cheap FCS Auto shocks from RockAuto for a 2007 Toyota Highlander

replacing the worn OEM shocks with a spring strut assembly from FCS automotive. Purchased from RockAuto about $75.00 each. Total cost with stabilizer bars and shipping $203.44. Installed on vehicle with 169,200 miles. The fitment was good with no issues. First impression (150 miles) is a huge improvement. Great ride quality with no funny noises. We will see how long they last.

[@anthonyferencjr1130]

I put the same fcs struts on my 2004 Lexus Rx 330 2 years ago, and I have to say, they are wonderful..

[@deadbugdoug]

They are still working great for me.

[@donniefolmar6393]

Went with FCS struts on my 2007 camry, noisy ruff ride over bumps, changed to KYB after 16,000 miles. Wow like night and day, smooth and quiet ,well worth the money.

[@All-about-everything]

I did two fcs in front and kyb in back. One kyb is failing after a year

[@kaineshorts1783]

@@All-about-everythinghow is the fcs struts ?

[@manitobahydroman]

Thanks for the review. I'm glad the FCS struts are working out for you, they didn't for me. Judging by the comments it looks like the FCS experience may vary depending on the vehicle you install them on. I broke a spring on my 2015 Honda Odyssey and decided to install the FCS quick struts. They installed easily and the ride wasn't horrible, however the ride noise they made over the slightest bump was unbearable. I live in Canada and as the temperature dropped the noise got worse. After 4 months of listening to that racket I rebuilt my Honda OEM struts and re-installed them. Now the ride is perfectly quiet again. IMO, FCS quick struts are not a good option for a 4th gen Odyssey.

[@kjcl90]

Thanks for this. Unfortunately the KYBs on Rockauto are all out of stock and the OEM assemblies are discontinued. Any advice on an alternative??

[@manitobahydroman]

@@kjcl90 for me I'll only ever go with OEM struts, lesson learned. What's the problem with your struts? The full OEM quick struts aren't available, but the parts are, just change what you need. It might cost more but you'll preserve your ride quality. Just if you do it yourself be careful compressing those springs, or just get the dealer to do it.

[@brentwalser131]

I own a 2007 Highlander also. FWD. I installed 4 new FCS Struts from Rock Auto and I also replaced the end links. I also purchased 4 Cooper Grand Touring tires. Perhaps I'm easily pleased. 1 month out and all is well....

[@robertt3551]

I was going to buy these for my Volvo. FCS were $90 versus $150 for KYBs that required assembly. After reading the comments, I think it's worth spending the extra $60. If FCS did not work out, the labor and alignment costs would eat up any potential savings. Glad they worked out for you @deadbugdoug though and thanks for the video!

[@yodead369]

I just put on some KYB Shocks (Not a fanboy!) but I can't even explain to you how excellent these perform! Wow.

[@TE5LA-GAMING]

KYB makes Toyota's OEM shocks but the OEM ones are better quality.

[@kaitlynracco1206]

hi, just wondering how those shocks are holding up in 2022. trying to figure out if i should get them. thanks

[@wastelander89]

I installed rear struts fcs brand. My rear shocks in 03 mustang where so bad my car would nose dive and be all over the road and bounce 5 to 6 times after each bump and be dangerousin the rain. I installed the fcs struts . they made the car feel brand new and handle great no complaints . The car feels like a brand new rental. If anything goes wrong ill report back but for 25 each i don't expect Ferrari quality but they fit perfectly and work as intended.

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Thanks for the video and the updates. My local shop offered FCS as a cheaper option for my 2011, 13 yr old CRV. There are lots of so-so comments about these, but that's true of most products. Your experience over time gives me confidence that saving $100s on the installed FCS is the way to go for me. They must be better than the totally shot suspension the car has now.

[@deadbugdoug]

They are still doing great for me. Good luck

[@TeDiouS1001]

Bought the FCS kit for a 2000 CR-V from RA and thought it was great at first. But after about 3 months they began to creak, squeak, and bottom out. Haven't changed them out yet, and to their credit it's been about 4 years, but the ride has been terrible the whole time.

[@deadbugdoug]

Hopefully I won't have those problems.

[@Subjohny]

Thanks man for the idea to measure distance from the floor to the fender! This will for sure give you idea of any height changes!

[@69ChevyGarage]

It won't settle. I learned my lesson after blowing $145 on a set of cheap struts on a Nissan Altima that looked like I had installed a lift kit in after I was done. I literally threw them in the garbage after replacing them with Monroe's. The Monroe's restored the height to OEM.

