Broken Shock ?

Hi Again

Ive recently noticed a strange noise from my front drivers side wheel when going over medium-large bumps. The best i can describe it as is a fast squishing noise whenever the wheel is moved up or down abruptly. I am guessing this might be a sign of my shock absorber wearing out.

Does this sound familiar to anyone ?

Also, how much are new shocks + installation for a 98 SE 3800 ? I think i have to replace the front ones as a pair don't I ?

Thanks

Steve

Have you looked under it yet? Have someone bounce it while you check. Yes, shocks should always be replaced in pairs.

yes ive looked at it but i cant see any visible leak ( i read somewhere that a good sign was a fluid leak). also i have bounced the car up and down as hard as i could but could not reproduce the noise.

how much does it bounce? It should only bounce one or twice then stop. if its really bouncy then you probably need new ones. They are roughly $60-150+ (each) depending on what type you get. Also I think they are around $30 each to install. You can do it your self pretty easily if you want to save money. You'll have to use a spring compressor.

since the car will need an alignment afterward, I'd have them installed at a shop. The shop has all the proper tools and can do it in nothing flat, and you will save all your fingers.

i have jumped up and down standing on the rim of the driver's side footwell but the dampening effect seems fine. it only bounces once of twice before stopping.

there is a bit of squeeking coming from where the struts is bolted into the engine compartment but none from the shock itself. Could it be a problem with a rubber bushing of something ??

Im not sure what else it could be, i dont want to replace shocks if i dont have to.

Thanks

Steve

I would suspect the upper strut mount if it doesn't bounce excessively.

upon further "scientific" tests, the sound is more of a squeek and sometimes a pinging metal noise. Ive checked for leaks again, and still the shocks are dry.

Im thinkign of replacing the mounting plates. I can get Monroe brand for 72$ CAD. Does this kit come with all the rubber bushing required also ?

I believe the monroe mounts are complete, and include all necessary parts.

i just put monroe sensa-tracs in my car(97 Regal)...im not happy with the performance at all....for bumps and potholes,it is not as good as stock...for cornering and performance it is poor too....ive used sensa-tracs on other passenger cars and found them to be fine...not for this car...maybe since this car is a little heavier....kyb may be better...a little rough around town, but much better on highway....i hear that Monroe makes a strut called REFLEX and hear they are much better

thanks for the replies

I figured i would try one more thing before replaceing the mounting plates and bushings, and that was to spray all the rubber bushing with silicon grease. Surprisingly it worked ! It no longer makes any noise over big bumps. Ill keep an ear open though in case it comes back anytime soon. If so, ill resort to changing them, if not, well im happy about my cheap fix.