I picked up a set of silver struts.  They looked like KYB, come to find out they are SENSEN struts.

 

http://www.sensen-na.com/

 

Anyone know of these?  

cant say I have ever seen a silver KYB - always black...

 

as for the company - never heard of them before now

I installed a set a few years ago when our daughter had a 98 Forester, ALL LEAKED within the first year, 

Their lifetime warranty wanted them shipped back to them in the ORIGINAL boxes. I would pay shipping BOTH WAYS.

I replaced them with something that was cheaper than the shipping...... shortly after sold the car,

 

I did not have a good experience with them.

 

YES I have had silver AND black KYBs. If I plan on keeping a car from now on, I will spend the few extra dollars for KYB, never had one fail yet,

Thanks for the info.

I put sensen struts in one of my legacys, took it on a spirited test drive down some logging road and blew the seals out. Bought KYBs and did the same thing, they took the abuse just like they're supposed to.

 

Along with gabriel (similar experience), sensen is complete garbage, don't waste your time and money.

Yes, they will go back to the yard for a refund.  I was in a rush and saw them, snagged them.  Silver, almost new, I thought they were KYB's.  Don't rush, even in the yard.

Remembered someone else asked about Sensen struts some time ago on this forum or elsewhere. Response at the time was they are junk from China. Website confirms they are from China. Agree, your best move is to return the struts. KYB's are my advisement.

 

You are correct in that KYB's manufactured about 10-15 years ago were painted silver, but moved to be painted black for some time now.

KYBs will have the KYB logo and part number stamped into the strut tube. Have to look for that. The old Gr2s were painted silver. Those have been replaced by the Excel-G series which are painted black. I think they still have a performance line for some vehicles which is silver but you won't likely find those on a Subaru.

 

Buddy of mine put a set of Sensen struts on a Ford Taurus several years ago. (Against my advice) Fronts and rears with springs.

The rear struts were 2" too short because use their part listing was wrong. He kept them anyway, and they lasted about 3 months. In about two weeks the front upper mounts started squeaking when the wheel was turned. Eventually both fronts blew the seals out, and one rear spring broke. He bought Monroe assemblies after that, which lasted the remaining two years he owned the car.

I have no experience with them, but I've noticed them listed several times. They seem terrifyingly cheap....so I assume the quality matches.

I put a set on my 99 forester two years ago,but it is a winter beater I only drive in the worst weather here in the rust belt 500 miles a year,so far so good, under car is very rusty.