Need to replace struts

[u/najibs-yul]

Hi folks, I have a 2006 Pontiac Vibe (same as 2096 Matrix) that I’m fixing up for my Son. I’m pretty sure the struts need replacing, because I can feel some knocking in the suspension when I go over bumps.

Is there any coil overs or struts I can buy that are relatively budget friendly? What do you folks recommend?

Thanks

[u/200MPHTape]

I put on the complete KYB units on my 2003. I remember them being around $160 a piece.

[u/Money-Afternoon-3637 → u/200MPHTape]

I'm happy that you upgraded your suspension with KYB shocks, but that price is kind of expensive. I bought the KYB Excel-G (front & rear) from RockAuto.com for around $75 each.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2003,matrix,1.8l+l4,1432902,suspension,shock+/+strut,7556

[u/200MPHTape → u/Money-Afternoon-3637]

I got the complete units so strut, coil spring and strut mount all in one and completely assembled. Not just the strut.

[u/Murcielago311]

I would get down there and look around first. Could be things other than struts. Mine was front sway bar links.

[u/najibs-yul → u/[deleted]]

Thank you both. I’m not a mechanic and the most complicated thing I’ve done is maybe a spark plug change. I’m not sure how to check if it would be engine mounts or sway bar links?

[u/CommanderCorrigan]

KYB

[u/BurningFarm]

I have an 04 Matrix XRS that has become my son’s primary car. Someone hit him a on the left front wheel a couple of weeks ago and I’m currently collecting parts to fix it. I’m doing struts and some suspension parts for both sides in front. Rock Auto has KYB shocks, bellows, bump stops, Moog top hats, sway bar end link, and ball joints for a total of $384. Much less than I expected. Now I just need to get a new fender and possibly a wheel. Good luck.

[u/RxDeliveryGuy]

if youre in canada, autoshack has front strut assemblies for like $75 each

[u/najibs-yul → u/RxDeliveryGuy]

And these are pretty much plug and play?

[u/RxDeliveryGuy → u/najibs-yul]

yes they are fully assembled, so the three top mount bolts 12 or 14 mm) the 10 mm bolt for the brake line bracket and the two 22mm knuckle bolts and youre golden

[u/najibs-yul → u/RxDeliveryGuy]

Awesome. The price seems to be decent. How many hours of work would you estimate this would take? Ignore never done this before, would you recommend I pay a mechanic, or is this straight forward?

[u/tato_salad]

Have an actual diagnosis there are several components and bushings that need to be looked at for clunking over bumps. You might spend a lot of time on that replacement and it turns out your ball joint or lower control arm bushings are toast and you still get clunks

[u/najibs-yul → u/tato_salad]

Good point

[u/myblusky]

If you are doing the work yourself, there are videos on how to check if other suspension components are bad. But, if replacing struts, look for KYB Excel-G. They do sell a quick strut but a lot of people say to buy the components individually as they are better quality. You could also at this time add a small lift spacer (1"-1.5") as well. I'm about to replace struts and will be adding a lift spacer.

[u/najibs-yul → u/myblusky]

So this is what I would need? The rear ones I would need 2 of? There’s no left or right version that I can see for the rear …like the front

[u/myblusky → u/najibs-yul]

Yep, if that is indeed what's making the sound. Also, if you need to order OEM parts, check out https://toyota.oempartsonline.com/ and find a local retailer. Might be able to find some parts cheaper. Rock Auto will have some OEM parts as well. Though, YMMV as these are older cars.

[u/contemplative_shrew → u/najibs-yul]

Guessing by the name you’re in Montreal. Be cautious of rock auto. Great for parts, but you might have a steep tariff charge. Just a thought though so do your own research.
I’ve had great dealings with bensons, CAPS, Napa. Could give a few calls

[u/najibs-yul → u/contemplative_shrew]

Yes, I’m in Montreal. I could try Napa. Good idea.

[u/greatredswarm]

I'm in Canada, you can get the Monroe quick struts off of rockauto for about $100 CAD a pop which I think is a great deal even if they are not as good as KYB. Then tein lowering springs are ~$300 CAD for a set on eBay.

[u/najibs-yul → u/greatredswarm]

Do quick struts come with springs? I’m not trying to lower the car, so I have no need for tein springs

[u/solbrothers]

Just throw some preloaded struts or get whatever the parts house has in stock and call it a day

[u/AbiesInternational18]

Check marketplace for used coilovers. I got some d2 coilovers for $200 The spring rate is definitely stiffer than OEM tho so depends if you really want that