I have to replace my struts and a shop just quoted me $299 for Monroes (front) vs. $199 from Acura. Can anyone tell me if there's improvement in ride and handling that justifies the $100 increase in the Monroe part? I was initially under the impression that an OEM replacement of the struts meant a less expensive alternative. I've done a search and some people have mentioned Monroe as a replacement. But no thread really detailed the advantages/disadvantages in ride and handling.

 

From what I've heard Monroe is garbage... if you can the OEM for cheaper go with them.

 

Get Tokico Illumina, or HP's, they're better, and cheaper than the POS Monroes for all four struts.

 

Thats right. Get Tokico, waaayyys better. Get HP Blue if you don't need adjustable.

 

most def. don't get the monroes. bilstein is where it's at IMO

 

Tokico HP if you want slighty firmer than OE on a TL-p. KYB GR-2 for OE level replacement. Don't know about monroe, don't wanna know since it's what they use at pepboys. I used them on a 94 Dodge spirit no problems, but that's not an Acura TL so you can't compare it.

 

Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately, I got them after the part replacement had been initiated. The monroes don't feel any more comfortable than the stock struts I've had on my Acura for 6 years! I'm trying to get the shop to do something about it but I've told them the ride is harsh and I'll rather get a different brand.

When you say the Tokico is a firmer ride, does it mean that you feel the bumps more? Because I am more concerned about the comfort. I don't like to feel it whenever I go on bumps or drive on very uneven roads.

For comfort, what struts would you recommend and where do you think I can find them?

Thanks,

 

KYB GR-2's from tirerack.com or autocarparts.com They are just as comfy as stock TL struts. The tokico hp shock/struts are like maybe 10-15% stiffer, but you get less body roll.

 

Tokico Illumina's at their softest setting are pretty close to stock, though I have them at 5 (out of 5) front and back, and the ride still isn't harsh or anything.

 

I put tokico's on my Prelude years ago and they wore out much faster than the OEM's did. At 50k they were shot. I would go with OEM's. Monroe=NOPE!~

 

damnit! i just bought and installed monroe! are they really that shitty??!!

 

^ YUUUUPPPP! Expect wobbly ride with them.. The ride is absolute garbage compared to OE.