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Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 1:47 am
by Ronzuki
Yes, thanks for the replies.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2020 6:32 am
by KuroNekko
I'm glad this topic is back up because I am certain at this point of around 100K miles, I need new shocks on all four corners. Years ago, there was a discussion about OE vs. the KYB shocks and struts (dampers, collectively) and whether the various Kizashi models (FWD vs. AWD vs. Kizashi Sport vs. Kizashi) had different dampers. I recall that though Suzuki part numbers were all different for the various models for the dampers, it was inconclusive as to whether the dampers were actually any different other than part number. KYB is the OEM and they are also the only mainstream aftermarket manufacturer for the Kizashi's dampers. Since that time, it's become evident to me from other people installing them and also KYB's own cross-referencing of Suzuki OE part numbers that the KYB aftermarket dampers fit any Kizashi model. This is welcomed news given the KYB aftermarket dampers cost about 1/4 of the OE dampers.

I'm planning on buying replacements soon and doing the rears myself but taking the fronts to a professional for two main reasons. The first is that the replacement struts for the front is sold as the damper only meaning the spring must be reused. I've previously replaced struts for another car with new springs pre-installed from KYB which made the job easy but the Kizashi doesn't enjoy that kind of parts availability. We only have the damper itself available from KYB. I figured I'd have to go this route anyway given my Sport springs which are 10mm lower than the standard Kizashi. The second reason is that compressing springs is a rather dangerous task that requires specialized tools. I think I'll just have a shop swap the springs for the new struts I'll provide and then after installation, have them do an alignment job.

Thanks SRN for confirming some things about the KYB aftermarket dampers that many of us were unsure of for years.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2020 5:38 pm
by bdleonard
KuroNekko wrote:I'm glad this topic is back up because I am certain at this point of around 100K miles, I need new shocks on all four corners. Years ago, there was a discussion about OE vs. the KYB shocks and struts (dampers, collectively) and whether the various Kizashi models (FWD vs. AWD vs. Kizashi Sport vs. Kizashi) had different dampers. I recall that though Suzuki part numbers were all different for the various models for the dampers, it was inconclusive as to whether the dampers were actually any different other than part number. KYB is the OEM and they are also the only mainstream aftermarket manufacturer for the Kizashi's dampers. Since that time, it's become evident to me from other people installing them and also KYB's own cross-referencing of Suzuki OE part numbers that the KYB aftermarket dampers fit any Kizashi model. This is welcomed news given the KYB aftermarket dampers cost about 1/4 of the OE dampers.

I'm planning on buying replacements soon and doing the rears myself but taking the fronts to a professional for two main reasons. The first is that the replacement struts for the front is sold as the damper only meaning the spring must be reused. I've previously replaced struts for another car with new springs pre-installed from KYB which made the job easy but the Kizashi doesn't enjoy that kind of parts availability. We only have the damper itself available from KYB. I figured I'd have to go this route anyway given my Sport springs which are 10mm lower than the standard Kizashi. The second reason is that compressing springs is a rather dangerous task that requires specialized tools. I think I'll just have a shop swap the springs for the new struts I'll provide and then after installation, have them do an alignment job.

Thanks SRN for confirming some things about the KYB aftermarket dampers that many of us were unsure of for years.
For all four corners I would certainly recommend new bump stops / dust boots, particularly if you still have the flawed originals on the rear. Generic aftermarket replacements of the appropriate type should be fine, though on the rear of my car I used the revised Suzuki bump stops, as I had previously purchased a set.

For the fronts, I would also suggest taking a close look at the upper strut mounts (which also contain a bearing) and having them replaced if the condition appears poor, as the strut must be disassembled in order to replace them. KYB has these available in the aftermarket for the Kizashi as well.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2020 5:45 pm
by Ronzuki
bdleonard wrote: For the fronts, I would also suggest taking a close look at the upper strut mounts (which also contain a bearing) and having them replaced if the condition appears poor, as the strut must be disassembled in order to replace them. KYB has these available in the aftermarket for the Kizashi as well.
You have any p/n's for the stut mounts/bearings? Can't select a Suzuki at all on KYB's website to obtain correct p/n.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2020 7:42 pm
by bdleonard
Ronzuki wrote:
bdleonard wrote: For the fronts, I would also suggest taking a close look at the upper strut mounts (which also contain a bearing) and having them replaced if the condition appears poor, as the strut must be disassembled in order to replace them. KYB has these available in the aftermarket for the Kizashi as well.
You have any p/n's for the stut mounts/bearings? Can't select a Suzuki at all on KYB's website to obtain correct p/n.
The KYB front mounts are part number SM5805. I'm not certain what issue is happening for you, but I can look up all of the KYB parts in the KYB Americas catalog here: https://www.kyb.com/catalog/

