I don't think that's a particularly good idea to mix-and-match struts/springs on the same axle. They almost certainly have different compression/rebound rates and may make your vehicle drive a little wonky. Accordingly, it may actually be somewhat dangerous. You may want to skip the sled skiing and return one or the other and get a matched set.

 

Besides regular bouts of OCD the different brands of struts will function but there may be differences in the shock absorption and rebound although the way a Pilot is driven may not be noticeable. But I prefer identical struts/shocks per axle at the minimum. On a different vehicle I was not impressed with Monroe Quickstruts but ymmv

 

My OCDs would not allow me to ride on different struts. I'd lay awake at night thinking about. Going in with only one CV axle (not in pairs) was a challenge.

 

OCD FTW.

I wouldn't either.

 

Well I did it. I sent it. I had a buddy in a Jeep follow me as backup, and everything went as planned. I'll keep everyone posted on the condition of my Pilot and the struts. Everything rode as expected and I have nothing "interesting" to report back.

... Except for getting stuck on the sleds MULTIPLE times in warm, wet, concrete snow as soon as the sun poked through the clouds. Hopefully I'll get some more powder turns before the sled season ends. They're '99 Arctic Cats and definitely a little under-powered for the kind of deep heavy powder we found today. Anyone wanna hook me up with an RMK ?

--Chris N.

 

Great post!

I would have say my own preference would be to replace at a minimum both fronts struts to to achieve and assure “balanced” ride.

My question - is it okay to mix strut brands on front vs back. Say bilsteens up front and Monroe in back?

Should worn strut(s) be replaced all at once ideally?

 

Great post!

I would have say my own preference would be to replace at a minimum both fronts struts to to achieve and assure “balanced” ride.

My question - is it okay to mix strut brands on front vs back. Say bilsteens up front and Monroe in back?

Should worn strut(s) be replaced all at once ideally?

While I'm glad that I got the job done when I did, I would definitely have preferred identical struts. But honestly, the only thing I noticed while driving/towing over the weekend with mis-matched struts was that my tires were at different PSI (i.e. I didn't notice a thing).

As for rear shocks, I used the KYB Excel-G's and they have been fine. I don't think there should be an issue between mixing brands on front/rear.

Another thing I noticed was that my control arms had some super cracked bushings I should deal with. I'll start looking into new LCA assemblies.

--Chris N.

--Chris N.

 

IMO vehicles are not like kids. No mix and match sales for me.

 

What is the recommendation for new shocks/struts? Thanks.

 

KYB from RA, They're even currently running a deal: RockAuto February Newsletter

Selling like hotcakes. Hope they get them back in stock pronto. You can register to be advised when they do.

More Information for KYB 2SR4169344353

 

I poached a pair of KYB Strut-Plus assemblies from my old junked Pilot and put them on my current Pilot about a year and 15k miles ago. They had probably 2-3 years and 50k miles on them already.

Well last weekend after skiing at Arapahoe Basin, my front-right coil snapped in half and destroyed my ~new Blizzak tire. I used hacksaw in the parking lot to get the coil to where I could limp home. As soon as I get home I order a KYB Strut-Plus assembly. It arrives yesterday. I back my Pilot into the garage, and the other coil snaps. I stop before it destroys my tire.

My local Advance happens to have the Monroe Quick-Strut Complete Strut Assembly ( Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance ) for $270. The KYB Strut-Plus I bought for $180 shipped.

I'm hesitant to let anything sway me from just getting the job done today (I'm going sled-skiing tomorrow and need to tow), but I figure I would ask my wise fellow Piloteers for any input. Some questions:

• Anyone have experience with the Monroes?
• Anyone have experience mixing brands? Especially when brand new?
• Any reason why I absolutely should not do it?

--Chris N.

So I'm a little late to the party here. I was about to order a pair of KYB struts but just read this. Nobody seemed to key in on the OP having two different KYB strut coils snapping within a few days of each other. But these still seem to be the go-to aftermarket replacement strut for first gen pilots?

 

There are many KYB strut users here on the forum. I myself included, though I'd never recommend preloaded assemblies. From what I've seen, the coils are not as good quality as the OEM. I highly recommend KYB struts. I reuse my original coils. If I needed coil(s), I'd buy OEM.

 

One should also note the following:

1) the OP took 2-3yo KYB struts, with 50k miles, and installed them on a different Pilot
2) the OP then drove another year and put another 15k miles on those same KYB struts

KYB states the replacement struts are rated for 50k miles. Coupled with the fact they were installed, un-installed and then re-installed on different vehicles - when the struts were already at their recommended mileage limit - I'm not surprised something bad happened.

If the strut fails, then the coil spring becomes the primary component taking all the punishment. Road, terrain and driving habits also have a big influence. I'm not saying it's not alarming that both coil springs completely snapped - just noting there were some underlying issues that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating the OPs situation.

However, I agree with NG that the Honda OE are likely better and stronger. If you feel like changing just the strut and compressing the spring, the original springs (or replacement Honda) are better, especially if you do anything off-road with the Pilot.

 

Appreciate those thoughts, folks. Because of the logistics of my current living situation and limited access to garage/tools, I'm going to get the KYB preassembled struts. I'll keep the OEM's in storage and potentially switch the coils later.

 

That's exactly the approach I took, I've got the original OE strut assemblies stored on the side of my pole barn.

Just an FYI, but I found the KYB struts on Amazon, and with Primer were ~$50 cheaper (with free returns) compared with the price + S&H at RA