KYB Performance Test

KYB takes to the test track and beyond to evaluate new and worn shock performance with professional test drivers.
On the road and test track, professional drivers equipped with data acquisition equipment run identical SUVs through their paces. The only difference between the vehicles was the shocks and struts.
How do new, lost cost shocks and struts compare to worn OE?
Do new shocks help braking?
Does KYB Strut-Plus help stop 6 feet shorter?
Are new shocks worth it?
Click here for the full experience: www.kyb.com/performancetest

[@19910602011]

I put some kyb on the front of my car over 8yrs ago and went for a test drive and fell in love with how the car handled i couldn't even get the front to move, it was so stiff and smooth at the same time, when my cousin felt how the car handled he got jealous and went to buy some for his car too because we had the same car

[@richard1835]

I have KYB's on my vehicle. Great shocks. They level off the vehicle fast on major bumps and pot holes. I would recommend them any day.

[@sanjaygandhi7962]

I agree with the KYB experts. I just replaced my Monroe Quick Struts with KYB Excel G shocks and MOOG springs on my 2005 4Runner. The difference was clear. The Monroe Quick Struts were never good even when new.

[@sanjaygandhi7962]

I feel like I wasted 6 years driving around on garbage - Monroe Quick Struts.

[@scottbrown7415]

Every set of KYB Excel G dampers I installed on my civics over the years has been a definite upgrade. I also am anticipating the coming release of the Excel G front struts for the Ford Fiesta i currently have!

[@operator8470]

I just installed luv mono shocks on my 95 f150 and I love them. Kyb is way better breaking and better on nose dive on breaking. The control on dirt roads is great the rebound when hitting washboard is so nice

[@Shrimpkebab420]

Scotty Kilmer recommend this over Monroe shocks; will be installing the Excel-G shocks on my 01 frontier, will update y’all when I have driven it enough.

[@BrandonWest87]

I’ve replaced shocks/struts on what will be my 5th vehicle needing replacement (this newest one is a 2014 Lincoln Navigator with 140k miles on OE original struts) all with KYB. I’ve tried all of it from the old GR-2 moniker, Gas-a-just, Monomax, and Excel-G. As a spirited and confident driver, the level of control I gain after installing KYB products is second to none. In emergency maneuvers, that level of control counts the most. KYB saved my old 1987 Nissan 300ZX from rear ending an emergency braker looking to make a VERY sudden left turn. The maneuverability of my recently replaced shocks and struts allowed me to swerve (when I realized that braking distance was too short to avoid a collision) and dodge the suddenly stopping vehicle in front of me. Also, I get kinda sad when I find that KYB doesn’t have replacement parts for vehicles. Found this with a 2011 Ford Taurus and a 2019 Honda Odyssey 😂. Cool video, I’ll check out the others in the series.

[@kybamericascorp]

This guy gets it!

[@MarcoMoreno5757]

Front and rear shocks for my classic 1995 Lincon Town Car Cartier Edition. Performance on the highway went to 120%!

[@mitchmarkota8814]

2003 Sequoia 4X4 - Was using the other shock and how back to the KYBs, which is the Toyota OEM supplier. TRUE HIGH QUALITY and Well Engineered and built product. You'll be extremely pleased with this product. Ensure you replace the front upper steyt mounts when installing new front struts.

[@99subigt]

If i remember correctly, at one point the KYB website said that the KYB GR-2/EXCEL-G STRUT Are 10% stiffer than the OEM suspension

[@03SilverMustangGT]

Who was the “premium competitor” my guess is Monroe lol

[@jogmas12]

In my situation the old shocks on my vehicle had to be replaced because as dampers they were old and just didn’t work anymore as shocks. Completely useless. I looked around for new replacements from various shock manufacturers but finally settling on KYB. The drivability of my old truck is greatly restored as a result.

