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

Messages Page 3 of 16: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; ...; 16; Prev; Next; Last

#20 of 158 Re: Do I really need my struts replaced? [mmmcgal] by shipo Feb 07, 2006 (9:01 am)
Replying to: mmmcgal (Jan 24, 2006 12:17 pm) My normal litmus test regarding struts is "If the car don't bounce on down the road and if they ain't a leakin' oil, leave'm alone." Regarding the shop that gave you the life and death scenario, not only would I run from that shop as fast as I could, I'd even consider reporting them to the BBB or some other such consumer protection group. Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: smegmurf (Jan 22, 2007 9:58 am) Mr_Shiftright (Jan 22, 2007 10:51 am) smegmurf (Jan 22, 2007 11:33 am) and 1 more... annie_h (Feb 16, 2007 1:38 pm) flyinv57 (May 31, 2007 6:51 am)
#21 of 158 Re: Cost ideas? [roseb] by 431dan Mar 09, 2006 (2:04 pm)
Replying to: roseb (Dec 01, 2005 3:00 pm) Hey; first time, be gentle. I have a 2001 Avalon XLS and it gets loose on the highway. Tires are good and I run new X-Ice in the winter. Suggestions for shocks. I've been considering the Tokico. Thanks
#22 of 158 Re: Do I really need my struts replaced? [mmmcgal] by emsears Apr 27, 2006 (8:14 am)
Replying to: mmmcgal (Jan 24, 2006 12:17 pm) Two nights ago I got a flat tire when driving on the highway. When I went to get the tire replaced I found out the coil spring had broken, slipped down and sliced the tire open while driving. It certainly wasn't life or death, but I could see where there is potential to cause an accident. The broken coil could also slice the brake line. There was obviously a financial incentive for the mechanic to get your business, but I don't think he was that far off and certainly did not do anything worth reporting to the BBB. My car is a 1997 Nissan Altima with about 167K miles on it. I haven't had the struts checked/replaced since I bought it about 6 years ago, but now clearly need to do that before I drive it much further. Just thought I would pass that along. Eric Replies to this message: sbrewitt (Aug 18, 2006 3:47 pm) Mr_Shiftright (Aug 18, 2006 3:53 pm) zoomrx3 (Jun 06, 2009 9:30 pm)
#23 of 158 shocks for 2001 ranger supercab by stan6201 May 25, 2006 (5:47 pm)
I want to repace the shocks on my 2WD Ranger with something that will provide control and as soft as possible ride. Most of my driving is FWY and 80+ mph is not uncommon when possible. I plan on keeping the truck for 3 more years. The truck is stock.
#24 of 158 Re: Do I really need my struts replaced? [emsears] by sbrewitt Aug 18, 2006 (3:47 pm)
Replying to: emsears (Apr 27, 2006 8:14 am) Can someone help me 'justify' or better understand why I need to replace struts? I own a 1997 nissan max with 146,000. it runs and performs like new. I have never replaced the struts or brakes for that matter. The rubber around the stuts is ripped. I have been told that it is not hurting the car to drive with some tears but that I should have them replaced. The estimate is about $1,000 for all 4. Thank you Scott Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Aug 18, 2006 3:53 pm) zoomrx3 (Jun 06, 2009 9:30 pm)
#25 of 158 Re: Do I really need my struts replaced? [sbrewitt] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 18, 2006 (3:53 pm)
Replying to: sbrewitt (Aug 18, 2006 3:47 pm) Well it probably doesn't perform like new but it's hard for you to notice this difference because the struts tend to degrage slowly. Only when they totally collapse does the wear and tear become obvious. If you put new struts on, I'm sure you notice a difference---but if you don't drive hard and you aren't bouncing and thudding all over the place and your tires aren't wearing fast, well....maybe you can just milk 'em a bit longer.... Usually 80,000 miles is a good time to replace the struts or at least think about it...that's when they start losing their edge. If you ever had to put the car through some hard work, like hauling stuff or very rough roads, as those old struts heated up you'd notice it I'm sure. They work okay right now but they have no "reserve".
#26 of 158 I recently replaced my rear struts by sonix Oct 11, 2006 (8:21 am)
I recently replaced my rear struts and was given a crazy price. First when Meinke said they cost $168.00 each I drove a few miles and asked at Advanced auto...after they stopped laughing they showed me the price they gave Meinke it was $64.00. Secondly I was told 2 hours for each side so at another shop they did it for 1 hour each side. The job was done in 1.5 hours. So in this case my bill went from ~$750.00 to ~$275.00!
#27 of 158 What's the difference between "all-in-one" strut and other type by sdk999 Oct 12, 2006 (7:37 am)
My Ford ZX2 (166k miles) needs struts all around. It's all original, which means they should have been changed about 80,000 miles ago, so I'm not questioning the need. The mechanic is afraid everything will fall apart when they're removed, and is recommending an "all-in-one type of strut. Before I spend the $850-$950 he's telling me this is going to cost, I have some questions. 1) What is the difference between the all-in-one and the regular type strut? 2) This is a sport model; will this type strut provide equivalent handling and support? 3) Is the price quoted reasonable, or should I call around to more garages?
#28 of 158 Re: Shocks: Now I Know How They Got Their Name! [Mr_Shiftright] by annamma Dec 17, 2006 (6:37 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 20, 2005 7:39 pm) Mr Shiftright, I am shopping for front struts and mounts for my T & C 2001 LTD minivan. I am confused as to what brand I should go with.I am not shopping for price, I am shopping for simply the best in quality and if the best is worth all the price. My shop suggests that they replace with only MONROE replacement parts as their experience is best with them. I can understand the commercial interest to certain extent, but I would like an honest opinion and a kind of comparison for all the replacement brands. I hope to hear from you soon as I intend getting the job done in the next couple of weeks. Thanks in advance for your tips. Happy Holidays. Prakash
#29 of 158 Struts by oldharry Dec 30, 2006 (3:59 pm)
There are as many opinions on the best struts as there are brands of struts. First, however, I will comment on labor. Many cars, especially Japanese labels, require removal of the rear seat to access the upper rear strut mounts. This is why rears are more time than front. Age of the car, if you live in a "salt" state will add time on both ends. I sell Monroe, KYB, and other brands that are special orderes to customer specifications. Monroe Sensa Tracs, IMO, give a good combination of ride and handling. KYB's have firmer ride in their peformance lines, and do well for the more aggressive driver. Bilsteins are high price high performace preferred by many drivers of Europian cars. If your car is older, and high miles, the mechanic may recommend strut mounts and bearings, rubber isolators, and boot and bumper kits with the strut job. If all these are needed, the repair cost can be scary. Depending on the car, a four strut job could runs from around $450 to several thousand dollars. When they first came out, the electrically controlled air struts on the Lincoln Continental were more than the price of a whole new Huyndai. Harry