Rear shock replacments???

[2001SSEi]

One of my rear shocks lost all of its oil? I am looking for repacements, what do you guys recommend? GM, Monroe Max air, or somthing else? Also should I replace the shock mounts at the same time? GM Of Moog?

Please let me know, and Thank you.



Mike

2001 SSEi 96000 Miles

[2001SSEi]

I replaced them with Monroe air rides shocks, and I reused the original mounts for now. I will have to see how that goes... I know I will have to replace the fronts struts soon, But I need to wait until I find a job first! Are the front struts very difficult to replace, please share your experience with me? Do I need a spring compressor or any other special tool?



Mike

[Archon]

If you aren't having issues, keeping the original shock mounts may not be a problem. Many of the after-market ones clunk over sharp bumps. The Moogs do seem to settle down some, after a while.

Yes, you will need a good set of spring compressors. A strut nut removal tool, like this one will help, also.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/Steering-Suspe ... _10101.jcw
A breaker bar will help with the strut to knuckle bolts, and a good torque wrench for getting things tightened properly.

Be extremely careful, if you decide to do the job yourself. The spring can be extremely dangerous if it lets loose from the spring compressors.

[2001SSEi]

Thanks for the detailed reply on the tools...

One more question about the parts needed:
the strut, new springs, (bellows and bumper), new sping seats (upper and lower), and strut bearing. do I need to order any other parts for this assembly?
DO I really need new springs? Or can I reuse the old ones, just asking?

BTW, I was looking at: (Oreilly Auto Parts) http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/DisplayT ... wPage=true

Have a good one

Thank you!!

Mike J.

[Archon]

Unless the springs are damaged in some way, which would include places where the coating has come off, and they're rusting, there is no need to replace them. The bearing, and seats are a good idea.

[olblueeyesbonne]

I would skip Orielly's and go straight to the discount site www.rockauto.com and use the discount code that can be found in the 'VENDORS' forum.
Napa has Monroe Sensatrac air shocks for the rear for $85 (total for two) -my old 00 SLE just got them Thursday and the owner couldn't be happier. That's actually better than buying them from www.rockauto.com because at that price even a 10-15% discount will come back in shipping.

[kp8420]

I need some rear shocks as well....Auto zone sells Gabriel Hi Jackers ,.......there $71 a pair..... no good?? whats good and fairly inexpensive yet not to cheap
thanks

[RookieSSei]

i got the monroe shocks and struts put on my car and I love it plus! my shake at 70+ is .... NO MORE !!!!

[mrbear3800]

I put Monroe "Maxx" air struts on my mother's car when the originals started leaking oil this past summer. They are WAY too firm, IMO. I couldn't seem to find any other struts at the time..

[kp8420]

your right...i put monroe on the rear......and they do feel a bit firm....yet its alot better, no more of the whole rear bouncing and feeling like my tires are going to be pulled off the back from bouncing so hard left and right when i hit a bump....thats gone atleast

[mrbear3800]

your right...i put monroe on the rear......and they do feel a bit firm....yet its alot better, no more of the whole rear bouncing and feeling like my tires are going to be pulled off the back from bouncing so hard left and right when i hit a bump....thats gone atleast

True. I'm going to be replacing the blown front struts soon so it should feel a bit more balanced. I'm suprised it doesn't have over-steer issues with the lame duck front struts and rock hard rear ones. Wonder if there is a way to adjust the firmness of the rear air shocks??