Replacing Struts/Shocks: KYB vs Monroe vs other

[TITAN06M35]

Replacing the struts and shocks on a 2006 Infiniti M35 Base. Looking for recommendations...KYB vs Monroe? Looks like recommended KYB product is the GR-2 or EXCEL-G and for Monroe it is OESpectrum. Any feedback or better suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Wangtang408]

Replacing the struts and shocks on a 2006 Infiniti M35 Base. Looking for recommendations...KYB vs Monroe? Looks like recommended KYB product is the GR-2 or EXCEL-G and for Monroe it is OESpectrum. Any feedback or better suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Most members are on KYB including myself, I only recall one member using Monroe.
Pretty good feedback on the KYB out of everyone.

[TDot]

+1 on the info request
I'm looking to get new struts. I was planning on kyb simply because I didn't know of any other for our car...plus I don't know anything about struts. What else is out there?

[Ilya]

Can someone post the part numbers? It would help people googling/searching for the information.

[kmiles]

I just installed the rear shocks last week. They made a great difference. Here are the KYB Excel-G part numbers:

Rear shocks (RWD or AWD except sport): 349053
Front Left strut (RWD only except sport): 341442
Front Right strut (RWD only except sport): 341441

From what I can find, no one but Infiniti makes front struts for the AWD. I bought the new rear shocks via Amazon Prime. $47.92 with free 2 day shipping. Install took about an hour for both sides. It was pretty easy, I just followed the instructions in the manual.

[TDot]

Front right: https://www.autopartsway.com/PartDetail ... _Absorber/
Front left: https://www.autopartsway.com/PartDetail ... enum1/tabS

Awd model.

It's for the 07, not sure if its for 08 as well. Anyone can confirm?

[kmiles]

I found those, too. However the KYB site, Rockauto and Amazon all say that those do not fit AWD, only this site does. All of the Infiniti parts sites show a different OEM stock number for AWD and RWD for the struts and the shocks are the same part number for AWD and RWD. That makes sense as the front ends would be configured differently to accommodate the front drive axles on the AWD models.

[yomoms16]

Front right: https://www.autopartsway.com/PartDetail ... _Absorber/
Front left: https://www.autopartsway.com/PartDetail ... enum1/tabS

Awd model.

It's for the 07, not sure if its for 08 as well. Anyone can confirm?

That will not fit the awd..... rear aftermarket shocks will work but for front.... You have no choice but to get it from the dealer..... I had mines replaced about 6 months back..... I did kyb in the rear and oem fronts..... discountinfinitiparts I got mines from... was cheaper than the local dealer even after shipping

[TDot]

That's a shame. It's crazy that something like struts can only come from the manufacturer, oh well.

Anyway, I brought my car in today to get a some things checked out. I mentioned to look over the struts and springs and let me know what they think, I have 87K on them and I might have cupping going on with the tires. He immediately started to blame the cupping on the alignment and then this is what he said to me, "unless the struts are leaking there isn't anything wrong with them. They can and will get soft over time, 150k whatever, but nothing wrong and you don't necessarily have to change them." What struck me as even more odd is that he would shy away from potentially making a lot of unnecessary money if I was to do it with them...which I wouldn't lol. I know Enigma1987 always says you pretty much need to change them at 40k miles, and i think I'm going to change the struts anyway, but what are the rest of your thoughts on that.

[Larz]

I dno't know of any way to actually test them or measure how much life is left in them. I go by the 'feel' as I drive. If your front end feels like it crashes into bumps in the road or uneven joints, I'd get them replaced. They should absorb bumps and pot holes, not BANG into them, sending shockwaves through the steering wheel or into the cabin. Aside from leaking, that is my only barometer to decide if they are worn.

[EniGmA1987]

I know Enigma1987 always says you pretty much need to change them at 40k miles, and i think I'm going to change the struts anyway, but what are the rest of your thoughts on that.

I dont remember saying that, and I looked back at a few really old threads on the matter that I posted in. Where did you find me saying that?

[TDot]

Sorry, I confused you with 06M4.5, I always seem to do that i dont know why, and I meant around 50K.

[EniGmA1987]

Its fine, I was just like "wha? I dont remember..."

[ale2and]

Is there any after market that fit the M35s. Ours is an 08 with the rear steering and cant find any that say they will fit it. Any ideas?