So, I ordered a pair of strut bearings from Rock Auto (KYB 5027 and KYB 5028) and got them at the end of February. I got delayed on installing them until today. Well, they are a mismatch in terms of height and have a paint mismatch as well. They are different in height by 0.30 inches and were noticeable right away. The one on the driver's side is the taller one. I guess I am screwed at this point since I think I am well past the Rock Auto return policy. I just didn't think I had to get out calipers and measure them, my bad. Anybody know what the correct height should be since I need to replace one of them?

 

Will they not bolt up at all?? I don't think I've ever heard of a height difference

 

They will bolt up but that leaves the top of the strut 0.30 inches higher on the driver's side. I don't think that is factory as far as I know and I am not sure how that will affect performance. Since I can't go back to Rock Auto, I emailed KYB customer support to see what they will do. Guess I will see if they stand behind their products.

 

I think you're worrying about nothing. Bolt them on and go

 

Sorry but I paid for the correct parts and not to have to make do with a defective part. Here is an update that I think everyone should know. KYB told me to contact Rock Auto to return or exchange them. Rock Auto won't accept them back even as a warranty claim since it has been longer than 30 days. So, here is the kicker.... KYB says they have a 1 year warranty and Rock Auto says you can't file a return or warranty claim after 30 days. Effectively then, if you buy KYB parts (and I suspect at least some other maunfacturer parts), KYB's 1 year warranty is no good as neither KYB or Rock Auto are (at the present time) standing behind the warranty. I am still trying to get both KYB and Rock Auto to work with me on the problem but it is almost impossible since neither has a real person to talk to by phone. I am again emailing both to give it one last try. Right now I am giving it the benefit of the doubt that either one or the other will get the issue resolved.

 

Modern manufacturing at it's best. KYB doesn't make these, they just put their name on the box. If you look online this part is exactly the same as several others as they are all purchasing from the same manufacturer. Somewhere along the line they either switched manufacturers or the manufacturer switched their supplier and lowe and behold **** changes without the consumer knowing. We are currently dealing with this here as a supplier has changed the size of the product we purchase. Now we are changing size of our product accordingly, same product we will produce, different size. I think this is how you got your mismatch. The manufacturer should have done a better job of keeping these separate and not sold the customer, KYB 2 different lot runs. I have a feeling this is what happened and this is why you are getting the "it aint my problem" from the suppliers. If the size bothers you I think if you just purchase them again, I know that sucks, but you should get a matching pair.

 

As Vinny stated, buy another set, match a pair, and return the rest. You end up paying for one matching set that way.

 

Vinny, I agree with you on the supplier issue.

Here is the response from KYB: "RockAuto is a third-party vendor they are not an authorized/ Certified retailor our KYB warranty does not abide. I have attached our KYB Limited Warranty. All warranty claims are through the place of purchase". So, KYB is of no help and their warranty means nothing unless you only buy from their resellers. Since this is a supplier quality problem, I will not be buying any KYB products in the future.

Now, I just checked the Rock Auto site and they list the warranty information for these via a PDF link (I downloaded it) that is the KYB warranty policy. Therefore, they are advertising a 1 year warranty. So, back to them since their website won't let the warranty go through effectively only allowing a 30 warranty which is different from what they advertise. I will see what they do. Their corporate office is the only phone number on their website and it says they don't have a customer service department for answering calls but it does give an email as service@rockauto.com so I am trying that. I am still giving them an opportunity to fix the issue.

 

Here is what Rock Auto has to say, however, their own website specifically states under the "info" button on the part a warranty of 12 months. So, from what I see it appears no matter what part you buy from them, the "warranty" is only good for 30 days. If it fails after 31 days you are out of luck. If they don't resolve this issue, then I will never buy another part from them (and I have bought a lot of parts).

We’re sorry for the problem with your order. The manufacture's warranty is in place for parts that were installed and then failed after a period of time. The manufacture's warranty is not an extension to our 30 day return policy. RockAuto has a 30-Day Return Policy in which we can accept returns. Your order was placed on 2/17/24.

Had the difference in parts been identified and reported in the first 30 days we could've facilitate an exchange. We’re sorry, but we’re not able to accept a return for refund, credit, or exchange any longer.

For further information, please see our Help pages or click the link(s) below:

 

I'd rather take my chances with trash counterfeit pieces from Amazon than deal with that. At least they'll take it back no questions asked.

 

Well, this will be a big loss for both KYB and Rock Auto as now that I am retired I am full tilt into 3 restorations at the same time and will need a lot of parts for two cars and one truck. Since I haven't heard anything more from either one of them I will be buying the parts I need from other sources (guessing $5 to 10 thousand in parts).

 

Here is what the Rock Auto website actually says about the part under the "Info" button. Notice it specifically states 12 month warranty without any qualifiers to modify that statement yet they refuse to honor the warranty. If you assume that they are referring to the manufacturer's (KYB) warranty, then they are again misleading you because that doesn't apply since they are not a certified or authorized reseller of KYB parts and KYB will not stand behind the parts. So, be alert to the fact that any KYB part (apparently) sold by Rock Auto only has a 30 day warranty.

As shown on their website:

Features:

• Superior rubber reduces noise, vibration and harshness
• Includes matched grade studs and nuts
• Optimizes suspension performance by offering original equipment quality replacement components designed for each application

Some Strut Mounts have adjustable "clock" position insulators. During installation, what sometimes appears to be a mis-positioned welded spring seat may actually be caused by the need to reposition the upper mount rubber insulator.

To install some struts it may be necessary to rotate the upper strut mount insulator which can be separated from the mount. The directions are as follows:

1. Make a mark on the upper mount in line with (depending on the model) the notch in the strut pinch bolt area or the steering knuckle bracket.
2. Disassemble and loosen the spring compressor so you can remove the mount and insulator.
3. Separate the rubber insulator from the underside of the mount and then put the insulator back onto the spring so that the insulator matches the spring position.
4. Put the strut back into the spring and put the mount onto the insulator.
5. Align the mark on the mount to the notch in the strut or steering knuckle bracket.
6. Compress the mount and spring assembly, install and torque the strut nut to OEM specifications.
7. Reinstall the assembly.

KYB Strut Mount Information
OEM / Interchange Numbers: 10136865, 14080729, 88946264

Warranty Information:
12 Months
Warranty Details