Front Strut Destruction Options

[RocketScott]

Yesterday I noticed some shaking and noise coming from the front end. Steering and braking were normal but I figured there was a joint or bushing needing replacement. After I got back to my shop I noticed this on the hood:



Then I opened the hood and found this:



Seems like an odd failure. I replaced the struts, springs, mounts, everything (even all the rubber dampers) on all four corners 5 years and 28,000 miles ago. KYB GR2 struts and eibach springs. I'm wondering if the springs dropped the car too much. I think they were the 1.5" drop and I thought the KYB struts were ok for that amount. I'm guessing the strut has been bottoming out and pounding the mount till failure. I'll get it apart in the next few days and see what's going on inside.

[ILoveMySilly97]

That sucks. Maybe its time for an upgrade and go coilovers. Lol.

[richee3]

That's crazy. I've heard of that happening but I thought we had a pretty good strut design. Hopefully it's just a freak failure. Especially for being that new...

[Spider77]

The mounts, are they OEM or an aftermarket part?

[Bitter]

That shaft is chewed up bad, it's been loose in there for a while.

[BonzaiCelica]

i highly doubt it was due to too low of springs. i have 2.2" claimed drop, on tanabe df210

[RocketScott]

When I did them I replaced everything, with the exception of the top caps on the front springs, on all four corners. Struts, mounts, and boots came from KYB. The Eibach springs came used from here. All other parts came from Toyota.

I sent an email to KYB with the same pictures to see if they had any answers. I'm sure it will take a few days to get back but I will post what I find out.

[Box]

I had a similar setup with my Tein springs and KYB struts and never had any issues. I've heard some bad things about the Eibach sportline on various cars, and most everyone says to go with the pro-kit if you go Eibach. If you want to look on the bright side of things at least it didn't cause an accident, which it easily could have with struts being a structural piece had it gone at the absolute worst time. Which if KYB wants to give you Hell is something you should mention...

[RocketScott]

Pretty much got the standard CYA response from KYB:

You vehicle calls for cartridges not sealed struts. Our parts work with the original equipment not lowered springs. Please use the part numbers ONLY that KYB has recommended for your vehicle WITH original (equivalent ) equipment only.
Thank you

[Box]

Go figure. For the longest time they said the GR-2 series was good for up to an 1.5" drop, I guess they changed their mind.

[Lamont]

I'd like to see more pictures of the damage with the strut and spring taken apart.

[SwissFerdi]

I've been running that spring/strut setup, sealed, since 2009, about 50k miles.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Feb 18, 2015 - 10:44 AM

[RocketScott]

Just ordered a set of Megan EZ street coilovers. After the Eibach spring broke in I thought there was a little too much drop anyway. I'm thinking about going to slightly larger tires on my scion rims too.

[RocketScott]

Just an update with some pictures. I got the Megan's in last week and put the fronts on right away. Hopefully I'll get some time this week to do the back and get everything checked out. The only damage I've found so far is the strut and mount (and my poor hood). After my exchange with KYB I doubt they will warranty this. I can't find any warranty paperwork from when I got them. If anyone here has paperwork showing it's ok to use lowering springs with them I'd really appreciate a copy.

[Box]

I know they used to, because that's why everyone used them. If I still had everything I would but I sold my Celica about a year ago.