KYB vs Monroe shocks/struts: the top difference between them
It’s inevitable. At one point, your OEM shocks or struts will surrender to the uncompromising force of mileage.
Obviously, skipping on the proper parts is asking for some uncomfortable experiences on the road. Damping matters a lot!
Monroe and KYB are the two big names you’ll hear when it comes to replacing OEM parts. So it’s no wonder that people ask themselves: “KYB or Monroe”?
For shock absorbers, usually it’s Monroe’s OESpectrum shocks or the KYB’s Excel-G Gas alternative.
With struts, I guess most of the US drivers are quite familiar with Monroe’s Quick-Strut. A (probably) smaller, but equally enthusiastic crowd swears by KYB’s Excel-G struts.
But which one is better? Actually, is any of the two brands better than the other?
Or are we talking about differences in how they let you glide on the road? Let’s see…
There’s a saying that generally KYBs are a better fit for Asian cars and score better in terms of handling and vehicle performance.
Monroe stick closer to OEM standards in terms of performance and feel softer when driving, more vanilla. Affordable, but maybe not that spectacular.
KYB vs Monroe: the most important difference
No, I’m not talking about manufacture. Actually, both are amazing in this regard. Monroe shocks and struts are produced locally in the US, as far as I know.
And KYB has this Japanese quality you know you can count on.
The difference between them usually lies in the amount of stifness and control you get.
If we’re talking about struts specifically, Monroes tend to be softer from the get-go. If you prefer rides that give you the reins in a smoother way, you might prefer them. Note that they might bounce a bit more on higher speeds.
With them, you might find yourself struggling with cornering sometimes compared with KYB.
Coming out of the box, KYBs are definitely stiffer. They also focus on giving you more precise control. More of the sweet “hands on” action, so to say.
This holds especially true for their GR2 lineup or the Gas-A-Just shocks that focus on a firmer ride with a little more control added for the driver. The Gas-A-Justs also look pretty badass:
Click on the image above for pricing info
The standard Excel-G struts have the same purpose as Monroe’s Quick-Strut. They aim to give you a driving experience close to the one you had with the OEM parts. Still, the Excel-G definitely have an edge of stiffness to them.
Do you prefer a cozy softness, or are rather keen on a firmer driving experience?
This should be your main consideration point in choosing KYB shocks vs Monroe.
Same for the struts, really.
Usually struts or shock absorbers loosen with the miles traveled. KYBs go the opposite way – a big portion of them get stiffer and stiffer, actually.
Other points on Monroe vs KYB shocks/struts
I’ve had quite a few questions on how to go about changing your shocks or struts.
For example, if you have Monroe on the front…would it be a problem to get some KYBs on the rear?
Honestly, opinions vastly differ here. But for me, it makes sense to get the same brand of shock absorbers/struts for the whole car.
If you already have KYB shocks, go with KYB. If it’s Monroe, continue your Monroe-powered driving. I’m a member of the “Pair them up” group of drivers.
Also, keep in mind what roads you’ll be driving on. The firmer KYB shock absorbers and struts are generally better idea for extra rough roads with loads of bumps.
Why?
Well, less bouncing and more control over the road surface coming from your tires. The firmer damping effect of KYB is a crucial point to consider in this situation.
Same for driving at higher speeds. Monroes and OEMs definitely affect stability on highways and don’t deliver as good of a handling when you rev the engine up.
KYB and Monroe struts: what about the mounts?
Here’s the kicker:
A lot of people underestimate mounts when it comes to replacing their OEM struts.
The harsh truth is that in a lot of cases, it would be better to also change the mounts. I know, I know – it adds to that whole budget thing.
But better be safe than sorry when it comes to your comfort and safety, right?
In my personal opinion, Monroe mounts are better than what KYB offers. You can easily see (and feel) this in any of their Quick-Strut assemblies.
It’s entirely possible that’s just my experience, but I’ve heard similar comments from several other drivers.
