Shock and Strut Replacement -- Cheap, OEM, or Upgrade?

158 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2009 at 7:41 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Performance Mods, Suspension

This forum is to discuss shock/strut problems and how to best deal with what is becoming a rather expensive replacement item on cars approaching 60K-80K miles. Are products sold by chain stores just too cheesy to give decent performance? Is it worth upgrading shocks and struts if you are a more or less docile driver? Is OEM a rip-off for what you get?

Let's hear your ideas and experiences.

Outline

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#102 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [Mr_Shiftright] by a2rabidhabit Apr 16, 2008 (9:59 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 15, 2008 7:41 am) I talked with Sears staff yesterday, and they said that there might be some extra stiffness during the "break-in period" for the struts—about 2,000 miles, according to them. They also said they would check to see if the struts had been installed correctly (maybe something was "overtightened") and to see if Monroe had sent them the correct struts—i.e., those for my Legacy versus those for a heavier Outback. I'm planning to take the car back tomorrow. Before that, I'm wondering if they're right about a break-in period for struts (I know that my Legacy didn't start out riding this harshly when I bought it new) and if there's anything in the installation that could have been "overtightened" to affect the ride. I'd appreciate any advice. BTW, I put Bilsteins on a '69 Dodge Dart V-8 I owned. A foolish attempt to turn chicken feathers into chicken soup, I know in retrospect, but that car handled great! Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 16, 2008 4:48 pm) a2rabidhabit (Apr 23, 2008 6:35 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 24, 2008 5:13 pm) and 2 more...
#103 of 158 Focus suspension by rincon1840 Apr 16, 2008 (2:52 pm)
ZX3, car has 124K. Front spring broke. Purchased SVT suspension (f/struts, r/shocks, f/r springs, bump stops, sway bar) and two strut bearings for about $350. SVT suspensions are surplus right now, since SVT Focus is no more. Labor of $300 at a local, reputable shop. Eibach, etc, were considerably more expensive. Checked other auto parts stores; low-end products still would have been more expensive. Suspension parts were bought via internet (BAT Inc).
#104 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [a2rabidhabit] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 16, 2008 (4:48 pm)
Replying to: a2rabidhabit (Apr 16, 2008 9:59 am) No, no, we aren't buying the "break in period for struts" song and dance. But to be fair, they may have sold you the correct shock (correct in that it fits and is shown as correct in their books) and been acting in good faith in doing so---it just might be that this is not the shock for your needs, or that meets your OEM specs. Replies to this message: a2rabidhabit (Apr 23, 2008 6:35 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 24, 2008 5:13 pm) a2rabidhabit (May 15, 2008 7:36 am) and 1 more...
#105 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [Mr_Shiftright] by a2rabidhabit Apr 23, 2008 (6:35 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 16, 2008 4:48 pm) Sears was cooperative. The struts turned out to be the correct Sensa-Tracs for my car, and they were installed properly, but Sears offers "Satisfaction Guaranteed," and I was very dissatisfied (and the Sears customer service rep could see/feel why after a short test drive). After checking with the Monroe district rep, Sears offered to return my money if I had other struts installed and returned the Monroes to them. I have a choice between getting KYBs or Subaru OEM struts for about the same price. Do you have any recommendation of one or the other? (My inclination is to go with the OEMs, but I'm curious to know if there's a reason to favor the KYBs.) Thanks again for all the help with this really stressful problem. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 24, 2008 5:13 pm) a2rabidhabit (May 15, 2008 7:36 am) Mr_Shiftright (May 15, 2008 12:21 pm)
#106 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [a2rabidhabit] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 24, 2008 (5:13 pm)
Replying to: a2rabidhabit (Apr 23, 2008 6:35 pm) Well I guess I'll answer your question with a question. How long did the original OEMs last you? If they are approx. the same price as KYB and went a long time the first time, I'd go with OEM then. Replies to this message: a2rabidhabit (May 15, 2008 7:36 am) Mr_Shiftright (May 15, 2008 12:21 pm)
#107 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [Mr_Shiftright] by a2rabidhabit May 15, 2008 (7:36 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 24, 2008 5:13 pm) Just to wrap up... I went with the OEMs, and everything's back to normal. They cost just $20 more to buy and install than the Monroes. (The shop who installed them told me that the KYBs would have been stiffer than the Monroes, so the decision became easy.) Sears took the Monroes back and refunded my payment, and my teeth aren't rattling every time I hit a bump now. Thanks again for all your help in straightening this out! Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (May 15, 2008 12:21 pm)
#108 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [a2rabidhabit] by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 15, 2008 (12:21 pm)
Replying to: a2rabidhabit (May 15, 2008 7:36 am) One thing about OEM--you might pay more, but at least the parts fit and they work.
#109 of 158 Should I replace the shocks by fhh1 Dec 13, 2008 (2:07 pm)
I have a 2000 Ford Explorer with 115K miles shocks have never been replaced. I was told my shocks were leaking. The ride does feel rough. After getting an estimate for $750 and doing some research and learning that replacing shocks MYSELF may not be too bad, I am considering taking the leap. Should I replace the shocks? Also I am considering Bilstein shocks based on some info on forums. Any reason not to use Bilstein. Would anyone recommend another brand for a 2000 Explorer? I am looking for a good value on the shocks. Finally, any other suggestions to improve the ride? Thanks Francis Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 13, 2008 2:31 pm) euphonium (Dec 15, 2008 11:03 am)
#110 of 158 Re: Should I replace the shocks [fhh1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Dec 13, 2008 (2:31 pm)
Replying to: fhh1 (Dec 13, 2008 2:07 pm) Bilsteins are GREAT shocks but I'm wondering if they might be a bit of overkill for you and your Explorer. Yes 115K is more than enough mileage to justify replacing the shocks. If you plan to keep the vehicle a long time, and you enjoy great handling, Bilsteins will certainly serve you well. Beware of cheap, chain-store shocks. Quality shocks are not only for ride, they help with tire wear and stability on the road. You could replace them yourself but you may need a few special tools, and you'll have to be sure to work SAFELY.
#111 of 158 Re: Should I replace the shocks [fhh1] by euphonium Dec 15, 2008 (11:03 am)
Replying to: fhh1 (Dec 13, 2008 2:07 pm) I had Bilsteins installed on our 94 Town Car, front only due to rear air shocks and they improved the ride, stability, & handling significantly. AJ-USA, San Diego, provided two for $157.48 inc'l freight 11 June 07 & installed by the local Midas shop. Because Bilstein doesn't provide shocks and struts for 95 T Birds, AJ-USA sent KYB (GR-2) shocks and struts. They too, improved the ride. The four shocks and struts were $154.90 25 May 07. Midas installed these too. http://ajusa.com