[@cleenlivin]

I put KYB Strut Plus parts on the front and rear of a used Ford Expedition I bought at auction. It road okay until you hit a bump (acted like a dolphin swimming) or made a sudden stop (nose dive city). It also leaned a lot when changing lanes on the highway. Not a fun feeling in such a big vehicle. When I first went to change everything out I found it already had aftermarket shocks/struts installed which made swapping in other struts/shocks and using the existing coil springs a no go. I checked around and went with KYB since the non-oem brand already on it didn’t impress me. After the change to the KYB’s the handling was greatly improved. The ride height was raised a bit and the rear can feel stiff when you ride over bumps without any weight in the back. Much safer stops better ride and handling.

[@ejshelby5460]

Lexus GX and LX use KYB. They are specially designed and can’t be bought as after market replacement but these two are the best riding body on frame vehicles

[@jouseff_1293]

Im 80 percent sure that the cheap competitor and their premium competitor are monroe monroematic and oespectrum struts 😅😂

[@JohnnyBradbury1981]

I would have loved to see a side by side comparison of how y'alls suspension vs. a NEW OEM set up compared.

[@kybamericascorp]

We're the OEM on 1 out of 5 vehicles worldwide, and we use that knowledge as a starting point for building our aftermarket parts. The KYB aftermarket parts are built to compensate for worn components. Our goal is to restore a high mileage vehicle to its original designed performance.

[@jacobsebastien3910]

Luv the KYB Monomax Shocks " 💪

[@jermineroloma2956]

Scotty Kilmer always recommends kyb!!

[@toyotabrony]

Because he know these are better oem replacement products.

[@aleksanderthegreat678]

The 1st car(a 1998 Toyota Starlet) i got 1 year ago was equipped with KYB excel G all around,and they even had almost 90.000km on them. Yet,they felt really nice and during a highway sudden emergency brake from the car in front of me (bmw 418 2012) doing 110km/hour i instantly knew my brakes would NOT stop as fast as his and i had to make an extremely sharp right turn and throw the car onto the next lane over. The car responded INSTANTLY ,went onto the right hand lane and instantly stabilized itself...i was extremely amazed by how well these shocks handled that sharp "throw" of the car. Mind you the car was wearing 165/70/13 tires and has a lot of bodyroll so that alongside the fact that these have 90.000kms on them just amazes me. I am planning on replacing them soon with a new set of KYB Excel Gs and pairing them either with Eibach Pro lowering springs or H&R lowering springs.

[@earthlifeus1656]

I'll be testing your shocks and struts with my Nissan frontier 4x4. Off road EVOC.

[@earthlifeus1656]

I'll be using them on and off road. Bilstein shocks and struts gave out after 30,000 miles.

[@noahswarz4914]

@@earthlifeus1656 keep us posted, I'm deciding between Bilstein or KYB for F-150 on road only

[@TocyBlox]

Recently put KYB on my Lexus and it’s SOOO stiff 😢. It’s now an actual sports suv now (not a good thing for a Lexus type vehicle)… wish they make a -10% less stiff strut and they’ll take over the luxury car shock replacement market.

[@kybamericascorp]

We're curious to learn more about your Lexus, what year, model, trim level, how many miles? Which KYB products did you put on?

[@TocyBlox]

@@kybamericascorp Hello! It’s a Base 2005 Lexus Rx330 V6 with 176,500 miles on the clock when I installed the new struts. I reused the OE springs and used KYB boots and bump stops. The KYB model numbers are 334400 and 334399. They are the Excel G model.

[@miguelpadilla9188]

I have a first gen trailblazer and want to do aleveling kit Wich struts do you recommend

[@kybamericascorp]

Our tech support team can help you get into the specifics of what you have and what you're looking to do. Contact them by emailing [e-mail]

[@sss333s3]

KYB is one of the best in market for street driving, but for offloading you need to go for the premium brands.

[@jessica99sexy]

Instructions are poorly very hard to know where the busing and washers go. please help as i cant seem to find a proper assembly

[@kybamericascorp]

Sorry for any inconvenience. Please reach out to our customer support team at: [e-mail]

[@adamgoof]

Can you explain the warranty? Does it have a lifetime warranty? If the ones I bought new Kyb brand from eBay wear out out does replace them I’ve been contacting Ebay seller and they seem to tell me that there’s no warranty.