1. Monroe shocks review:
The OESpectrum line
Click on the image above for pricing info
For general use, I’d say the OESpectrum is what will serve you very well for a reasonable price.
Monroe’s ace in this product are the smooth rod reaction and friction reduction thanks to the smart all weather fluid. I clearly mentioned that these are all about smooth driving, not that much control/stiffness to be found here.
I’d say Monroe shock absorbers have a wider product range. You’ll find more SKUs compatible with car models, and a better “full displaced” valving.
The latter adjusts to bumps in the road, but I’d be careful with picking Monroes if you have harsh terrain under your car. KYB will perform better.
For smoother surfaces, however, they make for a better pack of shocks to have, in my opinion.
For the rookies who are concerned with installation – OESpectrums are definitely among (if not) the easiest shock absorbers to install. Even if you’re unfamiliar with such matters, it shouldn’t take you more than half an hour. And this will probably settle the debate “monroe OESpectrum vs KYB” for good for a lot of us that aren’t really handy with our cars.
2. KYB shocks/struts review:
The Excel-G line
Click on the image above for pricing info
Out of all of KYB’s product lines, Excel-G is the most beginner friendly. Also, probably the most popular.
Both Excel-G shock absorbers and struts are all about firm control. For some they might feel too stiff, but for others they deliver exactly what you need.
KYB and their fans dub the G’s “Original Equipment of the Aftermarket” or OEA which is a play on the whole OEM thing.
What I’d like to note is that KYB might be a better choice if you need shocks for Asian cars. After all, the manufacturer is a Japanese company.
I’m especially looking at you, Toyota, Honda or Mazda drivers! KYB’s will give you a nice re-take on the OEM driving experience, with that extra grip you wanted.
When should I change my shocks or struts?
If we’re talking about average priced shock absorbers and struts – Monroe and KYB are definitely in this group, there’s an unwritten rule.
It says that around the 40-50 000 mile mark you’ll notice more significant signs of your parts wearing out.
This might be also dependent on what kind of roads you tend to drive on.
Makes sense, if you think about it: harsher roads that put more stress on your shockers or struts will take their toll faster.
I’m not a fan of measuring the durability of shockers in years. You can have them for 5 years and they’ll stay just fine if you’ve driven only 15 000 miles during that period.
Another driver will see them deteriorate in less than 4 years – just because they cover extensive distances every day.
That said, if you want extra longevity from your shocks, Bilsteins are a cut above both KYB and Monroe. I’ve written a comparison between them and KYB if you’re interested in learning more.
Remember: check whether you have struts or shocks
A fundamental mistake a lot of people make is thinking that the two terms are the same.
They’re not, and you’ll only waste your money if you don’t do a quick checkup before picking your replacement parts.
You can’t use a shock to replace a strut, if your car initially came with struts. And vice versa, a strut replacement wouldn’t work if you had a stock shock absorber.
This image gives you a very straightforward answer on how the two differ from each other:
If you enjoyed this comparison, check my piece on Odyssey vs Optima batteries. It’s more related to some off-road adventures with the King of adventures – Jeep Wrangler.
For Jeep/pick up truck owners, I also have another comparison – of bed liner DIY brands!
In terms of general DIY related to cars, I’ve also written a word or…one thousand, on ball joint presses. It costs a lot, but with the right kit you can fix things up by yourself.
I’m also preparing an Oredy struts review, so stay close!
Who knows, though – it might come in handy for you, or a friend of yours!
A nut about anything related to wild trails, cars and crazy fun. Sharp tongue, soft soul. My wife always says I need to trim my beard because I look like a hermit.
So helpful. Thank you.
Very good & helpful information,thanks!
Glad you found the article helpful, Jesse!
Very helpful information & thank you
I was going to go with Monroe for the rear shocks on my rear-wheel drive multilink rear end 1992 Volvo 960 but after reading this, I will go with KYB. Actually, what you mention in this article is 100% accurate because I’m experiencing the exact things you mention with my 2007 Sonata that has KYBs in the rear. Extremely helpful advice… thanks!!
