Shocking a 2011 Mazda 3: Monroe, Gabriel, KYB or Sachs?

"Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo" (rustyvandura)
11/05/2018 at 10:31 • Filed to: None

Here’s an image of the 2011 Mazda 3 I bought two weeks ago. Base model, 2.0L, 5sp, 132,000 miles, $4,200. My wife and I finally took it for an extended drive on Saturday and I found the ride to be quite harsh. And lots of road noise as well. Still, I think I’ve spent our money well on this one.

Do you think renewing the struts and shocks would improve the ride?

My options are a “quick strut” by Monroe, Gabriel or Sachs in the front, and replacement shock cartridges by the same companies for the rear. The rear top mounts sound worn out which, I am told, is a thing with the Mazda 3.

For the front, I can also go with a KYB GR-2/Excel G, which is typically my first choice, but I’d have to disassemble/reassemble the front strut assemblies and require mounts and boots and such. I’ve done this many times, but it’s a good deal more work than a quick strut, but I’d get to keep the Mazda factory springs.

Thoughts? I don’t need a performance ride. The car is plenty nimble for a fifty-something couple as is.

DISCUSSION (40)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 10:39

I put Monroe and Gabriel old-style stocks on the Galaxie, but I’d be high if I was expecting a really good shock performance on a 50 year old sedan. Therefore, they met expectations, but expectations were exceedingly low.

I’ll let others weigh on the brands involved, as I seem to recall having heard of Monroes as being less than great in some applications. About all I can offer is that neither is total garbage in my experience.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 10:59

“KYB GR-2/Excel G”

Avoid. My lexus has them on the front, mind I bought it at 94k miles and it had already had the OEM shocks removed at some point (presumably 50k) and replaced with KYB Excel-G shocks. They are either blown or were utter crap from the factory because the front of the car is NOTICEABLY under-dampened. I plan on shelling out for Bilsteins or Koni Sports. Sportiness isn’t even a consideration; I know for a fact they’ll last 100k.

Friends who have put KYBs on their trucks corroborate their shittiness.

BJ > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 11:03

If road noise is an issue, look at the tires, too.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 11:06

I bought the KY pre assembled front struts for my 2006 Mazda 3 (shock and spring already bolted together). They were better than the worn out OEM shocks but I think if I could do it again I would go up a step in quality. They KYB’s still thump when the shock tops out and I still get wheel hop when I spin the tires. Two things I was hoping to eliminate with new shocks.

Otherwise I would say that absolutely yes new struts and rear shocks would improve the ride tremendously .

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
11/05/2018 at 11:11

I’ve probably installed them ten times, 40 shocks, and had exactly two fail over many years. But I will take your comment under advisement. Besides, KYB does not have a complete strut direct-replace option.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > BJ
11/05/2018 at 11:11

Yes. These are Continental Conti-Pro. Any experience with those?

BJ > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 12:19

Not recently, no. I know they’re common OEM tires on VW products, I think my Golf may have had a set, but that was back in 2008...

For any tire, you obviously want to make sure they’re not dried out or worn out. Estimating the wear is usually pretty easy, or you can have a local shop measure the tires and give them the once-over.

For the age, look for signs of dryness such as fine cracking on the sidewalls or in the treads. You can get the manufacturing date from the sidewall: https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/how-to-determine-the-age-of-your-tires

That’s no guarantee of anything, as the tires may have sat in warehouse for years before being used, but it’ll give you an idea if it’s time to replace them.

dogisbadob > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 14:16

Sachs makes good shocks. Their quick strut applications are limited, but since Sachs actually makes quick struts for your 3, that would be my choice. They are the OE supplier to most European cars.

Bilstein shocks are expensive but worth it if you have the money top spend on them.

Also check out Koni FSD shocks. They are supposed to help a lot with the ride quality while still handling good. The FSD debuted on the Gallardo.

Another thing you can do to get better ride quality is to downsize your wheels. 16 inch wheels will fit your 3. This will get you taller tires with a real sidewall.

White cars should have white wheels anyway, so also a good reason to upgrade/downsize. Tire Rack has the Assetto Gara in white. If you don’t like them, or if you’re a white-wheel hater, get TR’s Radius wheels. They are made in Italy. TR seems to recommend the tire size 205/55-16 for the 16-inch upgrade, and there is a wide selection of tires in that size.

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 14:34

Bilstein for a standard strut/shock replacement. St coilovers for slightly more spendy , both will ride better than factory.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > BJ
11/05/2018 at 14:46

I have done very well with Kumho Solus for price and ride comfort and longevity.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > dogisbadob
11/05/2018 at 14:58

I will go with the Sachs parts upon your recommendation, but I will look into FSD first. I think the car will handle adequately well on any serviceable gas shock/strut. I was inclined to try the Sachs anyhow. My vehicle has the 205/55-16 tire size already.

I installed Bilstein shocks on an Isuzu Rodeo once and I hated them, but then, that may have been the Isuzu’s fault more than Bilstein’s.

Do you work in a job/industry related to this?

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/05/2018 at 15:00

What does “ride better” mean to you? Less harsh? That’s what I’m after. Softer ride under normal circumstances.

