Rear shock failed

[bdleonard]

The OEM shocks and struts are made by KYB. The aftermarket KYB parts may be different, or they may not. They are a part of KYB's GR-2 / Excel-G "OE" performance lineup. I believe Suzuki used two different sets of parts (stiffer on the Sport models), while the KYB aftermarket only has a single listing for all models. On the plus side, you should get (at a minimum) OEM level performance at a reasonable price compared to buying through Suzuki.

The Altima part I was referring to was a KYB GR-2.

But I just looked up the application at showmetheparts.com (best automotive catalog I've ever used, including when I had a auto parts distribution company--can't believe it's free), and it's the Excel-G series. Probably no better than the sport if even that good. I'm may be curious enough to call KYB and find out what they say.

As far as I recall from reading through KYB stuff GR-2 == Silver, Excel-G == Black. I believe performance is supposed to be the same.

[KuroNekko]

The OEM shocks and struts are made by KYB. The aftermarket KYB parts may be different, or they may not. They are a part of KYB's GR-2 / Excel-G "OE" performance lineup. I believe Suzuki used two different sets of parts (stiffer on the Sport models), while the KYB aftermarket only has a single listing for all models. On the plus side, you should get (at a minimum) OEM level performance at a reasonable price compared to buying through Suzuki.

The Altima part I was referring to was a KYB GR-2.

But I just looked up the application at showmetheparts.com (best automotive catalog I've ever used, including when I had a auto parts distribution company--can't believe it's free), and it's the Excel-G series. Probably no better than the sport if even that good. I'm may be curious enough to call KYB and find out what they say.

As far as I recall from reading through KYB stuff GR-2 == Silver, Excel-G == Black. I believe performance is supposed to be the same.

Sounds about right. Even KYB puts GR-2 and Excel-G together in the same category.
My understanding is that GR-2/Excel-G is the standard, entry-level line. The Gas-A-Just is the better line and an upgrade. The AGX are the best and are adjustable.
However, I need to double check a JDM magazine I have because I swear I saw an ad for an entirely new line of KYB shocks that looked like it was even above the AGX.

[murcod]

Your VW would have benefited from the Bilsteins IMHO, but your wallet wouldn't have. I'd be most surprised if there wasn't a substantial ride and handling improvement with something like a Bilstein B4 over the bottom end KYB. They would also last a lot longer.

I fitted Koni's in my 1971 Triumph 2.5 PI because I knew I would regret buying anything cheap. I much prefer paying the extra money for the improved ride/ handling and longer shock life. The Koni's can also be adjusted to suit different spring rates.

I posted a link to the KYB product line on the last page : http://www.kyb-europe.com/shocks.html

[KuroNekko]

Your VW would have benefited from the Bilsteins IMHO, but your wallet wouldn't have. I'd be most surprised if there wasn't a substantial ride and handling improvement with something like a Bilstein B4 over the bottom end KYB. They would also last a lot longer.

I fitted Koni's in my 1971 Triumph 2.5 PI because I knew I would regret buying anything cheap. I much prefer paying the extra money for the improved ride/ handling and longer shock life. The Koni's can also be adjusted to suit different spring rates.

I posted a link to the KYB product line on the last page : http://www.kyb-europe.com/shocks.html

Perhaps, but considering that this car has neither an air conditioner nor a heater that works, not a gram of noise insulation, and a 88 HP air-cooled engine, you can see that ride quality from better shocks won't really benefit this car that much. Heck, my father obliviously had it riding with all 4 shocks completely blown for years. It was when I drove it and noticed wheel bounce over potholes that I became aware that the shocks were complete goners.

[SamirD]

Sounds about right. Even KYB puts GR-2 and Excel-G together in the same category.
My understanding is that GR-2/Excel-G is the standard, entry-level line. The Gas-A-Just is the better line and an upgrade. The AGX are the best and are adjustable.
However, I need to double check a JDM magazine I have because I swear I saw an ad for an entirely new line of KYB shocks that looked like it was even above the AGX.

