Your car won’t be complete without the shock absorption delivered by your suspension system. It allows you to drive comfortably by dampening the effects of rocky or uneven terrain.
A sound suspension system should also be able to keep proper wheel alignment and reduce stress and vibrations inside the vehicle.
KYB and Monroe are two of the best suspension systems on the market today. In this article, we will examine these two brands’ pros and cons.
Check the table below for the differences between KYB vs Monroe shocks and struts.
| KYB | Monroe | |
| Manufacturer | A Japanese company with factories in 21 countries | Manufactured in Arkansas, USA |
| Installation | Simple to install for Asian and Japanese cars. | Simple to install for cars built in the USA. |
| Performance | Better performance at slow speeds
Easy to adapt to changing road conditions |
Performs better at faster speeds. |
| Durability | Suspensions are durable in rough terrain. | Monroe struts are long-lasting |
| Pricing | Significantly lower prices | Higher prices compared to KYB. |
Table of Contents
What Are Shocks and Struts?
Shocks and struts are different parts of a suspension system. The system is designed to keep your car attached above the wheels and allows you to drive comfortably.
Essentially, they are designed to reduce the bounce or up-and-down motion of the car and allow other systems like your brakes to work properly.
- The shocks part of your suspension system is located at the back of your tires and works with springs that absorb the vibrations caused by your car’s movement.
- A strut on the other hand, is a load-bearing component that keeps the position of your tires straight. Beside the brakes, the strut also supports the steering system, making it easier to turn while you are moving.
What is KYB?
KYB is a multinational company that specializes in automotive suspension systems. Founded in 1919, the company has experience in designing and producing aircraft.
Based in Tokyo with offices and factories in 21 other countries in America, Asia, and Europe, KYB is one of the largest shock absorber manufacturers in the world.
KYB shocks and struts are designed for cars manufactured in Asia, including cars from Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda.
What is Monroe?
Since 1916, Monroe has been helping automobile drivers with quality parts. They first started manufacturing quality tire pumps for early car designs.
But by 1926, driver comfort and car control were becoming much more important. Monroe developed their “Shock Eliminator,” which brought innovation into the car world.
Today, Monroe is a trusted manufacturer of struts and shocks in the United States, with worldwide licenses in Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Installation
- KYB
Between the two, KYB systems are generally easier to install compared to Monroe. KYB suspensions are easily installed in cars manufactured in Asia.
For an even easier installation, a KYB quick strut or the KYB Strut-plus are available for car owners. They are pre-assembled strut parts complete with coil springs and upper mounts.
- Monroe
Meanwhile, Monroe strut assembly is easier on American vehicles.
Monroe also offers its own quick strut, an all-in-one solution for all cars. The difference between KYB and Monroe quick struts is that KYB manufactures them uniquely for each car model.
Performance
There is a lot of difference between KYB vs Monroe shocks because they were designed for different uses.
- KYB
KYB shocks and struts are perfect for off-roading and rough terrain. You can typically see them in sports vehicles since they offer higher performance and firmer handling. These advantages are great at slower speeds but not as good at faster.
- Monroe
Monroe shocks and struts, on the other hand, are much less firm and offer less rod surface contact. This makes them perform extremely well at high speeds.
Compared to KYB, it doesn’t handle rough terrain well, but it should work best on paved highway roads.
Durability
Purchasing a quality suspension system that would last you a long time can be extremely valuable. That’s why durability is important in shocks and struts brand comparison.
- Between Monroe vs KYB, the Monroe suspension system tends to last longer. They are made of high-quality, tested, and proven materials and are extremely durable through years of wear and tear.
- This difference is much more apparent in the Monroe Oespectrum vs KYB Excel-G. Both are good-quality shock absorbers; however, only the Monroe has a 5-year warranty.
Pricing
When buying a new suspension, you should consider an option that fits your budget.
Thankfully, KYB and Monroe manufacture suspension systems at different price ranges. KYB is the much more economical option, offering prices that are, on average, $20 less than Monroe.
Pros and Cons
In this section, we will break down the different pros and cons of KYB and Monroe shocks and struts.
KYB
- Ideal for Asian cars
- Perfect for rough roads.
- Cheap to install
- Not for faster
- Not as durable as Monroe
Monroe
- Ideal for American cars.
- A good choice for fast cars.
- Quality suspension that can last very long with a 5-year guarantee.
- Does not absorb as much shock in rough terrain.
- More expensive than KYB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs to know that my shock has gone bad?
Shocks and struts are an important part of your car. Knowing the early signs of shock wear-out to change them will keep your car working properly and keep you safe on the road.
Look for these warning signs:
- Steering Problems
- Fluids leak in shocks and struts
- Uneven tire wear
- Car dives front when braking
- Acceleration causes rear squat
- Bouncy Rides
- Unstable at high speeds
When you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to have your suspension system checked and most likely changed.
What are the other alternatives for KYB and Monroe?
If you are looking for a good brand for struts and shocks besides KYB and Monroe, you’re in luck! Websites such as Rockauto are good resources for finding them. There are many other manufacturers to look out for, such as the following:
- Motorcraft
- Moog
- Febi
- Mevotech
- Bilstein
How long do KYB shocks last?
Many factors can determine how long your shocks will last. KYB, like most standard shocks, will last 50,000 to 100,000 miles or around 7 to 9 years of constant use.
Are Monroe shocks good quality?
Monroe designs quality shocks that are durable and available for different types of vehicles. Compared to OEM shocks, Monroe provides better steering, fewer vibrations, and overall better performance.
Are KYB struts good for Toyota cars?
KYB manufactures a lot of its struts and shocks for Asian cars. Toyota specifically has awarded KYB for their innovation on shock absorbers.
One good quality shock for Toyota vehicles is the KYB Prius Excel-G. It’s perfect for improving performance and reducing car noise.
Conclusion
Purchasing a high-quality suspension system should always be a top priority. Shocks and struts can reduce the impact of the road on your vehicle and keep you and your car safe.
If you’re wondering who makes the better shocks and struts between KYB vs Monroe? The answer is: it depends.
KYB struts vs Monroe struts have a lot of differences when it comes to installation, performance, durability, and pricing.
It is important to remember each of the brand’s pros and cons before purchasing your next suspension system.
Working with Vernon and Ryley has been a great experience for me. Together with the rest of the team, I hope to create reliable and useful information for our readers, no matter where they are and their experience with car maintenance.
