KYB 349244 Shock Absorber - Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber

The KYB Excel-G 349244 is a rear suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and steering response. It is a direct OE-style replacement for select Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima applications, with calibration focused on factory handling characteristics rather than changing the vehicle’s feel.

KYB’s Excel-G line is assembled on the same KYB OE production lines used for new vehicle manufacturers and uses OE-quality components. For drivers searching for a rear shock absorber for a 2011-2015 Kia Optima or 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata, part number 349244 is a fitment-specific replacement designed around the vehicle’s original suspension tuning.

Key Features

• OE-style replacement shock absorber for Asian vehicles
• Fits rear suspension applications on select Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima models
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves manage tire contact, steering response, and body movement
• Strong strut body and bracket construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• R-stop design included

Product Details

KYB Excel-G shocks and struts are engineered to restore the vehicle’s designed control, stopping behavior, lane-change response, and handling balance. This rear shock absorber uses a compressed length of 15.04 inches, an extended length of 22.36 inches, and a stroke length of 7.32 inches. It features a special lower mount type and S1 upper mount type for the specified rear applications.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application. The KYB Excel-G 349244 is a practical choice for drivers looking for a rear shock absorber replacement that follows factory suspension behavior on the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive bouncing after bumps
• Loose or unstable rear suspension feel
• Reduced lane-change responsiveness
• Uneven tire contact caused by worn damping
• Noise and vibration from aging shock components

Installation Notes

Fits 2011-2015 Kia Optima, rear. Fits 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata, rear. Fits 2012 Hyundai Sonata, rear, recommended OEM replacement, through 9-27-2012. Replace the suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions where specified. KYB recommends installing new strut mounts, part number SM5850, to reduce noise and vibration, and a KYB strut boot, part number SB114, to help protect the unit from dirt, debris, and salt.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE shock and strut supplier, and Excel-G is built on KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The Excel-G line is classified as Original Equipment for the Aftermarket, reflecting its factory-style replacement focus for the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima applications listed above.