strut replacement

[MrT]

I am looking to replace my front and rear struts for my 2002 Bonneville that I just purchased with 100k. Still has factory struts on the car. Any recommendations with regard to brands, types etc? I already balanced wheels and had front and rear alignment done to eliminate most of a shimmy. Still have a slight shimmy at 65-70mph. I think that struts are probably worn out and new ones would help with shimmy and handling. The current struts have no visible damage or leaks. I noticed that there is an wire connector at the top of the rear struts, I did not see anything on the front struts. I know that earlier Bonnevilles had computer command and/or adjustable struts, but my sle has no interior switches for ride control. I am not sure about the function of the wire connector on the rear struts.

Thanks, any info or opinions would be appreciated

[redzmonte]

Alot of guys run Monroe. I have KYB on my rears and are a little firmer then stock. You can also get ACDelco (OEM). i would suggest them from ROCKAUTO.COM (use the Cupon code posted on the forum here and get 5% off). the rear of your car has Air load leveling so you are seeing the air hose to the shock. I would go ACDelco's, handle good. Monroe i hear are a little softer.

S

[dz09x]

I have KYB struts and hardware up front and in back. Reusing my old spring as well.

They are a lot firmer. It is noticeable.

I personally like the ride.

[MrT]

Thanks for the input. I like the air shocks in back. At first I did not think that an air hose for air shocks could be that small in diameter, so I thought that the line may be an electric connector of some type. Well as you said it is an air hose and the air shocks work fine. The air shocks give the car a firm but stable feel on the road.

I am going to do front struts first, springs look fine. Any experience with the life of the original rear air shocks? Mine appear to be original for 2002.

Thanks again.

[dz09x]

In terms of the history of my car. The front struts were replaced for the first time at 132,000. The rears were replaced at about 95,000 the first time with monroes and now at 132, 000 with kybs. Gives you a rough idea of how long the factory ones can last.

[redzmonte]

i dont know if they were replaced before i got the car (doubt they were) but my rears were OEM and i replaced at ~140K miles. make sure you do the upper mounts on the shocks/struts and front strut bearings.

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[redzmonte]

the KYB is a little Beefier then stock, you can see the size difference in them (the KYB has not been extended yet so it looks short.)

[MrT]

Thanks, you got some real bleeders there!!!! My struts are not bleeding yet, my 2002 SLE has 100k.

So how do the KYBs feel compared to stock?

Thanks again.