[@chevyssboy89]

😂 funny… what year ur altima?? I gotta 2015 2.5s i need full strut replacement…. What brand which i go with quick complete strut kit??

[@VictorGonzalez-cf2mm]

How are the monroes holding up? I am shopping for strut assembly and was considering Monroe and Gabriel struts

[@69ChevyGarage]

@@VictorGonzalez-cf2mm Perfect like factory. Its been almost 2 yrs.

[@DeadKoby]

I put FCS Struts and shocks on my wife's Ford Edge... and they've been OK. So I went back to give them a second go on my Ford FiveHundred. We shall see....as that job is in progress. There's LOTS of folks that down-talk the FCS brand... but I've had an OK experience. Fit has been good on everything so far.

[@deadbugdoug]

I have also had good luck so far.

[@Utsusemi]

I use RA parts for all my family's "everyday" cars and including my 2020 veloster N turbocharged car (relatively new car that came out in 2019) and all the parts work fine. I have no issues whatsoever with the $30 BRAKE PADS and ROTORS for my 2020 VNPP. While OEM calls for $300 brake pads. Both $30 and $300 pads are semi-metallic i.e. not organic, not ceramic

[@dannysautorepair]

I just installed these on my camry and they work great, I also had to replace my end links and bushings.

[@Mr.St3wi3]

Wtf lol. I just left a comment on your video asking how did these turn out for you. On the next video, look what I find, the answer I was looking for. Thanks

[@MoleculeG]

I have the same issue with the increase in height after changing the front. My guess is front vs 7 year shocks in the back. I’m going to change the struts in the back and see if it evens out. I live in Canada as well. We’ll see if there is any noise issues in the future.

[@Shabbe02]

Going to mount fcs shocks soon on my 2010 RX350, how has yours lasted?

[@IW-mx6tt]

i have kyb exel g for three years and 40k on my impala. They were stiff from the get-go, but in the last six months, they are riding rough, especially the rear. I can feel every bump and crack in the road. Never again will i buy kyb, even though everyone recommends them. Its my daily commute vehicle, and they are all highway miles. I just ordered these off R auto, they have the heart on em, so ill giving them a try.

[@tvtonite79]

Yeah. KYB EXCEL-G's are AWFUL. I had a set made in the USA from 2012 that lasted 88,000 miles! However, replaced with a set in 2018 manufactured in Japan & didn't last 20,000 miles before they were shot....like 100% SHOT! I replaced with SACHS last month. Time will tell. So far I really like the ride. 2007 Expedition EL. That was on the front end. I had installed MONROE REFLEX strut assemblies on the rear, twice. Both sets didn't last a year before they were bouncing all over wore out & shot. Pure garbage. I want to get SACHS for the rear but they have discontinued the ones for my vehicle. It's unreal how crappy many of the aftermarket shocks/struts are. The sad thing is, the OEM ones didn't last more than 40,000 miles either. The front OEM struts were replaced twice under warranty from the dealership before 75,000 miles, with the first seat at 5000 miles! The rears at 50,000, but they had been shot at 35-40,000. This was all flat highway roads in SC. I bought the vehicle new & always took care & drove easy. Still driving it at 215,000 miles.

[@IW-mx6tt]

@tvtonite79 It's been a few months since I had these installed. so far, so far, so good, but it's still too early to tell the quality of em.I had these installed on the rear and monroe on the front, and it's all level front and back.I got almost 250k on the impala and she's been very well built(made in canada) car. She's never left me stranded when it was close to 60 below or when it was 110 degrees out. I just drive her like a commuter car and not a race car. They last longer that way. I'm going to part ways later this year, going to get a tahoe.

[@robinmcguirk]

Hey Doug @deadbugdoug great video I learned a lot! Have an update now on how your FCS struts are doing? Any noise or blow outs or anything? I read a recent reply from you that they settled in after a while. Did the ride height go down from 31 3/34" from when you installed? I already pulled the trigger and got a set of 4 from rock auto for my 2006 subaru forester. Haven't put on yet but now I'm debating returning or not? Any advice? Thank you much!

[@deadbugdoug]

They work great for me and we'll worth the money. The Highlander is my wife's daily. Should be good on a Forester similar style vehicle. The right height has dropped about a half inch since first installed.