[@kybamericascorp]

Your 3rd sentence doesn't make sense as it’s currently written, but I'm gathering that you bought new KYB from eBay and are wondering if you can warranty them through the eBay seller. If so, here's my response. KYB aftermarket products have a "[KYB product] lifetime warranty." Shocks are expected to wear over time, which is their expected "lifetime." Our warranty covers manufacturing defects and things like that, not normal wear from a product in use over time. If you're attempting to warranty used shocks, that's not how it works. The warranty also does not cover parts that are purchased from an unauthorized retailer, like eBay.

[@adamgoof]

@@kybamericascorp that makes sense you guys cover if there is a defect in the product but not a lifetime warranty. How often does defects happen with your product rarely?. I guess as the consumer we gotta make sure before we put the part on that everything‘s good on it.

[@Zeus-ll5py]

I had one blow up on me, my mechanic won’t recognize it’s riding different. I just found burn marks on the shocks and struts hopefully he will believe me, it rode like night and day after the swap like he said in the video, may just be a defective one, it happens. I’m wondering if I got the Kung premium or a regular? I need help I can’t drive like this, it throws my back into spasms after a long day with a long drive home. Any help is appreciated.

[@kybamericascorp]

I am not sure what you're saying or what a "Kung premium" is. If you live in the US or Canada and need assistance or recommendations for a KYB product for your vehicle, we can help! Please reach out to our customer support team: email at [e-mail], check out this video for a quick product rundown: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5LOlZluoa5posk&lc=UgyX8DRw6Ii_kBsDgTp4AaABAg or go to KYB.com to learn more

[@jeffreymarley6877]

Why not just call or email them?😂

[@samsoft9390]

hi, What's the difference between KYB SR vs KYB Excel G?

[@kybamericascorp]

Our SR part numbers are complete strut assemblies and Excel-G is our product line of twin-tube shocks and struts. Excel-G is usually the recommended OE replacement product, unless the vehicle came with a monotube. Most of our Strut-Plus parts use an Excel-G, since Strut-Plus is the OE replacement complete assembly product line.

[@deancarley4473]

Hi i am from UK, i have never ever heard of KYB, and was about to disregard it as i thought it was chinese. i have a bmw e39 530d manual 2002. i plan to install kyb excel-g along with 30mm lowering springs, i really hope for good feeling in the car

[@kybamericascorp]

KYB is an incredibly experienced OEM and aftermarket supplier for some of the most popular manufacturers all over the world. KYB Europe can handle any questions that arise with your project since you're in the UK: @Kyb-europe

[@tomy2t0ne3]

Terrible experience with kyb quick struts. The strut started binding immediately. Almost impossible to get them to service the warranty. Never use quick struts 😢

[@kybamericascorp]

Did you reach out to our Tech Support team? They can be reached by emailing [e-mail]

[@DSW-kt1fp]

Why did the company stop building "quick" Strut assemblies for the Lincoln MKS 2011? These car are now starting to need shocks replaced

[@kybamericascorp]

KYB offers Strut-Plus for the base model of that vehicle, and parts for the EcoBoost variant as well which you can see at kyb.com/catalog. Please contact our customer support team if you have any further questions by emailing [e-mail]

[@john40788]

I’m disappointed they don’t make struts for my 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum

[@kybamericascorp]

Sorry that we don't offer struts for your vehicle. We're always developing new parts, so there's a chance we'll have them in the future!

[@palmfishing]

I'm about to replace OEM shocks on my floaty, boaty Subaru Outback. I hope they give me sone connection and less bounce on higher speed highway driving 100/110kmh.

[@kybamericascorp]

Sounds like it’s about time to look into that. Shocks control the spring movements, which is what you’re describing. That could add extra wear to your springs and other suspension components. You may consider a Strut-Plus complete assembly if we offer coverage for your vehicle. Having a new strut, mount and spring can make a world of difference to how your vehicle handles, stops and performs in unexpected situations.

[@olds3945]

The test drivers knew which brand they were testing?

[@johnterpack3940]

Yup. Pretty much makes the test worthless. No hard data either.

