they old pads were organics and were basically gone. However, I skipped doing the fronts since they still had a lot of meat on them. Turned out to be a good choice, because the rotors were frozen to the hubs and I had to beat on them for like 15 min each to get them off. There’s no way I would have been able to get them off with the usual 6-8 inches of clearance from my jack stands.

Notable events:
- Found a bungee cord wrapped up in my rear driver-side wheel assembly from rear brake pad change I did last fall when I used it to hang up the caliper while I was changing the pads. It's literally been hanging out in there for like 6+ months. *insert facepalm here*
- Royal Purple motor oil is actually purple. *insert surprised Pikachu here*
- CVT fluid smells absolutely awful. Maybe worse than diff oil.
- Hopkins FloTool Funnel fits PERFECTLY inside the CVT fill spout. Many thanks to Ronzuki for posting it in his CVT drain and fill thread. One of the best $5.50 I've ever spent. It even has a little valve that you can twist to close funnel from the tube.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/fl ... nel&pos=14
- The top brake caliper nut is a pain in the ass to get to, even with a lift.
- The big bolts holding on the brake calipers are the same size as the lug nuts: 19mm.
- I have officially worn down the shoes on Kitsune to the 2/32nds mark. It’s time for new shoes.
- Slightly overfilled the transmission. Buddy used to work for a transmission shop and said that they would slightly over fill transmissions all the time. So… fingers crossed, I guess?
- Filled the brake fluid reservoir a month or so before this job. Compressing the brake pistons back into the calipers caused some of the brake fluid to overflow out of the reservoir. Fun mess to clean up.

Results:
- Had a bit of transmission whine above 2500 RPMs, since I bought the car in Q1 2019. No one else really noticed it, I think, but it was definitely on my mind. After the CVT drain and fill, CVT whine is GONE!
- Transmission is a little jerky when manually switching ratios between with the paddles. Will monitor closely.
- Engine responsiveness and torque is noticeably improved after the oil/CVT fluid change.
- Brakes stop real good. Of course, they did before too, but now they look good as well as look good. Hopefully, I can keep the new rotors for getting glued to the hubs, or at least don’t have to try and get them off anytime soon.
- Kitsune decelerates faster than the speedometer can register now. Part of the brake pad break-in procedure is to speed up to 40 mph and slow down to 10 mph 5 times, then speed up to 35 then slow down to 5 mph 5 times. There were a couple times during the second part of the procedure where the speedometer was between 5 & 10 mph, but she was completely stopped in the middle of the road already. I'm pretty sure that she would do that before, but I also don't remember having this issue when I was trying to break in the rear pads last fall.

To Do:
- I have an extra gallon of the CVT fluid, in case I want to do another CVT drain and fill. At this time, I don't know if I'll use it for Kitsune in the near future, or just save it for Azumi.
- Not planning on doing a CVT filter change anytime soon, but was curious on others opinions about the necessity of that job.
- Take both cars in for recent recall notices. Notably, the issue where putting anything in the front passenger seat while driving causes the Buckle Seatbelt alarm to go off in leather equipped Kizashis like Kitsune.
- New shoes, like I mentioned earlier. Probably gonna go with Michelins again.
- Pro alignment. The alignment in Kitsune has been slightly off since I got her. I took her to a chain mechanic shop, and they straightened the alignment, so the wheels track straight, but the steering wheel is just slightly off-center still. I'm gonna take her to a pro frame shop, and see if they can't gimme a little toe-out on the fronts and backs and negative camber on the rear wheels.
My Cars (Their Names)
'93 Ford Escort (Jorge - Prior)
'06 Kia Optima EX (Sakuya - Prior)
'11 Suzuki Kizashi SE AWD (Azumi)
'09 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Base 5MT(Akari - Prior)
'11 Chevy Cruze Eco 6MT (Erika - Prior)
'12 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD (Kitsune)
KlutzNinja
Posts: 286
Joined: Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:58 am

Just curious, KansasKid, but how many miles do you have on your Kizashi? And is Azumi another Kizashi?