[@robinmcguirk]

@@deadbugdoug Awesome thanks for the reply and info! I bought all 4 without doing any research and been regretting it for a week now after reading reviews how cheap FCS is, as well as my local front end shop telling me not to install them, have had warranty issues. But trying to take it with a grain of salt as you seem more credible actually using them for 2 years now. Good to know they settled in and dropped a bit after a couple years. My Forester is my wife's daily too aha! I was worried the ride would be too stiff for her as that is what I read from forum reviews as the main complaint as well as noisy. But sounds like yours are still quiet, good to hear! Any complaints or feedback from your wife? Also wanted to ask if you replaced the back with FCS or still on the originals? Was thinking that since ride height goes up an inch the back may ride too low or affect the AWD? Did you notice that? I was thinking of returning the back two. Also I need to look to see if my forester has stabilizer bars like your highlander and get those. We're they hard to remove the old ones and install the new ones? Thanks Doug, appreciate your time you rock!

[@007MegaRoll]

how are they holding up so far> I'am thinking of buying some.

[@deadbugdoug]

I have no regrets buying them. They are still doing great.

[@007MegaRoll]

@@deadbugdoug thx

[@ClawBoss]

I put these on my 2013 fusion and they made so much noise and the car rode horrible. Maybe mine were defective.

[@kamalmani695]

I'm doing the FCS rear struts next week on my 98 ES. Thanks for the video. Keep us posted on how it lasts.

[@deadbugdoug]

about 1000 miles and so far so good.

[@MrJpk741]

How are they holding up?

[@Scorpio_1974]

@@deadbugdoug Good to hear....

[@isaacdgz9967]

What happened with your FCS struts in your car?

[@scottlanier5133]

Updates?

[@dannysautorepair]

I just bought these for my 2003 camry, I'll post and let you guys know how they perform.

[@dannysautorepair]

I just installed them but im still hearing a clunking noise so I will replace the links tomorrow. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWqpJp5hLmXqc0

[@aviezek3072]

So how r they holding up? They ride good?

[@noedelafuentejr.9283]

how's it holding up?

[@fredp3088]

Update?

[@brianh4480]

Bought 4 Monroe Quick Struts for my '03 Camry from RA. All four are defective (bad struts and/or top mounts) and needed replacing with KYB's at my local shop. RA wants you to pay for return shipping. Doesn't make sense to ship back a bad part and have them replace it with something I no longer need (or want from them). Quick Struts are super heavy and it wouldn't be worth it to return it. Could they be selling B-stock? Monroe told me RA is not an authorized dealer so my warranty for the quick struts would not go through Monroe but rather RA. My advice: If the parts get heavy use (like struts), fork out the extra (if you can afford it) and have a reputable shop supply OEM parts and R&R them. They'll give you a warranty for parts and labor should anything go wrong. With online orders that require you to pay the shipping, return shipping costs will hammer you if the parts are defective. Before you purchase from a business, call the manufacturer to make sure the dealer is an authorized dealer and check what the warranty process is should you need to use it.

[@enriqueacostarr]

how long or miles did they last you?

[@sugashack74]

I put FCS struts on my 97 Maxima after my spring seats and strut mount went bad after I put new KYB shocks on. The ride that people are saying is hard I have no idea where they're getting that information from. I mean if you are a race car driver with bilsteins or konis, then I could see how you may have a problem with these, but if you're going OEM to OEM especially after changing some 20 plus year old springs this is a great alternative. If I get 2 years out of these at $100 a corner it would have paid itself off a few times. I can even see myself keeping all the hardware and just swapping out the struts in the worst case scenario

[@deadbugdoug]

I agree

[@walleyehunter8862]

My monroes I bought from rock auto lasted 6 months and when the cold hits they get stiff and feel like broken shocks and the bearings wear out very fast ... You get what you pay for

[@randylee2549]

I have sensatracs, on a heavy 3/4 ton 4x4, all good since 2019

[@engrxtn]

Installed them! Haven’t used them but I hear a small clunk sound when I drive into the driveway a little fast. Yours doesn’t make sounds over bumps? Other than that feels good.

[@youeweu]

Been chasing the *clunk* you described for years. Replaced the control arm, ball joint, sway bar, motor mounts, sway bushings, tie rods and brakes. Only thing left is the intermediate steering and the cheap replacement strut/mount.

[@engrxtn]

@@youeweuactually replaced yesterday the left tie rods (inner,outer,boot) and didn’t hear the clunk after that. Need to replace right side and do more testing but so far it looks like fcs struts were fine lol

[@engrxtn]

@@youeweubtw everything in my suspension is new and the tie rods were fine.

[@akdomun]

Hey man, thanks for doing this! How are they holding up so far?

[@deadbugdoug]

no problems so far.

[@islandbeaches395]

FCS #1 when you installing the struts make sure the steering wheel is straight.

