Kia Rio strut mounts

[WmWatt]

I've read here that the Kia Rio strut mounts where the strut rotates at the top for steering are preferable to the original Festiva strut mounts. Can they be used without modification, eg cutting some off the coil spring? I've also read here the "two hole" Rio mounts are needed. Does that mean they have to be off a particular year or model? Thanks.

[Bert]

If you're a disbeliever or skeptic come on over to my place and try driving one with and without. The difference is really impressive. Rio mounts (2 bolt hole versions) are symmetrical as opposed to Festys (which change castor/camber significantly if you rotate them 180 degrees). There are some early Rios at Kennys U-pull just down the road from you on Bentley, or you can buy new ones (00-01 year) from Kia. No spring cutting or anything to really tinker with. Though you will have to install a thick washer on top of the shock in order for it to bear on the top hat inner race and you will have to sleeve the shock rod a bit so it fits snug in the Kia top hat. No big deal though.

[Bert]

If in fact there are 10,000 members of this 'club' then there ought to be 10,000 fewer Aspires on the road. Aspire 'bubble cars' don't seem to generate the same cachet as our minimalist boxcars but, by golly, they do provide convenient and miraculous brake and suspension upgrades for our generation of Kias. Now we even get to tag-on Rio bearing-filled top hats.
Some day a miracle cure for the inane pre-load bearing and 22 spacer arrangement in the front of Festys/Aspires/Rios will also be found. Perhaps the Iranians (Saipa) have solved this problem and someday will be allowed to export their versions.

[nitrofarm]

If in fact there are 10,000 members of this 'club' then there ought to be 10,000 fewer Aspires on the road. Aspire 'bubble cars' don't seem to generate the same cachet as our minimalist boxcars but, by golly, they do provide convenient and miraculous brake and suspension upgrades for our generation of Kias. Now we even get to tag-on Rio bearing-filled top hats.
Some day a miracle cure for the inane pre-load bearing and 22 spacer arrangement in the front of Festys/Aspires/Rios will also be found. Perhaps the Iranians (Saipa) have solved this problem and someday will be allowed to export their versions.

Hi Bert,I've only found 5 out of the 20 spacer size's installed in my Festy's & Aspire's. And the #10 & #11 seem to be the most common. I betcha I have about 20, #10's in my drawer from Festy's that we gutted.Mazda must have thought there was gonna be a lot more variance in the Hub casting's? I cant figure why else they called out so many spacers thickness's in the manual.

[DriverOne]

What Bert said! The difference is unbelievable! If you don't have power steering but want it, the strut mounts are probably the best way to go about getting them!

[twopass]

Does the monroe replacments for kia rio have the bearings ?

[71Montego]

I think they are on the hat not the strut.

[Skrapbob]

Is there a picture of the strut mount or a part number to identify it?

Or an aftermarket part? I see some mounts on Ebay, but not sure what I am looking for. I will be buying struts very soon. I would like to know if I should buy Aspire or Rio struts to go with the strut mounts?

[DriverOne]

MOOG K80910. The bearing is not brand-specific. They're available almost everywhere.

[Skrapbob]

MOOG K80910. The bearing is not brand-specific. They're available almost everywhere.

PERFECT! Thanks!

So... should I buy 00-01 rio struts for the front and/or rear of my festy?

[FestYboy]

front only!

[Bert]

PERFECT! Thanks!

So... should I buy 00-01 rio struts for the front and/or rear of my festy?

I suppose if you're an adventurer you could try them at the back, but the bearing advantage would have absolutely no purpose. Rigid wheels and no steering back there, don't ya know.

[twopass]

Then do I also need to use Camber and Alignment BOLT Kit after I install the new tops
with a washer inside and a spacer around the strut shaft ?

[Bert]

Then do I also need to use Camber and Alignment BOLT Kit after I install the new tops
with a washer inside and a spacer around the strut shaft ?

I didn't have to and 15000 km later my front tires still have worn evenly. Put the hats on first and then see what it looks like.

[Bert]

Aspire and Festy shock rods are about 7/16 diameter and the Rio hats have about 1/2 inch hole size. There is an indent on A & F rods, and on the hats and none on the Rios. Likely require an impact gun to tighten the central nut on the hat because there is nothing to hold on to. The collar or sleeve can be thin metal rolled around the rod (I used sheet copper that happened to be nearby) and maybe someone can figure out a suitable brass rifle/pistol cartridge case (45 ACP, 45-70 Gov't, perhaps (0.45 inside and 0.5 outside)) that can be adapted.