Is your car showing its age? Small bumps feel like massive potholes. Your vehicle floats and wanders on the highway. This loss of control signals worn-out shocks and struts.
You’re not alone. Here’s a common story from automotive forums like Reddit’s r/MechanicAdvice: “My 10-year-old Camry rides like a boat. The mechanic quoted me for OEM shocks, but my friend suggested KYB. Are they any good? I just want the car to feel new again without a harsh, bumpy ride.”
Enter the KYB Excel-G shock absorber. It’s one of the most popular replacement shocks available. The company positions it as the ideal solution to restore your vehicle’s original ride quality.
This comprehensive KYB Excel-G shock review cuts through marketing hype. We’ll explain the difference between OEA vs OEM ride quality. Then we’ll give you a clear verdict on whether these shocks suit your daily driver.
Decoding Shock Types
Why This Matters
Your shock choice directly affects comfort, handling, and safety. Understanding the basic categories helps you make a choice that matches your expectations and budget.
|
Characteristic |
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) |
OEA (Original Equipment Aftermarket) / OES (Original Equipment Supplier) |
Aftermarket (e.g., KYB Excel-G) |
|
Who Makes It? |
The part installed at the factory, branded by the car company (e.g., Toyota, Ford). |
Made by the same company that supplied the OEM part, but sold under their own brand name (e.g., KYB, Sachs, Bilstein). |
Made by a third-party company. |
|
Performance Goal |
Tuned specifically for the vehicle’s original balance of comfort and handling. |
Designed to be identical in performance and feel to the original OEM part. |
Varies from OEM-spec replacements to high-performance or specialized applications. |
|
Ride Feel |
The exact “new car” feel. |
Should feel identical to a brand new OEM unit. |
Often slightly firmer to compensate for wear in other suspension parts. |
|
Cost |
Highest. |
Moderate; often the best value for an OEM-spec part. |
Varies widely, from budget options to premium performance units. |
Where KYB Excel-G Fits
KYB is a massive Original Equipment Supplier (OES). They make factory shocks for countless vehicles. Toyota, Honda, and Subaru all use KYB components.
The KYB Excel-G you buy from parts stores is their flagship aftermarket product. It’s engineered to restore your vehicle’s original performance, not just match it. This distinction influences its ride characteristics.
In-Depth KYB Excel-G Review
Restoring The New Car Feel?
Many drivers worry replacement shocks will be too stiff. They want to eliminate bounciness without creating a harsh, jarring ride over bumps.
The Excel-G addresses this concern with specific engineering. KYB calibrates the Excel-G to compensate for worn suspension components. It’s often valved up to 15% firmer than a brand-new OEM unit. This restores the vehicle’s originally designed stability and handling. This verifiable data point explains the common “firmer than stock” feedback.
This design choice creates a tangible driving difference. A Subaru forum user documented their switch to KYB Excel-G shocks on their 120,000-mile Forester.
The “boat-like” wallowing in corners disappeared completely. Small, sharp bumps on city streets became slightly more noticeable at first. However, they concluded the trade-off was worthwhile for the massive improvement in highway stability. The car felt “planted and safe” again.
The Excel-G provides a “restored OEM” feel, not an identical-to-new OEM feel. It prioritizes control and stability. This results in a ride that’s slightly firm but exceptionally well-damped. For most daily drivers, this creates a more confident and comfortable experience than their worn-out suspension provided.
Improved Handling and Stability
Will KYB Excel-G shocks actually improve your car’s handling? The answer is definitely yes, especially compared to aging factory units. The slightly firmer valving directly improves vehicle control.
You’ll notice several key improvements:
• Reduced Body Roll: Your car stays flatter and feels more composed in corners or on-ramps.
• Less Brake Dive: During firm braking, the front end won’t dip as dramatically. This maintains stability and control.
• Improved Highway Confidence: Your car feels less affected by crosswinds. It’s more stable over pavement undulations at speed.
Manage your expectations appropriately. These aren’t high-performance racing shocks for track days. Their purpose is restoring and slightly enhancing your vehicle’s designed safety and control for everyday driving.
Durability and Longevity
Longevity is a common concern. When investing in new suspension, you want parts built to last.
Industry studies show average OEM shock lifespan is around 50,000 to 75,000 miles. After this point, performance degradation becomes significant even without leaking. Quality aftermarket shocks like the Excel-G are engineered to meet or exceed this lifespan under normal driving conditions.
KYB’s expertise as an OES directly contributes to Excel-G durability. They incorporate advanced technology for long service life.
Features include multi-lip oil seals, hard-chromed piston rods, and seamless cylinder construction. These prevent the most common failure points. Suspension experts explain that the primary failure point for twin-tube shocks is often the main piston seal. KYB’s advanced sealing technology directly addresses this risk. It prevents fluid loss and pressure changes that degrade performance.