Royal Putple oil is indeed (dark) purple, but it’s known for turning the shade of burnt brown faster than other oils because of its special colorization, even though it’s perfectly fine. Just a heads-up if you check your oil soon and find it looks burnt already. Please keep us informed of how the RP performs in your Kizashi.
Current: Blue 2018 Mazda 3 GT 5-Door
Previous: Blue 2010 Ford Focus SES,
Black 2013 Kizashi Sport GTS-L (CVT; FWD)(RIP)
User avatar
SRN
Posts: 54
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:53 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Replaced the shocks and struts with KYB Excel-G's last week, and wow! I didn't think the original ones were in bad shape, but its like driving a whole new car! Just flat going around corners, no roll. Definitely reminds me that Kizashi's were designed with handling in mind!
1986 Suzuki Samurai JX (Tintop)
1990 Mazda Miata
1994 Isuzu Trooper
2012 Suzuki Kizashi GTS Sport (6MT)
User avatar
johnhenrydale
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:08 am
Location: Miami Beach, FL

SRN wrote:Replaced the shocks and struts with KYB Excel-G's last week, and wow! I didn't think the original ones were in bad shape, but its like driving a whole new car! Just flat going around corners, no roll. Definitely reminds me that Kizashi's were designed with handling in mind!

very cool. This is a huge topic on this forum and I'm about to do the same repair/replacement myself. Do you notice any difference from what you remember the OEM shocks feeling like and these Excel-G versions? The OEM Suzuki-sourced (also KYB) shocks and struts cost about 4 times what the KYB "generic" versions cost if you source them through a former Suzuki dealer and repair shop.

Did you do the replacements yourself?

also: do you mind sharing the purchase links product numbers for the ones you used?

Thanks!

JHD
2011 Kizashi Sport "GLS" 2WD
(GTS Upgrade project)
6sp MT
Azure Gray Metallic
Anthracite Gray Vossen CVT 19" / 5 x 114.3 +32
KansasKid
Posts: 428
Joined: Sun Mar 31, 2013 2:19 am
Location: Kansas City, Kansas

KlutzNinja wrote:Just curious, KansasKid, but how many miles do you have on your Kizashi? And is Azumi another Kizashi?

Royal Putple oil is indeed (dark) purple, but it’s known for turning the shade of burnt brown faster than other oils because of its special colorization, even though it’s perfectly fine. Just a heads-up if you check your oil soon and find it looks burnt already. Please keep us informed of how the RP performs in your Kizashi.
Azumi is my first Kizashi and she has a little over 50K miles. Kitsune is my second, and she has 62K miles as of this last job.

Thanks for the tip about the Royal Purple!
My Cars (Their Names)
'93 Ford Escort (Jorge - Prior)
'06 Kia Optima EX (Sakuya - Prior)
'11 Suzuki Kizashi SE AWD (Azumi)
'09 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Base 5MT(Akari - Prior)
'11 Chevy Cruze Eco 6MT (Erika - Prior)
'12 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD (Kitsune)
User avatar
Ronzuki
Posts: 2382
Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:33 pm
Location: Lancaster County, PA

johnhenrydale wrote:
SRN wrote:Replaced the shocks and struts with KYB Excel-G's last week, and wow! I didn't think the original ones were in bad shape, but its like driving a whole new car! Just flat going around corners, no roll. Definitely reminds me that Kizashi's were designed with handling in mind!

very cool. This is a huge topic on this forum and I'm about to do the same repair/replacement myself. Do you notice any difference from what you remember the OEM shocks feeling like and these Excel-G versions? The OEM Suzuki-sourced (also KYB) shocks and struts cost about 4 times what the KYB "generic" versions cost if you source them through a former Suzuki dealer and repair shop.

Did you do the replacements yourself?

also: do you mind sharing the purchase links product numbers for the ones you used?

Thanks!

JHD
Yes, please...I'd be interested in this information as well.

