shock replacement...alignment?

[matta46]

I think I need new rear shocks, I've got a squeak coming from the right rear tire area. Shocks are original with 118,000 miles. From what I've read, it seems pretty easy to replace the shocks and mounts. Question is, if I replace just the rears, is an alignment needed afterwards? Also, if I have them replaced at a shop, what's a reasonable cost for the whole job (parts & labor)?

thanks for the help!

[00Beast]

No alignment necessary.

You can DIY, it's an hour in your driveway at worst. You'll want Monroe MA822 Max-Air shocks, you can get them at any parts house. They come 2 to a package. Even if you do take it to a shop buy those shocks yourself and deliver them to the shop. It should be no more than an hour at whatever the going rate is in your area.

[vogie01]

Whether you replace them yourself or have a shop do it, make sure it replace the mounts too. It is very common that people skip the mounts because they look ok, but do yourself a favor and replace them because they will need to be replaced. We suggest on the forum that you use the Moog mounts.

[imidazol97]

My MA822s came with the rubber cushions for the top. I believe that is the mount mentioned.

To the poster changing shocks: so not let the left rear hang free because it can go down too far and pull the height sensor down below its travel design limit.

Also, I'd suggest replacing the lower bolts--the originals are a unique design. I was able to reuse some but had to replace one of them.

Alignment not needed for rear.

I'd keep alert for a rebate for Monroe struts and shocks again. Last winter they had a buy 4 get 1 free--they rebated 1/2 of the cost of the MA822s because they came in pairs. Good company.

You'll find the MA822s feel pretty hard at first, but they will soften up.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Alignment is needed for the rear due to camber. Toe isn't generally needed, and caster is pretty fixed by the strut mount position that allows no movement. One can get the camber pretty close by marking the position of the old strut on the knuckle, then installing the new strut on that position.

[00Beast]

Dave, 00+ is 100% different than 92-99. The rear shocks don't locate the control arm, they merely dampen it.

Even if they come with mounts (which no set I've ever seen has) the Monroe mounts aren't great, they don't last. The Moog mounts seem to hold up much better.

[imidazol97]

Even if they come with mounts (which no set I've ever seen has) the Monroe mounts aren't great, they don't last. The Moog mounts seem to hold up much better.

My MA822's came with these parts (not same brand, of course) from Monroe. Are these the mounts? Maybe I'm wrong on terminology--it has happened often and I appreciate learning.

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/ ... 7/image/4/

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Dave, 00+ is 100% different than 92-99. The rear shocks don't locate the control arm, they merely dampen it.

Even if they come with mounts (which no set I've ever seen has) the Monroe mounts aren't great, they don't last. The Moog mounts seem to hold up much better.

Gotcha, Ed. Looks like GM made some progress there.

[redzmonte]

Even if they come with mounts (which no set I've ever seen has) the Monroe mounts aren't great, they don't last. The Moog mounts seem to hold up much better.

My MA822's came with these parts (not same brand, of course) from Monroe. Are these the mounts? Maybe I'm wrong on terminology--it has happened often and I appreciate learning.

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/ ... 7/image/4/

That does look like a upper mount and hardware.

[imidazol97]

Advice if doing it yourself, clean the threads on the lower bolts with a wire brush and use oil before removing them. The white corrosion on them tightens them up. I twisted one bolt off IIRC.

[00Beast]

The speed nuts on the control arm are prone to breaking. If they break, you should be able to take them to a parts store and get new ones.

[matta46]

Thanks for all the info, I will replace the mounts too if I do them with the Moogs. It's not a big deal if the bolt breaks, right, just replace the bolt and the speed nut on top of the control arm? The hole in the control arm the bolt goes through isn't threaded, is it? Because if it is that could complicate getting a broken bolt out. If it was threaded I suppose you wouldn't need the speed nut though.

[matta46]

Ordering the shocks and Moog mounts now, do I need to get 2 of the Moog Mounts (Part # K5341) from Rock Auto if I am doing both rear shocks, or does 1 mount have enough parts for both shocks?

[01bonneSC]

need two mounts