Rock A uto doesn’t carry Bilstein or Koni and I’ve had both of those recommended to me, though I don’t really want to pay super-premium prices.

dogisbadob > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 15:39

I do not work in related job/industry.

Skunkle > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 16:28

My step father had same gen mazda 3 at about 150,000miles and came to me saying how harsh his ride has gotten. Slapped the monroe quick struts on the front and shocks in rear and it made an immense difference in the ride quality and werent too much trouble to install

Grilled-TUNA > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 17:03

Fellow gen2 mz3 owner chiming in. I would check out the Koni STR.T line. I currently run D2 coils but if I went back to an OEM setup that would be my choice.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Skunkle
11/05/2018 at 17:06

Thank you for that reply. I’d expect the Monroe to be the softest. Another guy suggested trying the Sachs.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Grilled-TUNA
11/05/2018 at 17:07

Well, they’re quite expensive, for starts. I would be afraid of a “performance” shock making a “performance” ride and it being stiff. Remember, my wife and I are not young...

For Sweden > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 17:11

I bought Sachs for my Volvo today; mostly because they’re pretty good and I’m too cheap to get Bilsteins for a land yacht .

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 17:39

Digressive valving in both will make large impacts seem softer but control highway speed vehicle motions with better confidence making the car safer. It won’t feel as jarring as lesser valving over impacts.

https://fortune-auto.com/valve-technology/

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 17:41

Also, I’d take Bilstein over K oni every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > For Sweden
11/05/2018 at 18:05

How is the ride quality? I want some good quality slush in my ride.

I used Bilstein once on an Isuzu Rodeo and I hated them, but then it might have been the Isuzu’s fault.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/05/2018 at 18:16

Wow; thank you for explaining that. If I use Bilstein, I’ll have to disassemble and reassemble the front struts, strut mounts, and all of that. I’ve done that a bunch of times and I’m down. But the price and the effort ...

So if a softer ride on the highway is what I primarily seek, I know you like Bilstein, but wouldn’t Monroe or Sachs be an acceptable lower-cost choice? I’d expect either one to be not a slouch.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/05/2018 at 18:17

I’m not going to fool with Koni.

Any experience with KYB? I’ve been swearing by them for years.

For Sweden > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 18:17

I don’t know; they haven’t arrived yet.

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 18:34

I liked kybs for a bit but that age old adage that goes “the best you know is the best you’ve ever had.” Kinda like when you go to your first proper steak house and not a ponderosa, etc. Bilstein can be revalved however you like too. The st can only be rebuilt to their specs.

I run ohlins now on my cars unless I can’t get them and then run Bilstein. Kw/st work very well for a few of my friends who use them professionally. Really good stiction numbers for that price and longevity.

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 18:36

I don’t have any good experiences with Monroe and I’ve never used Sachs. I know they (Sachs) do make some nice stuff.

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 18:46

Forgot to say c ongrats o n the car, it has a gem of a chassis that begs to autocross. Easy on the car and a great learning experience for not many green backs. You’ll find a lot of experienced drivers willing to ride along and give pointers as well.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 21:21

harsh, in all conditions or just turning, bumps etc?

Being unsure of the shocks, how are the ball joints, tie rods ends and alignment ? D o the tires look like they have even wear? Just thinking before you swap shocks, what else might make it feel wonky.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > For Sweden
11/05/2018 at 22:03

Will you be like me and let them sit for a year or three before you get around to installing them?

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/05/2018 at 22:04

That car won’t be autocrossing.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/05/2018 at 22:07

You are blowing me into the weeds here. Revalved ? Yikes.

Okay: fifty-something couple who drives to the coast on the weekend and across the desert once or twice a year and wants to do so in comfort. I think re-valved Bilsteins might be overkill. All in all, I am considering trying my luck with Sachs.

Question: what do you think about using one-strut assemblies versus keeping the factory springs up front?

gmctavish needs more space > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/05/2018 at 22:31

My dad has Monroe quick-struts in the front of his Taurus, and despite all the “friends don’t let friends buy Monroe” I’ve heard, the ride really nicely. Comfy, but not too floaty. KYBs are very harsh, he has them in the rear of his wagon, and I have them in my Raider. They keep things very controlled, but they’re not comfy at all.

Gabriel and Sachs I have no experience with, but I’ve heard good thin gs about Sachs at least. They make really nice clutches.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gmctavish needs more space
11/05/2018 at 23:47

I'm leaning toward trying out Sachs.

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/06/2018 at 00:39

Sachs sound like they’ll do well for you, I’d keep factory springs unless they show signs of fatigue.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/06/2018 at 04:27

KYB is my pick

mind you i’m going to replace mine with Gabriel shortly

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/06/2018 at 11:59

I’m leaning that way as well, but gosh, slapping in one-strut assemblies is sure a lot easier than disassembling the strut assemblies. Does that affect your thinking any?

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > pip bip - choose Corrour
11/06/2018 at 12:00

KYB would be my pick as well, except that my complaint is already that the ride is too harsh. KYB can definitely make for a stiffer ride.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/06/2018 at 12:13

What’s your line of work?

gettingoldercarguy > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
11/06/2018 at 19:17

I work in intellectual property.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > gettingoldercarguy
11/07/2018 at 07:32

That sounds like something a covert CIA operative would answer at a bar.