[blue_whale]

All right, I have to replace the shocks on my 2006 Honda. After the tips I got on the spark plugs, I’m leery about ordering a set of KYB replacements off of amazon.
I’ve got 170,000 miles or so, have taken care of it and plan to keep it as long as possible. So what’s a good brand for replacements? I use Bilstein on my Challenger, but that’s for specific performance on that car.

 

[aggrex]

Is the concern with KYBs or with Amazon? Rock Auto is a good reliable source for auto parts coupled with the forum discount to save some Pilot bucks and they got quik-strut type ready-to-install KYBs as well as the Monroes, Gabriels etc.

 

[blue_whale]

I want to get genuine parts, not fake, and also a good set up that will last. I can get a set of KYBs for about $175 or Monroe spectrum for $245, both through shockwarehouse. Guess I’ll check a couple places, but I’ve never bought KYB, so I’m wondering about those. Monroe seems to be pretty standard, but things change and I want to get a decent setup.

 

[plplplpl]

Stand-alone:
2006 HONDA PILOT 3.5L V6 Strut | RockAuto

or in a wrap :
2006 HONDA PILOT 3.5L V6 Strut / Coil Spring / Mount Assembly | RockAuto

I'd go with KYB. It's got the little 💓next to it, and...

​	Purchase four qualifying KYB products and receive a pre-paid MasterCard for up to $75! $25 - 4 KYB Shocks or Struts $50 - 2 KYB Strut-Plus and 2 KYB Shocks or Struts $75 - 4 KYB Strut-Plus Offer expires 6/30/2020 Rebate Form How do I check the status of my rebate?

and...

5% Discount Code: 20CC2CFAD669A0
Expires: May 12, 2020


Please enter this code in the ‘How Did You Hear about Us’ box to receive the discount. Please enter ONLY the discount code, no other words or numbers. All orders are placed online and the discount code must be entered before an order is submitted to receive the discount.

 

[andywatson]

I need to replace mine too on my 2004. I'm starting with the rears this weekend. I ordered KYB rears from Amazon, hoping they're not counterfeit. Is there a problem with people getting bad ones from Amazon? I know not to buy sparkplugs from them anymore, but I haven't heard of issues with fake shocks.

On the fronts, is it really necessary to replace the spring and mount too, or can I just rent one of those coil spring compressor kits from Autozone and install only new struts on my existing springs? I've done that before on other vehicles and it's not too difficult.

 

[aggrex]

Not always necessary to change the front springs as it mostly depends on mileage and wear. DIY safety is a top concern thus quick-strut type replacements make it safe and super ez. Spring compressors are needed to complete the job safely as those springs will cause serious harm if that spring energy is accidentally released.

 

[road2cycle]

I replaced the rear shocks on my wife’s Pilot several years ago with KYB Excel-G. The OEM shocks failed at ~70k. No complaints thus far with the KYBs with the Pilot now at 115k miles.

 

[blue_whale]

I'm thinking that I will swap the springs over on the new struts, unless there is a bad bump stop which I won't know till I disassemble everything. Springs look ok so as long as everything else is good, I'll save a couple of bits and do the work with a loaner spring compressor. Thanks for the replies. Man you guys (and gals) are good on this forum.

 

[huntertn]

A small rebate on 4.
Save on KYB Shocks & Struts - KYB Americas

 

[plplplpl]

When I got my KYB shocks there was no rebate, just the Rockauto discount, and they have still been well worth the money.

 

[Daltongang]

Personally, on a 13 year old vehicle I would do it right, and put on new springs as well. They work as a team for safety and to give you a better ride, plus it isn't that much more for a new strut assembly with new springs.

 

[andywatson]

Personally, on a 13 year old vehicle I would do it right, and put on new springs as well. They work as a team for safety and to give you a better ride, plus it isn't that much more for a new strut assembly with new springs.

Mine is even older than OP's (16 years), so I just cancelled my Amazon order for just the rear shocks, and ordered the full set of front StrutPlus/rear shocks from RockAuto so that I'll qualify for the $50 rebate, and used the 5% coupon above (thanks!). I'll just leave the front struts on the shelf until I can save up a little more to order the rest of the front end kit and then get an alignment once my favorite garage down the street is open again.

 

[delta_p]

On the fronts, is it really necessary to replace the spring and mount too, or can I just rent one of those coil spring compressor kits from Autozone and install only new struts on my existing springs? I've done that before on other vehicles and it's not too difficult.

You can swap the spring over to a new strut. That's what I did recently when I put the KYB's on the front. I'm not sure about the rented spring compressors, I have a pretty good set in my tools made by Specialty Products. They got a good bite over 4 coils and easily compressed the pilot springs. Main thing is getting them across 4 coils and using a prybar and a mallet to drive it around the spring perch so they are exactly opposite each other. The pilot OEM spring perch is kind of big. Also, keeping the threads greased.

 

[headknocker]

I used the Maddox spring compressor from Harbor Freight last week to change the rear struts on my '98 CRV. It worked like a charm...highly recommended. I bought it on July 4th of last year and with a 25% off coupon I paid something like $24 for it..great deal for a tool which does it's job and does it well. I bought it primarily with the Pilot in mind but I still haven't gotten around to buying everything I need to complete the job...bearings,mounts, etc. I have the KYB struts but nothing else right now...gonna do it in the Fall.

 

[blue_whale]

... Main thing is getting them across 4 coils and using a prybar and a mallet to drive it around the spring perch so they are exactly opposite each other. The pilot OEM spring perch is kind of big...

Well I tried using the rented spring compressor. could only get it across three springs. No dice. Not enough. I went and rented another set. was able to get them over four coils and was making progress. Then the ball bearings starting falling out of the hat. So the entire assembly is shot. I thought the hat would be like on my challenger, but instead the pilot has a sealed bearing at the top. I had no idea. I already ordered the full assembly. Should be here in a couple of days.

If I had known that there were greased bearing at the top, I would have ordered the assembly from the get go. I tried to save $100 and lost $10 in shipping and a couple of days. I did get the lower controls arms replaced and the rear shocks on, so when it rolls, it will roll better. But it's still out of commission for now. Strike one for mother's day gift. Hopefully the shoes I ordered will be here tomorrow or I'll be raiding the safeway seasonal aisle for chocolate and flowers.

Long story short? Get the full assembly.

Blue Whale out.

 

[delta_p]

That's unfortunate the trouble you had. Fortunately it was much smoother for me and I had already bought some moog mounts. I think my bearing was shot and balls fell out too now that I remember. The bearing in the strut mount is not sealed. When you get the new one it may look sealed but it isn't and can be separated. There is a lot of grease in the new ones so don't spin it after you take it out the box or some grease will push out. The grease will hold it together. The fact that the balls fell out so easily on your old one means you had the right idea to get new ones.

 

[Ekirkwoo]

I cheated and bought combo Struts/springs for my 2004 pilot (268K miles) from Rock Auto. Was reasonably easy to do.

 

[blue_whale]

Strut Assemblies came in this afternoon. Got them installed and everything buttoned up in 90 minutes. Easy peasy.

 

[plplplpl]

We're supposed to just take you word for it? Pics or it didn't happen.


So how's the ride?


And if you went with the KYBs, also post pics of how you go wild and what you spend the rebate pre-paid MasterCard on.

 

[blue_whale]

out with the old...

In with the new...

prob gonna squirrel the rebate away for this Cervinis Ram Air kit for my Challenger: