I started getting a pretty loud popping noise from my front end. I was hoping it was a sway bar bushing underneath but it turns out that I need to replace both of my front struts. I want OEM quality, no need for an upgrade. Should I go OEM (dealer estimated $300 each) or go aftermarket. What is a good replacement?

I have a 2003 Evo 8.

Thanks!

 

Well...

Bilstein HD's are the direct and top replacement out there. Second would be a low mile used set of Bilstein MR's. Third, used low mile OE.

 

Hmmm. The Bilstein HDs look nice but they aren't much cheaper than the OE struts. I am having problems Google searching for the OE part numbers. Any ideas as to good vendors to buy from? Every vendor I find sells strut tower braces only.

I'm not looking for superior performance just a good replacement.

 

BTW I looked at Tire Rack and Lancer Shop and neither has anything. I am looking for brand new only.

 

OEM Bilsteins and KYB's are super overpriced from the dealer if i recall.

- Andrew

 

Yep. $700 for all 4 HD's is a deal when the OE's go for roughly $600 a piece up front.

 

So the local Goodyear store is the cheapest so far. KYBs for $250 each plus $236 labor to install.

The dealer wants $300 each for OE struts and $336 to install including alignment. Do I need to get the front end aligned when replacing my struts?

 

No. But if its been a while an alignment isn't a bad idea.

 

Thanks! I just got my alignment done 500 miles ago when I got new tires. Good to hear I don't have to do it again

 

These suspensions are known to make noise. The last time I had a bad strut I could reach in under the fender, pull on the strut, feel movement and recreate the noise I was hearing from behind the wheel.

 

That's good info. I definitely remember hearing noises so I was used to the norm but what I hear now is definitely different. It is very loud and sounds like a bushing somewhere is bad. I was going to get a second opinion as to what specifically is wrong. I think I will jack it up and see what I can see.

 

I got a set of IX GSR SE shocks with 10k miles on them for $175 shipped from a seller on here. I think thats probably your best option.

 

The blown strut I was referring to was on my DSM. I was backing and turning in a confined space and caught one of those yellow posts square on the face of the tread (I'll take that over body work). So, have you hit something recently with that wheel?

If it is a bad strut, I don't see why you need to replace two.