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

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

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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 11 of 17: 1; ...; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; ...; 17; Prev; Next; Last

#95 of 158 KYB struts by sean300 Jan 15, 2008 (11:39 pm)
I like them. I've only had one problem and that is when I had them put on the vehicle. A few days later when going over the Throgs Neck Bridge I hit a bump and the car began to shake violently. Luckily, my mechanic is only 15 minutes away. He said that one of the holes on the strut was slightly larger than normal and that caused some play with the bolt. He said that he put a washer on to stabilize it and so far it seems to have been ok. I personally think that he didn't tighten the bolt fully. As for the sporty ride, they appear to give a similar ride to the oem's but it's a Lexus, not a 350z or any other sports car. Total cost (p & l): $550.
#96 of 158 do I replace 1 shock or all? by royceb Mar 31, 2008 (10:09 am)
the right front shock broke from rust on my 97 ford contour. I can see there are 2 coils and one is still intact. If i could I would like to do it myself. Is it possible? Are OEM shocks the best type to get?
#97 of 158 diy by okko1 Mar 31, 2008 (4:00 pm)
it is probably a strut and they are dangerous and better left to a shop. the vehicle will need alignment also
#98 of 158 Sensa-Tracs attack! by a2rabidhabit Apr 13, 2008 (7:44 pm)
I just got Monroe Sensa-Trac struts for my '01 Subaru Legacy wagon, and they're beating me to death! The ride is much harsher and more jittery than the OEMs I (probably unnecessarily) replaced (at 113000 miles), especially going over any road imperfections at highway speeds. Is this normal for Sensa-Tracs? Could I have received the wrong struts (from Sears)...maybe ones meant for Outbacks? Am I stuck with this horrible ride? Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 14, 2008 5:27 am) a2rabidhabit (Apr 15, 2008 7:28 am) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 15, 2008 7:41 am) and 6 more...
#99 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [a2rabidhabit] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 14, 2008 (5:27 am)
Replying to: a2rabidhabit (Apr 13, 2008 7:44 pm) It's hard to say if something is wrong. The Sensa-Trac isn't supposed to be all that firm, but it is an old design and has been superceded by the Reflex shock. For me personally, and this is just an opinion, you kind of get what you pay for with a Monroe shock, especially a somewhat obsolete design. It might not have been the best choice, but how would you know until you try them? Maybe if you jump up and down and whine and holler, Sears will exchange them for Reflex type with a pro-rate, especially if you had asked them about the shocks' ride characteristics. Also sure, check the application and make sure they gave you the right one. I have an Outback of similar year and the ride is not harsh at all on OEM. Replies to this message: a2rabidhabit (Apr 15, 2008 7:28 am) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 15, 2008 7:41 am) a2rabidhabit (Apr 16, 2008 9:59 am) and 5 more...
#100 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [Mr_Shiftright] by a2rabidhabit Apr 15, 2008 (7:28 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 14, 2008 5:27 am) Thanks for the info and suggestions, Mr S. I had checked Monroe's Web site and found that the Sensa-Trac was the only strut mentioned as applicable for the '01 Legacy. Unfortunately, I didn't talk to Sears about them before my purchase, trusting that Monroe's claim of "comfort and control" was valid. I'm going back to Sears today to see what I can work out. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 15, 2008 7:41 am) a2rabidhabit (Apr 16, 2008 9:59 am) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 16, 2008 4:48 pm) and 4 more...
#101 of 158 Re: Sensa-Tracs attack! [a2rabidhabit] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 15, 2008 (7:41 am)
Replying to: a2rabidhabit (Apr 15, 2008 7:28 am) Yeah, tell them you are very unhappy with the ride and that you'd like the upgraded new and improved shock instead of this old stuff. If they want to charge you a pro-rate for the use you got out of the shocks, that seems fair if a bit nit-picking. So they are saying that Monroe only sells their obsolete shock for the Subaru? Hmmm......... If you want to die and go to heaven, buy Bilsteins---but they are expensive. however, if you plan to keep the car for a long time, well worth it. But Koni makes a good shock, and the KYBs are decent enough for the money. Replies to this message: a2rabidhabit (Apr 16, 2008 9:59 am) Mr_Shiftright (Apr 16, 2008 4:48 pm) a2rabidhabit (Apr 23, 2008 6:35 pm) and 3 more...
#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...