While I am very happy with my 2003 6 S, I called Tire Rack for new Shocks. My goal was to improve the ride and have a bit firmer ride. While I do have Racing Bear Sway bars front and rear (they helped), the car isnt as firm nor the suspension as supple after 89,000.

So I called Tire Rack and ordered KYB g2's. Also, I replace the rotors and pads (Hawk) at the same time. A local garage did the work and has done many repairs in the past with good results.

The brakes are great, but evey bump/ripple is felt in the car. There is no such thing as a small bump. Also, the rebound damping causes the car to bounce (this makes it feel even older).

Called Tire Rack and they asked for photos. Wanted to know if I lowered the car. Said no and took the car to the garage and had photos taken. Surprise, the LF has oil everywhere on the bottom of the suspension. My belief is that this shock was so stiff in its initial stroke that it blew the oil. Now it is really bad. What is worse is that even after receiving the photos, Tire Rack is stating that:
The Shocks will be stiffer because the old shocks were worn and the sway bars make it feel stiffer. Also, that if I want to return the shock they MAY warranty it.
I purchased the shocks & breaks with my AMEX card and intend to pursue this through them.

I am just very disappointed in 1) KYB and 2) Tire Rack.

I will update the outcome.

Steve

 

I have used KYBs on quite a few of my Mazdas & have never had a problem. Installing perf shocks on your car will always ride stiffer. Why don't you just let them warranty the shock out for you?

-Sheldon.

 

The car does not really ride stiffer. The compression damping is so stiff initially that small bumps are very harsh (Freeway expansion Joints), but then in turns the car rolls more than it used to.
My complaint with Tire rack is that the photo clearly shows the shock is now blown and the there is no oil. Not only won't they acknowledge that, they respond that if I return the shocks they will send them back to KYB to review the issue, but it may take a few weeks. I have always had very good service from Tire Rack, why wouldn't they want to send a replacement shock at minimum?

Today I ordered Tokico Blue shocks from Racing Beat. I plan on having them installed next week and sending all 4 KYB's back to Tire Rack.


Steve

 

The issue, sounds to be more the fact that TireRack is merely a vendor and not the manufacturer. Thus when you have a manufacturer defect (like this) you have to take it up with the manufacturer rather than the vendor. Which makes sense when you think about it.

 

G2's are intended as a replacement shock, but one that is designed to compensate a bit for the older car, worn bushings and suspension pieces in general. They are a twin-tube gas shock and as such are not intended as a true upgrade, just a replacement for worn OE's. Single tube shocks (e.g. KYB Gas-a-Just, Tokico's, Bilstein, Koni Yellow's) are usually the kind of dampers found in sporty cars w/firmer suspensions or as an upgrade in other cars to the OE's.
They should not ride hard or rebound differently than a new OE would on a new car.

 

On Friday I got the car back with my new Tokico Blue shocks and it really feels great. The car is now supple over small bumps and firm in turns. Also, the rebound damping allows the car to settle very quickly. It feels just a bit firmer than new and I am very happy. Driving my car is now back to a very happy experience.

I believe that I just got a bad batch of KYB's and believe that Tire Rack will do the right thing.


Steve

 

Good. Glad you got that straightened out to your satisfaction.
I know I LOVED my Tokicos when I had them... way back when. They were a huge improvement over the OE's.
I plan on putting "blues" into the wife's Vibe when it's time.