2012 G37x - ISO KYB Struts vs. OEM (Ride quality)

[james t kirk]

Background:

I have a 2012 Infiniti G37x which needs a ton of work. Part of that includes replacing the existing rear shock absorbers as well as the front struts. I am figuring to replace the entire assembly and do all the work myself.

I've looked at OEM via infiniti parts and I've looked at Rock Auto for after market parts. The price point for the KYB AM parts is favourable vs. Infiniti parts. (Infiniti parts markets "Value Advantage" parts for assemblies. In short, "Value Advantage are After Market parts sold via Infiniti.) But even still, the price point for the KYB assemblies through Rock Auto are about 40 percent less than OEM

The car will be 14 years old on November 24'th and it has about 150,000 kilometres on it. In addition, I need a steering rack, all new front brakes, back up plates for the brakes, brake lines, front wheel bearings, etc. So I need to spend some money. Given the age of the car, it's real hard to justify OEM parts for struts, the steering rack, etc. given the price premium for OEM. Though I will go OEM for the other parts

Question:

Has anyone out there installed KYB struts on their car?

If so, how does the ride with a KYB strut compare to the ride with OEM struts? The car is mainly used by my wife and I'm trying to avoid a hard ride. When new, the Infiti had a very good ride, but now, I have a very noticeable rattle in the front end. It's not the calipers, and given the age of the struts, it's time to change both front struts and rear shocks.

Any information would be appreciated before I take the plunge an order parts.

Also, if anyone has any experience ordering AM front wheel bearings. There are a lot of different manufacturers listed on Rock, like Timkin and SKF (both of which I have used on my toy car and am happy with, but it doesn't get a lot of miles put on it.

Thanks

[VStar650CL]

Just one comment, Value Advantage is not aftermarket. In some instances like wiper blades the design may differ, but in all cases the parts come from the same manufacturers who make the OE versions. The difference is that the manufacturer does the QA/QC on the part, leaving Nissan off the hook for a substantial expense for AEQ quals. They'll still be ISO qualified parts from a Nissan-qualified manufacturer.

That said, the KYB's on our '04 Altie are great, stiff enough for fun but not to ruin your dental work. Dunno if that confers in any way to the KYB parts for your G.