As a content creator for carparteu.com and an auto repair specialist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of choosing the right car parts. Recently, I acquired a 2016 EX-L with 115,000 miles, knowing it needed some TLC, especially in the front end. Familiar with suspension work on Hondas and Toyotas, I anticipated addressing the clunks and noises. Upon inspection, the front struts were clearly aftermarket, branded FCS (model 333569) – a budget-friendly option often found online. It became apparent that the previous owner had opted for a complete FCS strut assembly, including strut, coil, bearing, and mount, instead of just replacing the strut itself. While cost-effective initially, this decision can lead to premature failures and further expenses down the road.
My initial assessment confirmed a blown left front FCS strut, evidenced by oil leakage. Dating from September 2021, this FCS strut barely lasted a year. This short lifespan highlights a critical point about Fcs Car Parts: while they might seem appealing due to their lower price, their longevity and performance often fall short compared to higher quality brands or OEM components. In the automotive world, especially for crucial parts like struts, investing in quality upfront can save you from repeated repairs and potential safety issues.
To rectify the situation, I decided to rebuild the struts using more reliable components. Since OEM Honda strut assemblies are no longer available, I chose KYB Excel-G struts from RockAuto, along with KYB mounts and bearings, known for their quality and performance. My initial plan was to reuse the FCS coils, bellows, and seats (the metal top piece of the coil spring assembly). However, I quickly encountered a compatibility issue. The KYB bearing, a larger, flat nylon disc designed for OEM or KYB seats, was incompatible with the existing FCS seat.
The FCS strut assembly utilizes a smaller bearing that fits into a circular recess on the underside of the FCS mount and mates with a raised portion on the FCS seat. Conversely, OEM Honda and KYB seats have a flat surface designed to accommodate the larger bearing. This discovery meant that simply replacing the FCS strut, mount, and bearing with KYB components wasn’t enough. To properly rebuild the strut assembly with KYB parts, I also needed to replace the FCS seat with a genuine Honda seat, incurring an additional cost. This experience underscores the importance of considering compatibility when mixing and matching car parts, especially when dealing with aftermarket brands like FCS car parts.
While I opted to replace the FCS mounts and bearings due to concerns about their quality, I did decide to reuse the FCS bellows and bump stops. Upon inspection, their quality appeared comparable to OEM, and they fit perfectly with the new OEM seat. In this instance, reusing these FCS components seemed acceptable, saving unnecessary expense.
In conclusion, my experience highlights a crucial lesson for car owners: when it comes to car parts, particularly suspension components like struts, choosing quality over price is often the wiser long-term investment. While FCS car parts might offer an initial cost saving, their potential for premature failure and compatibility issues can lead to additional expenses and labor. Opting for reputable brands like KYB or OEM components, even if slightly more expensive upfront, ensures better performance, longevity, and ultimately, greater peace of mind. This case serves as a reminder to thoroughly research and understand the implications of choosing budget-friendly aftermarket parts, especially for critical vehicle systems.
