I've searched the forum and there seem to be a few opinions which brand is best for shock/strut replacement. I have a 2009 Rav4 Limited with 206k miles on the original shocks and struts. I noticed some some strange wear on the rear tires and checked the struts and shocks. One of the rear shocks is leaking oil so I'm definitely going to replace the shocks. I know that Bilstein makes good shocks but I'm tempted to just go with OEM since they are a lot cheaper. As far as the struts go is it possible to have driven 206k miles and not have bad struts? I don't see any oil leaking out but I do notice a clunk over large speed bumps at the front. Basically I'm just looking for brand recommendations and any other input. I've seen on this forum a couple of people recommending Sachs but I've never heard of them.
Shock/Strut replacement brands 206k miles
hardhitter
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I've searched the forum and there seem to be a few opinions which brand is best for shock/strut replacement. I have a 2009 Rav4 Limited with 206k miles on the original shocks and struts. I noticed some some strange wear on the rear tires and checked the struts and shocks. One of the rear shocks is leaking oil so I'm definitely going to replace the shocks. I know that Bilstein makes good shocks but I'm tempted to just go with OEM since they are a lot cheaper. As far as the struts go is it possible to have driven 206k miles and not have bad struts? I don't see any oil leaking out but I do notice a clunk over large speed bumps at the front. Basically I'm just looking for brand recommendations and any other input. I've seen on this forum a couple of people recommending Sachs but I've never heard of them.
I am not sure how you can drive with the original shock/strut for 206k miles. You should be on your second round of replacement by now. I recommend you replace them with KYB Strut Plus. These come with the strut, boot, and strut mount. Make sure you order the left and right side. At the moment RA only has the right side in stock.
As for the clunk that noise could be the sway bar link on the front or rear. You need to get a shop to check if those are bad.
As for the clunk that noise could be the sway bar link on the front or rear. You need to get a shop to check if those are bad.
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Thanks for the recommendation. I don't like replacing parts without some indication that they are worn out so I don't go just based on mileage. It is "shocking" that they lasted this long because the vehicle has been driven in a lot of very bumpy roads throughout its life. The only obvious wear is on the strut boots which are almost non existent at this point. So you would go with KYB over Sachs? While I was checking the suspension in the rear I noticed that the upper control arms look crooked where the bushing connects at to the steering knuckle. I didn't notice any play though. Is this a cause for concern?
Can't comment on the Rav4, but I was looking into replacing the struts on my 09 CRV and the Strut Plus looked like a good option - but be careful, my research indicated that many of the 3rd party parts do not use the same spring coil diameter that can cause level height or ride quality issues... Had I not traded my CRV for my new RAV, I would have gone OEM.
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I was planning on just keeping the original springs and looking for a high quality strut. I was looking into OEM struts but they seem to be way more expensive. On other vehicles that I've had I always went aftermarket because there were better options but maybe there aren't any for the Rav4.
I currently have 210k on the original set and it is still good.
I read some are happy with the Sachs and others say they did not last more than a year. KYB is a good brand overall. For the rear shocks the Toyota ones are not that expensive. There is also Bilstein shocks which are also very good.
I recommend the KYB Strut Plus due to the fact your mileage is on the high side and the strut mounts maybe getting close to wearing out. If you do not replace them then it can fail shortly after.
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I just did a more thorough inspection on the front suspension and all looks good. I pried on all of the bushings and everything seems tight. I tried the bounce test which apparently doesn't work so well but I noticed a few wobbles after I let go from pushing down on one side of the car. Original struts are stamped Tokico. I think I'm just going to get the factory shocks for the rear and see if anyone else has recommendations on the struts.
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Struts or shocks may look good, but if they aren't fully dampening the spring motion anymore then your braking distance is suffering.
If you do the job yourself, definitely hose things down with PB Blaster a few days before hand and again before beginning the job. If you do struts, let a shop take care of it or get a preassembled unit like the Strut Plus- compressing springs without the proper equipment is difficult and dangerous.
If you do the job yourself, definitely hose things down with PB Blaster a few days before hand and again before beginning the job. If you do struts, let a shop take care of it or get a preassembled unit like the Strut Plus- compressing springs without the proper equipment is difficult and dangerous.
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I bought the Tokico shocks from the dealer today and have 1 installed so far. Also picked up some Moog control arms to replace the ones that Toyota conveniently epoxied making alignments impossible. The leaking shock that I took off actually doesn't seem too bad but it's definitely not as stiff as the new one. I've never had an issue compressing the springs myself on other vehicles so I would prefer to do it rather than pay someone else. It would be nice to know that the struts actually are bad before replacing.
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The more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards just getting the OEM Tokico struts. While looking at the KYB I saw a review where the guy said he had 133k miles on the OEM Tokicos and replaced with KYB and they were great. Then he followed up after 20k miles and said that they had already failed. If I got over 200k out of the Tokicos then that's 10 times as long so even if they are twice the price it seems worth it. Is it necessary to get new mounts and/ or bearings or I should I just inspect them? Obviously I will be buying new bellows.
Whether you go aftermarket or stay OEM, I agree that at that mileage you ought to replace the strut mounts as well. Last thing you'd want is to do the installation only to discover you need to dismantle the whole thing shortly down the road.
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I just ordered the OEM struts online. I passed on the mounts since they were like another $160. I'll see what they look like when I remove them.
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Did you replace the mounts as well?
Last time I replaced struts on my Toyota ( had 100k on those struts) I decided not to replace the KYB strut bearing mounts, within 2 weeks I had to pay the same labor fee to dismount and remount the struts and replace the mounts.... I now always just bite the bullet and get good quality mounts. Its your decision and I am sure there are plenty of examples where folks don't replace the mounts, Note: this is an old thread
Good luck ,
KYB and Tokiko make OEM struts and shocks.
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will KYB strut and mounts from Rockauto will be similar in quality compared to OEM ones. i know OEM strut and mount set is very expensive.
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