Dead Rear Koni Shock...Replace 1 or both???

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18 May 2003
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I just found out yesterday that my right rear Koni shock is dead. Is it ok to replace the bad shock or should I replace both rears? Thanks in advance!
 
I'm sure one of our tech gurus has the right answer, but I'm thinking you should replace both. If one failed, then the other might not be far behind, and since you are there doing the work, might as well have peace of mind that you have two brand new ones installed. Same applies for tires - replace them in pairs, not singles.
 
Depends on the age/wear.

If low/nominal/reasonable, just replace the one. There is very little economy of scale by replacing both...each shock is essentially a seperate job.

If the shocks are well worn, replace them both....I advise replace them all.

But since you are asking, it would be reasonable to assume they are not well worn, so I would only replace one.

Your money is a finite resource just like your time: have high value for it.

Drew
 
drew said:
Depends on the age/wear.

If low/nominal/reasonable, just replace the one. There is very little economy of scale by replacing both...each shock is essentially a seperate job.

If the shocks are well worn, replace them both....I advise replace them all.

But since you are asking, it would be reasonable to assume they are not well worn, so I would only replace one.

Your money is a finite resource just like your time: have high value for it.

Drew

Thanks for the input!
 
Konis come with a lifetime warranty, as stated on their website:

Koni said:
Q: What is the KONI warranty? How do I go about getting replacements?

A: The KONI warranty is a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own that car registered for street use. The warranty does not cover damage to the parts caused by misuse, misapplication, installation, motorsports, etc. The warranty does not include mounting bushings. If you determine you have a defective damper you can either contact the company which you purchased the unit(s) from or contact KONI North America directly at [email protected] or 859-586-4100. To process your warranty, we will require a copy of the purchase receipt and a vehicle registration. We will generate a return goods authorization (RGA) and can replace the dampers in advance at your discretion. For more specific information about the warranty see our warranty form.
 
Larry Bastanza said:
Mileage on the shocks?

Approximately 30K. Thanks again guys for all of the input! I talked to Comptech and they said that I can return the bad shock to them, they will send it to Koni, and I will be shipped a replacement. I can't be happier! :biggrin:
 
I just found out that since I am not the original owner who purchased the shocks (the previous owner purchased the shocks), the warranty is void. :frown: I know a lot of manufacturers state that their warranties aren't transferrable, but I think it is lame since the product hasn't changed, just the owner.
 
ryan1926 said:
I just found out that since I am not the original owner who purchased the shocks (the previous owner purchased the shocks), the warranty is void.

That's a bunch of crap. Do you have the original receipt for the shocks from the first owner? If you do, scan it, then Photoshop in your personal information. Re-scan it, print it and send it directly to Koni with a copy of your reg and get the new shock.
 
just found out that since I am not the original owner who purchased the shocks (the previous owner purchased the shocks), the warranty is void.

How do they know who you are?? (And how much information have you given out in the past 2-3 hours?)

I don't see why the original owner can't be your roommate or something and have the same address as you?? (hint)

The owner probably never meant to transfer ownership of the shocks, so with any luck he may want to chip in and help you facilitate the warranty claim.

Drew
 
You should be ashamed of yourself.

Hugh said:
That's a bunch of crap. Do you have the original receipt for the shocks from the first owner? If you do, scan it, then Photoshop in your personal information. Re-scan it, print it and send it directly to Koni with a copy of your reg and get the new shock.
That's called FRAUD.
 
Re: You should be ashamed of yourself.

nsxtasy said:
That's called FRAUD.

The fraud is the bullshit "lifetime" warranty Koni is hyping. My suggestion is merely a clever use a technology to get what's fair. Seriously now, a shock failing after only 30K miles? Screw them, he deserves a replacement. He should also check his local consumer protection laws, I'm fairly certain that some States prohibit the voiding of waranties due to an ownership change.
 
I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions. I've decided to go ahead and purchase 2 new rear shocks. After the new shocks are installed, I will send the "bad" shock back to Koni and see if I can get reimbursement for one of the shocks. If I do, that would be great. If not, no big deal since it is clearly stated in their warranty, even though I think it is lame.

I figure this is the best way to minimize downtime and save me the headache and the time of trying to fight with Koni. I actually got a pretty good deal on 2 rear Koni shocks so I am happy. Thanks again guys!
 
ryan1926 said:
I figure this is the best way to minimize downtime and save me the headache and the time of trying to fight with Koni.

Who needs to fight? Just send them a polite email letting them know you are an active poster on about 20 or so very active automotive message boards and you're going to post your experience and warn everyone about the "fine print" in their warranty. I'll bet they overnight you a pair of new shocks. :smile:
 
The person that purchased the shocks should have complained about the terms. As a second owner you have no issue with Koni. How many products out there are warrantied for life? Besides I think the new owner will be pleased with the quote for the rebuild.

I purchased a new Porsche 996 from Beecmont in Cincinnati. Beechmont offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner of a new Porsche sold through their dealership, they count on you selling it down the road. However, if you keep it you get free service. Do you think Beechmont should warrant that car for the rest of it's life through multiple owners? Surely not.
 
Alan C. said:
I purchased a new Porsche 996 from Beecmont in Cincinnati. Beechmont offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner of a new Porsche sold through their dealership, they count on you selling it down the road. However, if you keep it you get free service. Do you think Beechmont should warrant that car for the rest of it's life through multiple owners? Surely not.

You can't compare a car with hundreds if not thousands of moving parts and a myriad of sub-systems to a relatively simple shock absorber. The dealer's offer is just a sales gimmick. They know they have no risk during the warranty period and the chances of a person a person keeping a car past that are slim to none. Koni on the other hand touts their product's durability but a shock that fails after only 30K miles is a piece of poo poo and should be immediately replaced no questions asked.
 
I understand the emotion part of the equation. However, Konis contract ended with the original owner. Ultimately the consumer will determine if those terms are valid through their purchasing decisions. I am considering a set of Konis for my car and the warranty terms are what they are. If I sell the car ten days/ten miles after the install Koni's obligations cease.

This is the same 'sales gimmick' you note above. The market place is full of them.
 
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