MSG C5

How many miles did your OEM shocks last and what brand did you replace them with?

Skirmich

Originals OEM? wow they lasted a shit ton... perhaps 120,000K?
Since then I change my shocks every 2 years (Aftermarkets not OEMs) with KYBs since they seem to last the same but once they released the Nitrogen they feel a Little too bouncy for my taste not that they are shot (Oil is still in there) but low speed softness is lost once Nitrogen leaves the building.

MSG C5

Has anyone replaced them with another set of OEM shocks since it seems that the original shocks lasted so long?

The reason I ask is that sometimes, the original factory installed equipment is designed to last longer than replacement manufacturers equipment, even though they carry the same brand name.

3.2TLc

Hey MSG C5, the TL's original suspension normally stays tight up to about 100k. The sort of roads that you travel will have an impact on their extended ride and handling characteristics down the road.

If you've lowered the suspension and still have the OEM's, they really take a beating. It's best to get the premium adjustable aftermarket replacements in this case.

However if your're still all stock and want the plush ride, most of the better quality OEM equivalent shocks should give ya a good ride at a savings over the real McCoys at Acura.

Ya gotta keep in mind that the rest of the suspension components have also been subjected to the same wear as the original factory equipment shocks. So, is it really worth the extra added cost ???? You're the judge and the one paying !!!! Check our vendor sponsors for some good 'Ziner member deals.

Skirmich

OEMs do last longer but KYBs Feels 10x times better than OEMs until they lost the Nitrogen (Around 20,000K?), Once they do they get OEM Feel.

Most people dont replace to OEM becouse Aftermarkets (KYB) are wayy more comfy or Sportier (TEINs or TOKICO) while being cheaper.

Dont even think to replace to Monroe < Horrible HORRIBLE Experience with Them.

MSG C5

Thanks. It seems per reading threads on this forum that KYBs are the popular replacement choice. However, isn't 20K pretty low mileage to start losing the nitrogen? I got 200K on my first set of OEM shocks. Mostly smooth Florida highway miles at 70 MPH between cities.

The car is now a 3rd family car and I think I can get another 100K miles out of it if I take care of it.

neo9080

65k

Skirmich

It all depends on Roads and Use! I travel a lot to México and over there the roads are pretty bad (Full of potholes and Un-even roads) so Mileage is all user dependable.

In my Experience Nitrogen in the KYBs lasts around 20 to 25K in my Use. Perhaps for you and the roads you travel you can get easily 50K? Perhaps More! and By the way: The shocks arent Shot by any means when Nitrogen is Lost, but if you had the same amount of shock changes as I do you will notice when they start to feel OEMish = Nitrogen bye bye.. You can still drive with them but you might notice they arent as good as the first day you drove with them.. If you are used to OEM Feel you probably wont notice once Nitrogen is lost.

Gabru678

iTrader: (1)

I have 140K on mine and the rear ones are starting to make a creaking sound on hars bumps.
It will probably die a slow death like my moms.
Good thing I have been saving for some new Lowering springs next year!

wrayman

replacing bushings is pretty simple, inexpensive and can make a noticeable diff in the ride.

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

I'm running 200k and I don't even know what I'm missing anymore lol.

All I know is I can go 30mph over speed bumps, and I don't feel a thing.

Severin

I replaced the two fronts at ~230K with KYB's and didn't really notice a difference; still haven't done the rears yet.

3.2TLc

When replacing the original shocks....has the top hat and bushings been found to be worn ?..... and also replaced at the same time ?
At 10 years and over 100k, they are probably not going to go another 100k even if they appeared good. So what do you guys recommend ?

Severin

Mine looked fine after; however, since they need to be removed anyway, just replace them - they are very cheap. KYB makes a kit.
Don't bother with replacing the dust cover.
I also replaced the rubber seats that the springs sit on.

tlmane03

what type of costs $$ though? parts? how long labor most dealers charge for this job? an hour?

Severin

Sorry, no clue, I did the job myself. The bushings kit was ~$10 ea, the rubber seat a few bucks... Don't remember what I payed for the KYB shocks - got then from Amazon though.

3.2TLc

Dealer service departments will charge full retail price for any OEM parts necessary for repairs. They should be able to give you an estimate on labor costs for the specific task being performed. I'm unsure what their hourly rate is, but don't expect anything less than 1 hour for even a nominal job. .......

tlmane03

so you'd say an hour to do the job? 100-120$ an hour would say good estimate for alot of dealers with certified techs working. no one gave a specific price for what they paid for parts though?

bonknhead

I replaced my stock shocks with Tokico HPs (aka "blues") at 98k. I had been riding on the stockies whilst being lowered with H&R Sport springs for three years. What a huge difference in comfort and handling!