If the GR2 and Excel G are in the same line, then they should be a nice little upgrade for the Kizashi.

I'd also be interested in if KYB has a higher end line than the AGX. They never seemed to mess with higher end product lines, and it kinda doesn't make sense since all the Teins of the world (and the copycats) are all over the place.

[bootymac]

Looking at the CAD diagram in the TSB, I'm wondering if there's a way to carefully drill a drain hole in the existing stop. Not something they want Suzuki factory techs doing, but something that those of us willing to spend the time doing can do on our own and avoid the problem altogether.

I actually thought about this. It's possible that you can simply remove the factory bump stops and cut drain channels using a hack saw. Probably a last resort though

[KuroNekko]

Looking at the CAD diagram in the TSB, I'm wondering if there's a way to carefully drill a drain hole in the existing stop. Not something they want Suzuki factory techs doing, but something that those of us willing to spend the time doing can do on our own and avoid the problem altogether.

I actually thought about this. It's possible that you can simply remove the factory bump stops and cut drain channels using a hack saw. Probably a last resort though

Keep in mind that the bump stopper's inside diameter was also modified as part of the countermeasure. While your suggestion may not be a bad idea, it would be best to know exactly where and how the part was improved on the new part so the old can be modded accordingly.

I will upload better close-up photos of the new bump stopper (like murcod did with the old ones) this weekend. I've been meaning to do so but foul weather and late nights at work have kept me from doing so earlier.

[SamirD]

Looking at the CAD diagram in the TSB, I'm wondering if there's a way to carefully drill a drain hole in the existing stop. Not something they want Suzuki factory techs doing, but something that those of us willing to spend the time doing can do on our own and avoid the problem altogether.

I actually thought about this. It's possible that you can simply remove the factory bump stops and cut drain channels using a hack saw. Probably a last resort though

Keep in mind that the bump stopper's inside diameter was also modified as part of the countermeasure. While your suggestion may not be a bad idea, it would be best to know exactly where and how the part was improved on the new part so the old can be modded accordingly.

I will upload better close-up photos of the new bump stopper (like murcod did with the old ones) this weekend. I've been meaning to do so but foul weather and late nights at work have kept me from doing so earlier.

Thank you for the detailed information! Modifying the mounts will be the only solution for people outside of warranty or the US that don't want to buy the replacement parts.

[WHTSHDW2]

But I just looked up the application at showmetheparts.com (best automotive catalog I've ever used, including when I had a auto parts distribution company--can't believe it's free), and it's the Excel-G series. Probably no better than the sport if even that good. I'm may be curious enough to call KYB and find out what they say.

As far as I recall from reading through KYB stuff GR-2 == Silver, Excel-G == Black. I believe performance is supposed to be the same.[/quote]


So,taking into consideration this info., do you think will be OK to replace my OEM shocks with this KYB ones? (I have a '12 Sport SLS model with the "clunking shock issue" and over 62K miles, i.e. no warranty).

Since I can't find the OEM shocks here in Puerto Rico I will appreciate if any of you could refer me to a dealer or supplier in order to compare prices and evaluate any differences.

Thanks!

[murcod]

But I just looked up the application at showmetheparts.com (best automotive catalog I've ever used, including when I had a auto parts distribution company--can't believe it's free), and it's the Excel-G series. Probably no better than the sport if even that good. I'm may be curious enough to call KYB and find out what they say.

As far as I recall from reading through KYB stuff GR-2 == Silver, Excel-G == Black. I believe performance is supposed to be the same.


So,taking into consideration this info., do you think will be OK to replace my OEM shocks with this KYB ones? (I have a '12 Sport SLS model with the "clunking shock issue" and over 62K miles, i.e. no warranty).

Since I can't find the OEM shocks here in Puerto Rico I will appreciate if any of you could refer me to a dealer or supplier in order to compare prices and evaluate any differences.

Thanks!

Hi welcome to the forum.

Given the price Rockauto are selling them for ( I posted info earlier ) IMHO you'd be mad not to try them.