Shocks and struts provide help with a vehicle’s smoothness and stability throughout its suspension. Although some people see these components as being interchangeable, they’re two different components of the same system.
Struts are responsible for supporting the entire vehicle’s weight to ensure it stays correctly balanced while driving on the road.
Shocks work to absorb the road input that your vehicle experiences while driving. It lessens the impact you feel in the cabin when encountering rough features.
Two of today’s top options for struts and shocks come from Monroe and KYB. Is one better than the other when you want to improve your vehicle’s overall control, braking, handling, and wheel alignment?
This guide will take you through the comparison points for two of today’s top brands of struts and shocks.
Monroe vs. KYB – Struts and Shocks Comparison
Monroe and KYB are two of today’s best struts and shocks brands available for consumers. Both use premium components and parts to develop high-quality systems that support your driving experience. KYB products are made in Japan, whereas Monroe manufactures items in the United States
Three issues are immediately noticeable when we look at the primary differences between the Monroe and KYB brands for struts and shocks.
- KYB struts and shocks are designed for slow-speed performance needs. Monroe produces equipment that’s meant for higher speeds and faster reactions.
- Monroe struts and shocks are useful for well-built roads and smooth surfaces, but you’ll want KYB products for off-roading and rough terrain.
- KYB manufactures its items in Japan, while Monroe has their facilities in the United States.
Another factor to consider between the two brands is pricing. Monroe products are generally about 10% cheaper than their counterparts, but that issue raises its own factors. Although the quality is slightly better with KYB, you’re also paying more in shipping costs to obtain the product.
The installation cost for Monroe and KYVB struts and shocks is similar, but the actual expense depends on market rates for labor in your area.
Before deciding on Monroe or KYB products for your vehicle, it is essential to review the current performance specifications and configurations. That data will give you more information about the struts and shocks to purchase for the upgrade or repair you need to complete.
◼️ Monroe vs. KYB Performance Comparison
KYB struts and shocks tend to be a little stiffer than Monroe products. This design element allows the suspension to handle rough terrain and off-roading needs with more reliability.
Monroe struts and shocks are a bit soft, but that is why they’re also perfect for high-performance vehicles, passenger cars, and anyone who does lots of highway driving.
Your driving habits will dictate which parts to purchase. Most rural drivers tend to choose KYB because you don’t know what conditions you’ll face when driving along back roads.
When you live in an urban or suburban environment, Monroe struts and shocks are likely the better options.
Ultimately, the different variables you have with your home conditions dictate your outcome when choosing between these two brands. They both have an above-average performance rating when the parts are correctly installed on your vehicle’s suspension.
◼️ Installation Process for Monroe vs. KYB Struts and Shocks
When selecting which struts and shocks are needed for your vehicle, it sometimes helps to review the necessary installation steps for the parts chosen.
If you choose KYB shocks and struts, you’ll find the process is relatively straightforward. All you need to do is compress the spring to install the unit correctly. When you choose Monroe products, there’s a little extra work to be done.
This issue is more about the DIY specialist who wants to install or replace their own struts and shocks at home.
Before starting, you’ll want to consider the specific vehicle configurations before buying a new set. Your existing setup is the most significant contributing factor to consider when it is time to replace these suspension parts.
◼️ Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Shocks and Struts
Most drivers discover that their vehicle could use new shocks and struts after a routine maintenance visit. It might be for a tire balancing or an oil change when your mechanic says that you could use an update.
If you’re like most people, the first thought is, “Are you sure?” After you start processing the information, you begin to wonder if the assessment is accurate.