[@dutch3795]

Will this cause a noise and ride problem? My new Monroe struts are noisy and ride bad. I know they were put on with the wheels turned outward for easier access.

[@callmebackfriday2]

How is FCS struts holding? Monroe (Scott say No), and FYB (out of stock) on Front Right, I may get the Gabriel instead. Thanks in advance.

[@deadbugdoug]

they are holding up fine. however I would recommend for a SUV but not for a car. The ride is rather stiff.

[@callmebackfriday2]

@@deadbugdoug Thank you so much for your information. 👍

[@sakuraiusa11]

Any updates??

[@blackenigma1054]

well i got my struts and shocks from 1aauto and these suspension kit i got just lasted maybe a year. But when i went for an an alignment they laughed at me cause stabilizer end links were made with plastic so when i tried to return them they acted like i was lieing and didn’t want to refund my money.....Spend a little extra and get the real thing so you won’t be doing the job over like me😂🤷🏿‍♂️

[@giantclam1822]

6:40 Thats where they break from rust, i believe its some sort of proctection.

[@lancet2266]

Did they settle in terms of the height difference ?

[@Omar-gr5wt]

How are they doing now? I am looking for something cheap.

[@slimsimon1711]

Great video im Thinking about getting these for my 2013 Dodge Dart I need new struts badly. How are they performing, any bounces when you hit bumps?

[@paulhenaghan8093]

Weird!! Me too LOL

[@revolutionday1]

Just bought a set of these for a KIA Forte and they couldn't have worked-out any better!

[@ditomathew1]

Is it good even now

[@revolutionday1]

@@ditomathew1 Still hummin' along just fine! 👌

[@ditomathew1]

@@revolutionday1 good to hear. How many miles it has been and does it work well during snow.. I am from WI

[@HexicanLS460L]

How are ur struts holding up now. I bought a a pair for my 08 LS460 and I'm still debating whether to put them on or not. My mechanic told me that the right strut mount is bad causing noises. So maybe I should just get a kyb strut mount and just replace that.

[@deadbugdoug]

They are still doing good on my Highlander. I don't think I would put them on LS460. Right quality is not that good.

[@HexicanLS460L]

@@deadbugdoug yea I think I'm just gonna buy a kyb strut mount and do that first 👍

[@derekdavis8229]

I’m looking to do mines too on my 08 Ls460 too. Did You try either yet? I’m debating myself.

[@derekdavis8229]

@Hexican

[@HexicanLS460L]

@@derekdavis8229 no I haven't did anything yet... but I'm probably just gonna buy a KYB strut mount and replace that since my mechanic said that's all that need to be fixed just makes a clunking noise, I don't think I'm gonna chance putting those fcs auto struts on it and then 6 months later they go out 👍

[@thehegt]

How long do they last

[@theboogyman9901]

I jus replaced my rear shock, fcs I use from rock auto, for rears ok but front I use carquest struts ..

[@AGreedyTree]

My friend's 1998 Toyota Camry bottoms out on the slightest bumps. It also bounces around a lot. I'm pretty sure the front jounce bumpers have deteriorated and fallen out. I recommended the Monroe Matic strut assemblies since they were only $60/each on Rock Auto. I've had the Monroe Matic shocks on my 2002 Ford Ranger and 2007 Dodge Ram 1500. I've also had the Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts on my PT Cruiser for at least 7 years now and they have a smoother ride than the factory shocks and struts. They had the FCS strut assemblies on Rock Auto for $20 less per piece than the Monroe's so my friend opted to go with those instead. I'm interested to see how his car rides and handles once I put the new struts on.

[@deadbugdoug]

it will be a good comparison FCS vs Monroe.

[@JohnDoe-ig1yw]

Haha I did the same thing on my Sienna yesterday. FCS struts and Delphi links

[@deadbugdoug]

I hope they work out. 👍

[@beastdude837]

Update are they still working good?

[@caseypearce1049]

Was that a accurate measurement I mean considering those are worn out Struts comparing it to a new strut mean I’m I’m actually asking and Not trolling

[@Player-uq9et]

Cheap struts is ok for a light weigth car, but not for a heavy luxury car.

[@JasinMac]

I appreciate the video but the comments alone have turned me away from FCS. Lol

[@roz4747]

Can I use the old bearings Easliy instead?

[@dealerauctionnightmare4689]

Any updates on the quality of these FCS parts?

