Hey all,

Last month I purchased a full set of Koni str.t shocks to do a factory replacement of my OEM shocks - also keeping the car at the factory ride height. Koni's website lists the P/N as 8050 1059 (L/R fronts) and 8050 1056 (Rears). I installed the new components and have noticed the car bounces all over the place. So I did some more research and then noticed these same part numbers are also listed for the Acura TSX and all Accord . I also noticed the same thing for the Koni Yellow shocks which I thought was odd.

My question is why the heck are all the cars using the same shock when they're all different weight distributions and setups (engine/transmission etc)? None of the shocks from the factory are the same part number and while they may bolt right up, I'm sure the performance would not be the same among all.

Is it basically necessary to upgrade to an adjustable shock if you're not going to buy OEM in these cars and want to retain factory if not better performance?

 

Koni and other manufacturers adjust the damping curve til they believe it will work across all applicable models. For that reason, adjustables are a better idea when going aftermarket.

Your car should not be bouncing around, however....

Is there something wrong with your shocks? Damaged in shipment? Leaking?

As far as factory shocks...Honda is very particular about their shocks/springs. They even make different springs AND shocks for a lot of their cars based on transmission choice.

 

Thanks for the response. As far as I can tell there is nothing wrong with the shocks themselves as they are not leaking and they did not look damaged during shipping. The only thing that happened during shipping was the large zip tie things came off the pistons and the pistons popped through the box but I can't imagine that damaged anything.

I've contacted the vendor that I purchased them from and they refuse to return or exchange the shocks citing that even though Koni lists them for the Acura TL, they only stand by the product when used on an Accord. I have also contacted Koni regarding the matter but at this point I'm out $350 and not sure what to do.

 

the rods popping out of the box seems to be a common issue. And yes...that may have damaged them if the rod was nicked or scratched. But you'd see fluid leaking and/or hear hissing sounds from that type of damage.

The fact that the car is bouncing is very strange. You said you have the stock springs on there?

Bouncing how? like a fast, high frequency bounce? Or a slow oscillation? Or...?

The USDM Accord (V6) and the TL aren't *that* different in terms of suspension design or weight.

 

I did inspect everything and it appeared fine. Yes, I am running the stock springs on a 2006 TL 6 speed with a high performance all season tire on factory wheels.

The bouncing is more of a fast high frequency bounce/jiggle. Almost as if the car is not tuned right when going over small bumps in the pavement. Previously, I would have felt those as just thuds but now there is a thud and extra bounciness occurring.

At this point, I will put my old shocks back in but I don't understand why the vendor nor Koni will take the shocks back.

 

The shocks probably just have a ton of rebound force from how you're explaining it. Or...they have more rebound force than you prefer.

Kinda sucks that nobody will take them back.

FWIW, I've installed KYB Excel G or GR2 or...whatever. And they also seem to exhibit similar behaviour. Maybe not quite as pronounced as you're experiencing.

Replace your shocks with factory Honda units for a TL if you like the way stock shocks feel.

 

Unfortunately, I replaced the stock shocks with these because I wanted to stiffen up the suspension (Koni claims they're better than OEM) just a tad but they're pretty damn uncomfortable. . I'm fine with stiffness but not bounciness. On my GTP I have AGX adjustable struts and lowering spring and have zero bounce. You feel every bump in the road but it's highly muted and contained.

I wonder if these would fit my wife's 05 TSX? Koni lists it as the same P/N too and they may ride better there.

Also would the Koni yellow on stock spring be a big improvement or would I run into the same issue since they fit multiple cars?

 

Hard to say. People seem happy with yellows and stock springs. But I thought I heard Strt's were just Yellows set fully soft?

Try the STRT's on the TSX. Nothing to lose.