Real-world feedback supports this. Across forums for high-mileage vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, owners consistently report reliable long-term Excel-G service. Many exceed 80,000 miles without issues.
The Installation Process
A Direct DIY Job?
For mechanically inclined individuals, installing KYB Excel-G shocks is manageable. They’re designed as direct, bolt-on replacements for factory units. No special modifications are required.
Shock replacement is the perfect time to inspect and replace related components. Create a checklist to ensure complete and long-lasting repair.
• Strut Mounts / Bearings: These wear out and can cause noise or steering issues.
• Bellows / Dust Boots: Torn boots allow dirt and debris to damage new shock seals.
• Bump Stops: These prevent damage from harsh impacts and degrade over time.
• Sway Bar Links: Worn links can cause clunking noises over bumps.
Replacing these “while you’re in there” items saves you from doing the job twice. It ensures the entire suspension system operates quietly and correctly.
Professional Installation Costs
Professional shops typically charge 2 to 4 hours of labor for all four corners. This depends on your vehicle’s complexity.
You must get a four-wheel alignment after installation is complete.
Replacing shocks and struts can slightly alter ride height and suspension geometry. Skipping this step leads to premature and uneven tire wear. For tire health and vehicle safety, post-installation wheel alignment is non-negotiable.
The Upgrade Path
When to Consider Adjustability
The KYB Excel-G is a top-tier choice for restoring factory OEA vs OEM ride quality. Some drivers want more control.
If your driving involves varied loads, occasional light off-road use, or you enjoy fine-tuning your vehicle’s feel, adjustable shock absorbers might be perfect.
The Power of Adjustability
Adjustable shocks let users change damping force with a simple knob on the shock body. This switches the suspension’s characteristics from soft to firm.
Think of it as having multiple suspension setups in one. You can have a comfortable, compliant setting for daily commuting. You can also have a firm, controlled setting for spirited driving, towing, or carrying heavy cargo.
This customization level particularly benefits more capable vehicles. Owners of trucks and SUVs like the GWM Tank 300 can transform their driving experience. Upgrading to a system like the GWM Tank 300 Adjustable Shock Absorbers provides adaptability that fixed-valve shocks cannot match. It offers superior performance both on and off the road.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy?
The KYB Excel-G shock absorber is high-quality, reliable, and well-engineered. It successfully restores a vehicle’s intended stability and control. It provides a ride that’s comfortable, confident, and slightly firmer than a brand-new OEM unit. It represents excellent value for daily drivers.
Consider which profile best fits your needs to make your final decision.
Choose KYB Excel-G Shocks If:
• Your primary goal is restoring your daily driver’s safety and comfort.
• You want a controlled and stable ride. You’re okay with it being slightly firmer than brand-new OEM.
• You’re looking for a reliable, “set it and forget it” solution from a trusted OES brand.
• Your budget focuses on long-term value over high-performance features.
Consider an Adjustable Shock If:
• You want to customize ride feel for different conditions (city vs. highway vs. off-road).
• You frequently carry heavy loads or tow a trailer.
• You’re an enthusiast who enjoys fine-tuning your vehicle’s handling.
• Your budget allows for a more advanced, feature-rich suspension system.
By understanding the nuances of OEA vs OEM ride quality and your own driving needs, you can confidently choose the right shocks. This will make your car feel safe, stable, and enjoyable to drive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are KYB Excel-G shocks better than OEM?
KYB Excel-G shocks are not necessarily 'better,' but they are different. They are designed to be slightly firmer (up to 15%) than new OEM shocks to compensate for wear in other suspension components like bushings and mounts. This restores a 'like-new' sense of control and stability, which many drivers prefer over the softer feel of original OEM shocks.
What is the difference between OEA and OEM ride quality?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) refers to the exact part installed at the factory, tuned to the car brand's specific comfort/handling balance. OEA (Original Equipment Aftermarket) or OES (Original Equipment Supplier) parts are made by the same company that made the OEM part but sold under their own brand. OEA ride quality is designed to be identical to the original OEM feel. Aftermarket parts like the KYB Excel-G aim to restore that feel in an older car, which often means they are slightly firmer.
How long do KYB Excel-G shocks last?
Quality aftermarket shocks like the KYB Excel-G are engineered to meet or exceed the typical OEM lifespan of 50,000 to 75,000 miles. With proper installation and normal driving conditions, many users report reliable service well beyond 80,000 miles.
Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing shocks?
Yes, a four-wheel alignment is essential after replacing shocks or struts. The process can slightly change your vehicle's suspension geometry, and failing to get an alignment can lead to unsafe handling and rapid, uneven tire wear.