[@DIYDomTheBuilder]

How are they holding up now after about a year? Just got a coil over strut assembly set made by FCS from RA for my 2012 Tucson (182K miles). Mainly chose them b/c they were listed as a “❤️” choice; but also b/c RA had them under OEM ride quality & was trying to save as much $$$ as I could w/o going too cheap. 🤷🏼‍♂️ There were only 2 other “better” options: A set of Gabriel’s for $78 more or a set of Monroe’s for $112 more. Might’ve gone w/ KYB if they offered them.

[@deadbugdoug]

about 8000 miles and one MN winter and no issues. No difference in ride from when I first put them on. KYB would have also been a great choice.

[@TheStpeteboy]

Those aftermarket struts ride like crap. Very stiff and feels like no spring at all over bumps or imperfections. Got to use oem springs.

[@81mj]

How are they holding up three years later?

[@deadbugdoug]

Still doing great. No issues.

[@tundelayne443]

Thinking about getting these for my subaru how have they held up for you

[@deadbugdoug]

6 months and no problems

[@jerseymike47]

How long have they lasted? Still satisfied?

[@deadbugdoug]

Over two years and still doing great. No funny noises. Nice ride. My wifes daily driver.

[@AzidCast]

Dope video please keep us informed!

[@skp2150]

Fcs상태는 어떻습니까?

[@bubbatennessee7531]

Are they still holding up after 2 years ?

[@deadbugdoug]

still working great.

[@orthoking2722]

I heard when it gets cold these strut stop performing.

[@deadbugdoug]

I live in Minnesota. No problems the 1st Winter.

[@thelazyhandyman8581]

How are the FCS struts holding up?

[@deadbugdoug]

still doing great. daily driver.

[@thelazyhandyman8581]

@@deadbugdoug do you like the ride feel? I got an Acura thinking to go for Monroe quick struts or FCS...

[@billeebills7562]

Do you think will be good for an infiniti coupe 05 ? Rear wheel drive front and back ?

[@deadbugdoug]

They work fine on my SUV. Spend more if you want a really smooth ride.

[@billeebills7562]

Well I already brought them from rock auto now I’m just looking at this video 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@billeebills7562]

@@deadbugdoug they will be to my house Wednesday idk I was gonna send them back but since I already brought them was wondering if I should give them a try

[@deadbugdoug]

I like them. Actually got better over time after they loosened up.

[@Sci-Mon1]

I would not cheap out on struts for a car that low. At least reuse the springs if you’re going aftermarket.

[@devaprasadhjacob]

How are FCS strut assembly performing how many miles have you put in

[@deadbugdoug]

just over 1000 miles and no problems. The true test will be winter with freezing temps and salt on the road.

[@jorgetrevino5757]

Hi now is 3 months later any issue?

[@halfthehalfer]

@deadbugdoug any update after 2 years?

[@deadbugdoug]

still working great. our daily driver.

[@bernk]

What are your thoughts on these nearly a year later?

[@deadbugdoug]

I haven't had any problems. I keep forgetting to check my mileage but I think I'm at about 7000 miles..

[@haasman100]

@@deadbugdoug any noise?

[@deadbugdoug]

@@haasman100 no problems.

[@mfrfpv9079]

how did they hold up?

[@deadbugdoug]

still going strong. no issues.

[@scottlanier5133]

How are they holding up for you?

[@deadbugdoug]

still going good. -10 degrees yesterday, no issues.

[@Dansk55]

These are no good. I purchased them for my 95 Celica and I don't really drive the car often. No more than 20k miles and the right rear is gone pretty bad. Very noticeable rattle and oil leaking.

[@sammiemodeste4291]

I wanna get some of these for my is300 should I buy them

[@deadbugdoug]

I am happy so far.

[@thekidd752]

Did you get them ?

[@ThaiPham-od3te]

How is it right now bro?

[@deadbugdoug]

No issues. Still ride great. Will see how they survive the winter.

[@jeromygreene8655]

FCS products are made in America out of Detroit Michigan. They're probably assembled in China to lower manufacturing costs but almost everything is these days.

[@giantclam1822]

Ya got it backwards.....US assembles from parts made in china.....so its chinese shit, just put together here

[@zachwilson9608]

How are they still doin?

[@deadbugdoug]

No issues or problems.

[@thunderstruck1392]

You get what you pay for, wishful thinking will not help here.

[@dkrawk8309]

You forgot to test how they taste and how they smell when they burn. Oh also You didn't check how fast they drown

[@pumpanickleP]

How are this stocks holding up not sure when you posted the video but I would like to know

[@deadbugdoug]

I have not had any problems. I would not put them on if concerned with smooth ride.