I’m so enlightened after this articles.
Definitely kyb is the way for me given am in Africa
I tend towards the kyb. But my car is 12 years old. I would like to keep it 5 more years. I’m afraid the men’s may be to stiff and since the car is older naturally things lessen , the dash , the frame etc. Will the kyb’s exacerbate the situation ?
Frankly, I don’t know exactly, in your situation. Maybe talk to a mechanic, just to be sure? 🙂
I sure wish I had read this article before replacing my Honda Accord’s struts with Monroe Quick struts, which I chose to use in order to get the job done fast and inexpensively. Boy, was I mistaken.
Although the Monroes felt comfortable during highway driving, the car immediately turned into a rolling rattle and bongo band as I hit the city streets. I removed the Monroes, double checking the torque specs but had the same issues upon reinstallation. I then drove the car about 400 miles to allow the struts to “settle in”, but had no luck, the noise was still an annoying issue.
Although Monroe has a lifetime warranty, I didn’t want to spend my lifetime changing out replacements until finding a set of Monroe’s that were actually quiet, and since I would be doing the job for the third time, I decided to take a chance on a full set of Japanese KYB Excel-G’s, reusing my OEM Honda springs and replacing the strut mounts with genuine Honda parts, having favorable results. My Honda Accord now drives like new, and is quiet and comfortable.
Upon comparing the KYB’s to the Monroes, I noticed subtle variances in construction that in my opinion, was most likely the cause of Monroe’s product being noisy, due to a sloppy overall fitment to the car.
The KYB’s looked like a more refined strut, and attached to the car more solidly, like it was made to fit the Honda, whereas the Monroes could be made to work, but was most likely designed to “almost” fit other models as well. The biggest difference in the rear strut was the yoke of the Monroe that attaches to the axle knuckle, which was devoid of an attached nut welded on the opposing side like the OEM strut had. Instead, it came supplied with a replacement nut and washer that was to be used with the original Honda spline bolt. Also, the Monroe was missing four small inside protrusions (“tits”) in the yoke that the OEM and KYB strut was constructed with. I can only assume that these protrusions act as either a self-centering guide or shim that took up some slack in the joint when fully tightened down to specifications. All I know is that when I installed the KYB strut that bore these protrusions, along with the welded nut as opposed to the replacement nut and washer, there were NO noises afterwards. Also, the front KYB struts seemed to be more refined as well. Since I rebuilt my struts using KYB’s, the original Honda springs and new Honda strut mounts, there are NO bongo noises coming from the mounts like I experienced with the Monroe Quick Struts.
Problem solved… albeit an expensive and tiresome lesson learned.
Also, as an aside note. I used Monroe OE Spectrum shocks on my wife’s Toyota Sienna and I found myself replacing them with genuine Toyota shocks after only a month. VERY disappointing ride with the OE Spectrums. Like the article says, Japanese vehicles will benefit from Japanese parts.
Good luck with your project.
JC
JC, thanks for this well though comment. I’m sure lots of people will find it really helpful, as direct experience with these is what we always look for online, right? 🙂
So glad found this article. Currently I have a small hatchback, all KYB OEM, just replace the rears with KYB ultra (yellow tube). Stiffer rear shock makes the ride more controllable I think, but my front shock still use the standart from the factory. Thinking about mixing monroe for front with already installed Kayaba Ultra on the rear.
You’re welcome, I’m glad it helps. You can try mixing it up, if it’s not too expensive to test. If it doesn’t work, maybe you can sell them on ebay for the same amount (or almost)?
Cant recommend KYBs
They went soft and unstable after 2 months on my elantra
Never doing kyb anything again
Which would be the best fitment for a 2004 Lincoln Town Car? It’s not a sports car and not expected to handle like on. I’m needing shocks/struts all the way around. Does KYB make an equivalent to Monroe’s quick strut? I don’t have the compression tools to rebuild a strut.
Frankly, Dewaine, I’m not sure. Maybe some of our readers will know more and help 🙂
between kyb and robbs magic struts which is better