The KYB Excel-G series encompasses shock absorbers, struts, and strut cartridges designed for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. These components are engineered to enhance ride comfort and vehicle control through advanced valving and gas pressurization technologies. The Excel-G design also aims to mitigate the effects of wear in other suspension components.
Excel-G Series Overview
The KYB Excel-G product line includes three primary series: the 330000 Series for struts, the 340000 Series for shock absorbers, and the 360000 Series for strut cartridges. These components are twin tube gas shock absorbers, struts, and cartridges intended for a broad range of vehicle applications. All Excel-G shock absorbers and struts incorporate a 3-stage compression and rebound valving system, coupled with pressurized nitrogen gas. This combination is intended to provide exceptional ride comfort while minimizing aeration and foaming, which can lead to suspension fade.
Damping Design and Performance
A key feature of the Excel-G series is its innovative damping design. This design not only focuses on delivering excellent road control and handling response but also compensates for wear in other suspension components. The documentation highlights the importance of maintaining consistent damping performance, and the Excel-G series aims to achieve this through several design elements. The 3-stage compression valve is designed to assure fast recovery, while the 3-stage rebound valving provides better control.
Component Features and Materials
The Excel-G shock absorbers and struts utilize a variety of materials and features to enhance durability and performance. These include:
- Multi-lip oil seal: This seal is designed to reduce the possibility of oil leakage, maintaining optimal damping performance.
- Pressurised Nitrogen (N2) gas: The use of pressurized nitrogen gas reduces foaming and aeration within the shock absorber or strut, contributing to better and more consistent performance.
- Hard-chromed piston rod: The piston rod is hard-chromed to reduce friction, extending the component’s lifespan and ensuring smooth operation.
- Seamless cylinder: The seamless cylinder construction minimizes the possibility of splitting, enhancing the structural integrity of the unit.
- Sintered iron piston and rod guide: These components are made from sintered iron to add strength and durability to the assembly.
- Wear resistant piston ring: This ring reduces friction and leakage, contributing to consistent damping performance.
- All weather fluid: The fluid used within the shock absorber or strut is formulated to maintain constant viscosity regardless of external temperatures, ensuring reliable operation in various climates.
- Seamless eye ring: The seamless eye ring design reduces the possibility of breakage, enhancing the overall robustness of the component.
- Rebound cushion: A rebound cushion is incorporated to prolong the life of the shock absorber or strut.
- Teflon coated bushing: The bushing is coated with Teflon to reduce wear and friction, contributing to smoother operation and extended service life.
Suspension Fade Mitigation
Suspension fade, a reduction in damping effectiveness, can occur due to aeration of the hydraulic fluid within the shock absorber or strut. The Excel-G series addresses this issue through the use of pressurized nitrogen gas. By maintaining a positive gas pressure, the formation of air bubbles is minimized, preserving damping performance even under demanding conditions. The advanced 3-stage compression and rebound valving also contributes to maintaining consistent performance.
Design Considerations for Wear Compensation
The documentation states that the Excel-G damping design compensates for wear in other suspension components. However, the specific mechanisms by which this compensation is achieved are not detailed in the provided source material. It can be inferred that the advanced valving and damping characteristics are designed to maintain control and stability even as other suspension components exhibit wear.
Series Breakdown
The Excel-G series is categorized into three distinct lines:
- 330000 Series: This series comprises struts.
- 340000 Series: This series consists of shock absorbers.
- 360000 Series: This series features strut cartridges.
These series are designed to cover a wide range of vehicle makes and models, offering a comprehensive solution for suspension replacement and upgrade.
Conclusion
The KYB Excel-G series of shock absorbers and struts are engineered to provide enhanced ride comfort, improved vehicle control, and increased durability. Key features include advanced 3-stage compression and rebound valving, pressurized nitrogen gas, and robust construction materials. The design also aims to mitigate the effects of wear in other suspension components. The series encompasses struts, shock absorbers, and strut cartridges, offering a comprehensive solution for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.