Strycker

iTrader: (1)

I'm looking to replace my wife's suspension components all the way around and came across the FCS brand. While it's cheaper than the Monroe Quick-Struts, I was was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of these parts? It's about $300 for the complete 4 corner replacement parts and all in a quick-strut setup. This is a simple commuter car, 10 miles each way and nothing crazy, all straight highway. I'm looking to do it myself as am comfortable working on cars and realize I'll need an alignment afterwards. Any other suggestions on an economical replacement appreciated too. This is all original parts still with almost 170k on the odometer as well. Replaced the brake pads and rotors about 100k.

bsmiley

I replaced my front struts last year. My only complaint is they're really stiff in the cold weather, under 30 degrees. Mine aren't quick struts, I re-used the mounts and springs. Sensen brand is what I went with. I've put 14k miles on them.
I did the front sway bar end links and lower control arms. A few months later. Instead of pressing in compliance bushings, I just replaced the whole control arm (new bushings already installed) for around $42 per LCA.
The end links were a pain.

Compliance bushings make a big difference.

My son has a Corolla. We replaced his front struts with KYB quick struts last November. He has 5k miles on them.

If i was going to do it again, I'd look to get KYB quick struts for my Civic.

lowlife9

you ever hear ''you get what you pay for'' well you get what you pay for.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

I would get KYB if it's available.

Never heard of FCS.

Strycker

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I decided that Monroe Quick-Strut was the one to choose. I'm hoping they'll give it a few more years of life. I did notice that the LCA bushings are tearing too. Seems to be nothing new on the forum. Didn't bother with those yet. It's a 10 mile commuter car, so not too worried. I still have the rear struts to do too. I'm having a hell of a time on the rear drivers side bolt where it attachs behind the hub. I can't get it to budge at all. Tried PB Blaster, propane torched it really good, borrowed an impact gun from Advance Auto and nothing! Such a pain in the ****. And I thought the fronts would be the nightmare! Those were smooth as butter once everything was loose.

bsmiley

When I did an order from Majestic Honda for an ECT sensor & thermostat I bought the 19mm bolts for the front LCAs. You can always cut or grind off... and order some new ones.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Big cheater pipe! 4-6ft. 1/2" drive socket and wrench.

Strycker

iTrader: (1)

This is exactly what I was thinking. I've got $20 off $40 for Advance and they have a 24" 1/2" breaker bar. That and a pipe MAY work, but not 100% sure. It's a tricky angle and I'm working from the ground, not in the air.

I need bushings too on the front and may end up just replacing the whole LCA from ebay eventually. We will see what happens tomorrow. If I break it, I guess I'll be driving the wife to work.

Strycker

iTrader: (1)

My front bolts had no problems coming off. I was stoked to find out the lug wrench fit the bolts. That made things MUCH easier than dealing with sockets and wrenches.

bsmiley

So what did you do with the rear bolts?

Strycker

iTrader: (1)

Postponed till next weekend. I did buy a 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar and an impact socket. If that doesn't do it, onto the lever action with a 4'-6' galvanized Pipe. I have put PB blaster on it so maybe that will help during the week. Will post back. I can't believe it's that seized in there.