PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

My first post. Haha!

Anyway, I've got a '96 LSS that needs struts BAD. While I know many folks are happy with their money spent with various manufacturers, does anyone have any suggestions?

Personally, I'm not a big fan of Monroe or Gabriel. I see Rockauto offers some Delco OE replacements that actually spec "w/F41", which is what mine is. Are they worth it being twice the price? Please feel free to share your opinions and experiences. Also, thanks in advance for the replies.

I can't comment on the Delco's, but I recently replaced the entire suspension on my car with new struts, springs, sway bars, and bushings. As far as the struts, I went with the KYB Excel-G's and I'm really happy with them. I've put about 1500 miles on them so far, and they're very comfortable, but still keep the car planted and don't bounce very much.

I have used Monroe for a long time... I liked the Monroe Matic Plus.. I have Monroe Sensatrack's on there now and don't care for them.. They are too soft for me, they ride the road really good but are not what I wanted..

I wish Monroe still made the Reflex for these cars..

I would recommend the KYB's, or the Monroe Matic Plus..

I have used Monroe's twice on the '92 SSE that Matt got from me. That's why I'm going with KYB this time. The Monroe's get soft too quick for me. - BC

Sorry for the delayed response. Life happens, I'm sure most can relate. I ended up with Monroe OESpectrum due to cost and was disappointed in the fact that the fronts were relabeled Sensatracs. The rears ended up appropriate OESpectrum. As far as the ride goes, I suppose almost anything feels "sporty" compared to the blown out OE fronts. The rears seem a bit stiffer by comparison, not sure if that's me or an actual difference in product lines. I appreciate the replies and input. Now I'll get back to the noisy strut mounts that were replaced when the struts were done. Then ANOTHER alignment. It seems to be hard for me to find a competent place for that regardless of vehicle. But that's another story...

I've been looking at replacing mine as well. I do know this is Ben a while since I replaced any and I will be getting the fully assembled strut. Is just a while lot easier and I won't have to worry about any unseen metal fatigue. The brand name ones are good but you can find some aftermarket ones that are equal if bit better. Good rule of thumb for suspension parts is you get what you pay for. I put Ranchos on my truck all around, didn't check with the manufacturer, my mistake, I could have gotten the electronic control unit for free for buying 4 or more. It was just a marketing deal to push the new product. It would have been nice but since I didn't check with them I had to get out and adjust them by hand whenever I went mudding. My car needs then pretty bad right now gets a little loose in the curves handling is noticeable.

Well, I cured the front noise by appropriately clocking the upper strut mount. I've heard a creak/ clatter in the rear, so I stuck my head underneath to check sway bar bushings. Rear struts are oily on the lower half. What gives?! Everything around them is dry. It appears both are losing oil. Not particularly happy being that these were replaced in the last couple of weeks.

With what little I know, my guess is the struts may have failed. We put on new KYB air shocks on the rear of the '05 and I think they softened up a bunch about 4 weeks ago on the way home. When they went, it felt like I had a flat. I had to pull off into a parking lot late at night just to check and make sure it wasn't a flat tire.

While on the subject, anyone have any experience with Detroit Axle struts/parts? - BC

I have had great luck with the front axles from Detroit Axle.
I replaced both the right and left side on the 2001 SLE.
I have never tried the struts or shocks.

Rbmml wrote:Well, I cured the front noise by appropriately clocking the upper strut mount. I've heard a creak/ clatter in the rear, so I stuck my head underneath to check sway bar bushings. Rear struts are oily on the lower half. What gives?! Everything around them is dry. It appears both are losing oil. Not particularly happy being that these were replaced in the last couple of weeks.

1oldman's guess is correct.
Oil leaking from a shock or strut means that one or more seals have failed and the shock/strut needs to be replaced.
It's the oil sealed inside shocks and struts that provide the shock dampening properties.
Even "gas" shocks/struts are filled with oil for the same reason.
http://www.monroe.com/en-US/shocks-101/faq/#faq8 gives more details

No experience with Detroit Axle parts but Amazon reviews on the DA front Bonneville hubs show they're Chinese made and some report failures in a short amount of time.

dougtoth wrote:I have had great luck with the front axles from Detroit Axle.
I replaced both the right and left side on the 2001 SLE.
I have never tried the struts or shocks.

How many miles have they been on, so far?

More affordable alternatives are always nice to know about.

I put about 100,000 miles on Monroe struts. I liked that they are quit struts and bolted right in, I don't like how they perform. Thanks for posting the question, I'm doing research for replacements also.