[@kybamericascorp]

Yes @Olds 394, the third party professional test drivers knew which parts they were testing. We put identifying magnets on the side of the SUVs. These are professional test drivers who are experts at understanding vehicle dynamics and control. We have 2 independent sources of recorded data to back up what the test drivers reported. There are other videos in this series that cover the results and the analysis of the data. For ease, here's the link for the Performance Testing playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWS2lnqPmaljgLM

[@kybamericascorp]

@@johnterpack3940 Incorrect. This is one of the videos in the series, check out the “KYB Performance Testing” playlist with the 2 sources of recorded data from the tests. The next video in the series is titled, “KYB Performance Test: Data Analysis” and it discusses pitch, roll and yaw through the data. That’s a data driven review of what a driver actually feels and what sort of control the parts provide. The next video covers reasons to maintain shocks & struts, while the last video is about the ABS activity during the testing. For ease, here's the link for the Performance Testing playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWS2lnqPmaljgLM

[@mrshaf1508]

Why are the just a gas so short on the back lifts the whole front up

[@kybamericascorp]

What are you asking? Are those 2 questions? The product's name is Gas-a-just by the way.

[@mrshaf1508]

@@kybamericascorp kyb553306 shorter then sacks why is that it's like nearly 2 inches shorter

[@tomy2t0ne3]

Of course I did. Your staff just tried to find a reason to make it my fault and did not want to acknowledge a certified mechanic stated that the struts were binding. Fortunately, rock auto is more willing to help with the warranty. This has been the opposite of a quick replacement.😢

[@kybamericascorp]

Thanks for reaching out to them, and our apologies that you are having issues. For context: Our Tech Support team would be reliant on the description of the issues from someone seeking assistance. They can only operate with the information given to them to diagnose an issue remotely.

[@jasonpeachrick2037]

Where are KYB shocks manufactured? Japan? USA? China?

[@kybamericascorp]

We have manufacturing facilities all over the globe, including the US and North America, Europe and Japan.

[@jasonpeachrick2037]

@@kybamericascorp Thanks!

[@toyotabrony]

Basically Japan made

[@danmorgoshi7598]

​@@toyotabrony Japan , better than anyone .

[@user-jp3jc7kv2s]

👍👍💕💕

[@davidsciberras8942]

I recently bought a set of kyb shocks made in Thailand and was only on the car for a week absolute rubbish and reinstalled my old worn out shocks.

[@kybamericascorp]

Sorry you experienced that, please reach out to KYB's customer support in your area for assistance. This is the KYB Americas channel, so If you are in the US or Canada, contact customer support at: [e-mail]

[@davidsciberras8942]

@@kybamericascorp Thanks for your reply i did email them but not even a reply in country of purchase.

[@kybamericascorp]

@@davidsciberras8942 Have you contacted your place of purchase? Usually when there is an issue with a product, talking to the retailer is the first step.

[@danmorgoshi7598]

Wow ! . Im surprised . Now I have to think twice and make a decision ... Monroe or Kyb .

[@deesr.6641]

WHAT ABOUT GABRIEL?

[@kybamericascorp]

What about them?

[@Devo1987]

be better if you had a 3rd party tester blind study

[@billoddiea]

Garbage layout...just make it simple instead of all the palava

[@toyotabrony]

Not really

[@goodrich5150]

Changing tires and alignment on the 2nd day corrupted the unbiased testing.. you shud of left everything the same except shocks. That wud of been a level baseline to review.

[@R777-RLM]

I think you're right. Adding New Tires before testing the KYB and Premium Struts and Shocks, make the original test pointless. It also negates the guys statement of, the ONLY thing different on them each time was the Shocks and Struts. Their use of Tire Racks test drivers, test track, with their building in the background, explains the tire change. Two for one, if no one notices.

[@toyotabrony]

It’s still a good test overall

[@allochris]

@@toyotabrony & the fact that they labeled each car with giant shock names being used isn't really helping either...

[@user-md6dn9ni5o]

no différence is visible)

[@kybamericascorp]

Can please elaborate on what you saw versus what you expected to see?

[@toyotabrony]

There’s a difference