SRN, had you replaced any other front or rear suspension components while it was apart? Specifically, front strut hardware, bushings, bits-n-pieces etc. There's quite a bit up front on a FWD vehicle, and I'm curious how well the OE Kizashi parts surrounding 'the struts' have held up.
Ron

2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded :D :D )
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top ( :| sold)
User avatar
SRN
Posts: 54
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:53 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

johnhenrydale wrote:very cool. This is a huge topic on this forum
I'm aware, when I went Autocrossing a few years ago, I was looking for upgraded shocks and could never find any (other than coilovers). After installing the stock replacements, I should have done that! Huge improvement.
johnhenrydale wrote:and I'm about to do the same repair/replacement myself. Do you notice any difference from what you remember the OEM shocks feeling like and these Excel-G versions? The OEM Suzuki-sourced (also KYB) shocks and struts cost about 4 times what the KYB "generic" versions cost if you source them through a former Suzuki dealer and repair shop.
I bought my Kizashi used with 52k on the clock, so my comparison is based on that. But what I will say is that I've always thought that it had great handling (for what it is). And putting these new shocks on really made a noticeable difference/improvement.
johnhenrydale wrote:Did you do the replacements yourself?
Yes I did, and its quite straight forward except for compressing the springs and the alignment (naturally). I have access to a full shop, but it would be totally doable in your driveway if you were able to take the struts somewhere to get the springs swapped. I wouldn't trust the rental spring compressors that you can get from an autoparts store. And of course, get an alignment after you're done!
johnhenrydale wrote:also: do you mind sharing the purchase links product numbers for the ones you used?

Thanks!

JHD
Shocks
Right Strut
Left Strut
Last edited by SRN on Fri May 29, 2020 3:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1986 Suzuki Samurai JX (Tintop)
1990 Mazda Miata
1994 Isuzu Trooper
2012 Suzuki Kizashi GTS Sport (6MT)
User avatar
SRN
Posts: 54
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:53 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Ronzuki wrote: Yes, please...I'd be interested in this information as well.

SRN, had you replaced any other front or rear suspension components while it was apart? Specifically, front strut hardware, bushings, bits-n-pieces etc. There's quite a bit up front on a FWD vehicle, and I'm curious how well the OE Kizashi parts surrounding 'the struts' have held up.
No, all the bushings and other related components have held up just fine. Didn't see any noticable wear that required attention. Mine only has about 104k on it, and I've been quite diligent with maintenance and such. That said, it is not a garage queen and I do enjoy driving it "spiritedly".
1986 Suzuki Samurai JX (Tintop)
1990 Mazda Miata
1994 Isuzu Trooper
2012 Suzuki Kizashi GTS Sport (6MT)
User avatar
johnhenrydale
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:08 am
Location: Miami Beach, FL

SRN wrote:Replaced the shocks and struts with KYB Excel-G's last week, and wow! I didn't think the original ones were in bad shape, but its like driving a whole new car! Just flat going around corners, no roll. Definitely reminds me that Kizashi's were designed with handling in mind!
Hey SRN, thanks for your replies. Did you also replace the springs or just the front struts?
2011 Kizashi Sport "GLS" 2WD
(GTS Upgrade project)
6sp MT
Azure Gray Metallic
Anthracite Gray Vossen CVT 19" / 5 x 114.3 +32
User avatar
SRN
Posts: 54
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:53 pm
Location: Salt Lake City, UT

johnhenrydale wrote:
SRN wrote:Replaced the shocks and struts with KYB Excel-G's last week, and wow! I didn't think the original ones were in bad shape, but its like driving a whole new car! Just flat going around corners, no roll. Definitely reminds me that Kizashi's were designed with handling in mind!
Hey SRN, thanks for your replies. Did you also replace the springs or just the front struts?
Just the struts. At 100k on a street car, the springs shouldn't need to be replaced.
1986 Suzuki Samurai JX (Tintop)
1990 Mazda Miata
1994 Isuzu Trooper
2012 Suzuki Kizashi GTS Sport (6MT)
Post Reply