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 4:47 pm
by johnhenrydale
KuroNekko wrote:I'm glad this topic is back up because I am certain at this point of around 100K miles, I need new shocks on all four corners. Years ago, there was a discussion about OE vs. the KYB shocks and struts (dampers, collectively) and whether the various Kizashi models (FWD vs. AWD vs. Kizashi Sport vs. Kizashi) had different dampers. I recall that though Suzuki part numbers were all different for the various models for the dampers, it was inconclusive as to whether the dampers were actually any different other than part number. KYB is the OEM and they are also the only mainstream aftermarket manufacturer for the Kizashi's dampers. Since that time, it's become evident to me from other people installing them and also KYB's own cross-referencing of Suzuki OE part numbers that the KYB aftermarket dampers fit any Kizashi model. This is welcomed news given the KYB aftermarket dampers cost about 1/4 of the OE dampers.

I'm planning on buying replacements soon and doing the rears myself but taking the fronts to a professional for two main reasons. The first is that the replacement struts for the front is sold as the damper only meaning the spring must be reused. I've previously replaced struts for another car with new springs pre-installed from KYB which made the job easy but the Kizashi doesn't enjoy that kind of parts availability. We only have the damper itself available from KYB. I figured I'd have to go this route anyway given my Sport springs which are 10mm lower than the standard Kizashi. The second reason is that compressing springs is a rather dangerous task that requires specialized tools. I think I'll just have a shop swap the springs for the new struts I'll provide and then after installation, have them do an alignment job.

Thanks SRN for confirming some things about the KYB aftermarket dampers that many of us were unsure of for years.

Hey Kuronekko - I'm A bit confused - what did you mean by "have a shop swap the springs for the new struts" - aren't those separate parts of the front suspension assembly? are you also replacing springs as well as struts?

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 5:55 pm
by n8dogg
The Kizashi has been taking the wife and I kayaking lately...

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 2:38 am
by bdleonard
johnhenrydale wrote: I'm A bit confused - what did you mean by "have a shop swap the springs for the new struts" - aren't those separate parts of the front suspension assembly? are you also replacing springs as well as struts?
In a standard automotive strut design (the MacPherson strut), the damper (the part that you think of as "the strut") has a perch around the center cylinder where the coil spring sits, and a mount plate on the top that attaches to the car, with the damper (piston/hydraulics) in the center. In this design, the spring is under compression between the perch on the bottom of the strut and the mounting plate on the top, even when the full strut assembly is completely removed from the vehicle.

If you are reusing the existing springs (and stops and mounts), the strut must be carefully disassembled using proper tools to safely compress and decompress the coil springs during the replacement process. An automotive coil spring is several pounds of steel, and is under significant force. If the assembly were dismantled without properly securing the spring with an appropriate tool, a person can be seriously injured or killed when the tension is released and the spring flies off uncontrolled. This work is most safely done in a shop where they have an appropriate heavy duty spring compressor just for this purpose.

For many vehicles, manufacturers make "quick strut" assemblies of some sort which have the whole works entirely assembled including a new damper, coil spring, and mount. This allows a home mechanic to safely replace the strut assembly, as the spring never needs to be compressed or released if the full assembly is changed as one unit. Given the very low production numbers, as far as I can tell nobody has bothered to make an assembly of this sort for the Kizashi.

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 8:01 am
by KansasKid
I'm a few days late with the post, but I FINALLY PAID OFF AZUMI! :shock: :o :mrgreen:

I should be getting the title for her in a couple weeks.

I'm super stoked. Because the pandemic, I don't have pay mine or my wife's student loans, and with Azumi being paid off, I can throw ALL THAT MONEY at paying for Kitsune. I should be done paying for her by Jan. 2021. :drive:

Re: What Did You Do With Your Kizashi Today?

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 3:54 pm
by Ronzuki
bdleonard wrote:
Ronzuki wrote:
bdleonard wrote: For the fronts, I would also suggest taking a close look at the upper strut mounts (which also contain a bearing) and having them replaced if the condition appears poor, as the strut must be disassembled in order to replace them. KYB has these available in the aftermarket for the Kizashi as well.
You have any p/n's for the stut mounts/bearings? Can't select a Suzuki at all on KYB's website to obtain correct p/n.
The KYB front mounts are part number SM5805. I'm not certain what issue is happening for you, but I can look up all of the KYB parts in the KYB Americas catalog here: https://www.kyb.com/catalog/
Thanks bdleonard. Typical, went about it from a different path on the site (not the catalogue) and the drop-down didn't offer Suzuki as a choice and I just bailed w/o putting forth anymore effort.