When your vehicle starts displaying the following signs and symptoms, it is an excellent indicator that you could use Monroe or KYB products.
| Front End Dips: | • When you hit a speed bump or pump the brakes harder than usual, a vehicle dips hard in the front when new struts are needed. • A similar result occurs in the rear when your car starts bottoming out. |
| Fluid Leaks: | • Grab a flashlight. • As you take a look under your vehicle at the shocks and struts, look for fluid leaking to the bottom of the unit. • If a mechanic says this is the issue, have them clean up the suspension and recheck it at home to confirm the problem. |
| More Bounce: | • People get accustomed to how a car drives as time passes. • If your driving feels bumpier or you bounce more than before, it could be time to replace the shocks and struts. • You can also put your weight on a bumper, shake it a few times, and then view how long movement occurs. |
| Control Losses: | • If you hit a pothole that you didn’t see or a curve too fast, your vehicle might sway to the point where it feels like you’re out of control. • That’s a sign that your struts need a replacement. |
| Tire Wear Indicators: | • When you feel a vibration in the steering wheel, it can mean that your struts need replacement. • Your tires will start cupping, which means you’ll get bald marks on the tread when you need to repair this issue. • If the front end is displaying these symptoms, there’s an excellent chance that the rear ones also need attention. |
Top Shocks and Struts Recommendations
If you’re ready to update your vehicle’s performance, installing shocks and struts makes sense if the car is over ten years old or displaying the signs and symptoms of worn-out parts.
Here are some of the best parts you can purchase today to ensure that you get the desired results for your car.
1. KYB Excel-G
This OEM part delivers the standard handling and controls you’d expect for vehicle’s operating under regular driving circumstances. When installing the KYB Excel-G shocks and struts, you can quickly restore your vehicle’s initial performance capabilities while having the support to keep going for the next 5-10 years.
KYB calibrates these shocks and struts to be compatible with the other suspension components, making them relatively easy to install. After checking your owner’s manual for the required specs, match that data to these parts to complete the work without extra fabrication.
2. KYB Gas-a-Just
If your vehicle needs an upgrade to its steering capabilities, these shocks and struts deliver the results you want to see. It can provide improvements of up to 30% once the installation work is completed. You’ll find it to be one of the fastest and most affordable driving upgrades you can buy today if your vehicle is compatible.
The KYB Gas-a-Just shocks use a monotube design to prevent fading, even with consistent use. You’ll find the ride quality is a little firmer than other choices, but they also tend to adjust to the current driving conditions with relative ease.
3. KYB MonoMax
When you want maximum control while behind the wheel, the KYB MonoMax shocks are an excellent choice. They’re even compatible with lifted or lowered vehicles to ensure that you get the best riding experience possible.
This outcome is possible because of the stainless steel incorporation with a high-temperature piston ring that handles rough situations.
These KYB shocks and struts handle the toughest road conditions you can find out there today. They’re rated for heavier vehicles, which means it’s better for a heavy-duty truck than a passenger car. It’s the perfect option for anyone who wants increases in towing or hauling power.
4. KYB AGX Shocks and Struts
These high-performance shocks and struts are what you want on sport compact vehicles, high-performance cars, and sports-related driving.
They work as well on the track as they do on the road, using an external slot or knob to create the perfect adjustments for your needs. Several damping rate choices are available to produce the specific settings for whatever road conditions you face.
The KYB AGX shocks and struts are one of the few products with a rated damping range of up to 125%. You won’t find a more versatile option out there today when you need to replace these parts.
Monroe vs. KYB Struts and Shocks: Which Is Better?
When comparing Monroe vs. KYB struts and shocks, the intended application is crucial to consider. KYB handles off-road elements better, while Monroe handles standard driving conditions with more consistency. In a general comparison, KYB holds a slight edge.
Monroe shocks and struts have the advantage of being manufactured by Tenneco. They’re a global brand that has helped to develop several new and innovative products for trucks, buses, passenger cars, and more.
KYB might have been in business longer, but their sales subsidiary in the United States wasn’t established until 1974. Their goal is to help your vehicle be more robust and safer on the road, especially when you’re hauling heavy loads over rough terrain.
If I had to choose shocks and struts for my vehicle without any other comparison beyond the two brands, my choice would be KYB.
Their products might be more expensive, but I like their reliability since I run with larger wheels and tires. I’ve tried Monroe products for towing and hauling, and they performed adequately, but I thought KYB was just a bit better.
Monroe products are likely the better choice when you have general driving needs to consider, such as a daily commute to work. The only exception might be someone who lives rurally and commutes with a 45-minute or longer drive along with questionable road conditions.
Most shocks and struts can last for at least five years or 50,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Some vehicles can double that rating! When it is time to restore your suspension, think about KYB and Monroe first.