Quote:
Originally Posted by Albertj
Hmmm... quick comments.
The mismatch in the GM mounts is a non issue unless the parts are off spec. That is, GM has a spec for the type/hardness of the metal plate (probably just a certain gauge of mild carbon steel) and for the durometer of the polymer (not necessarily rubber) molded into the mounts, et cetera. You can rail about the "mismatch," but I probably would not.
As for those rubber rings, the dealer really should have replaced the other miscellaneous parts and told you about the need, and charged you. Depending on your attitude at the dealer they may have decided not to in order to avoid the impression that they were running up the bill. They also can not get OE parts for older cars on short notice. If those things are available from GM at all they are probably on a shelf in a regional warehouse. That said - Most dealers can install aftermarket parts if needed in this case - they call it "expedite the repair" - not for free mind you but just sayin' they did not have to make do with your old rubber rings as long as you would pay for replacements. Point being that if you are meddling in the parts to be installed, they are less likely to take the initiative to make replacements. Looking at what you've got the easiest thing probably would have been to get the Monroe "StrutMate" kits for the Riv, they come with all those miscellaneous parts, along with the Monroe strut boot and snubber kit. Your headache, however, would be that the Monroe boots are thinner than the OE boots and will not last as long. I got about 60,000 miles out of my set before they fatigued and cracked from weather and what not. The fact that the OE boots do not snap onto the shocks is a non-issue, they just have to cover the tops of the towers. IIRC the OE boots fit over the Monroe strut cylinders and rest on the spring seat, which is OK. It is actually an advantage because any moisture (including condensation) that might get in will drain out instead of being held against the strut cylinder and causing corrosion. Again, the "snap on fit" of the boots, it's also a non-issue.
The 'root cause' issue for your saga, stepping back and looking from my distance, probably is that the mechanic has a limited amount of time to keep your car on the rack so is not going to hunt for parts unless necessary. If your car could be reassembled roadworthy that day with what it rolled in with then there is a good chance that's what they decided to do. I suspect you did not direct them to replace other worn/damaged suspension parts either verbally or in writing.... so they get your car in the air, replace struts with what you stipluate, cobble it back together and away you go.
As for the OE vs Monroe struts, I am not a big fan of either. Monroes are, well, jiggly to me at least when new. The OEs are way too soft for my taste (almost all smooth interstate or rural secondary highway driving). I've liked the KYBs and Gabriels. I've driven on all 4 brands, '98 Riv, 260,000+ miles.
Th
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Hey thanks a bunch! For now, the struts will ok as long as they're quiet. That means free of knocks and clunks. It was the worst and longest drawn-out auto job I ever had to deal with, and the most expensive (except maybe for body work.) Those components will have to come out before long IOT replace the squeaky front bushings.. in the lower a-frame?
This isn't the first time I'd rebuilt the suspension on a GM. The entire suspension of the 79 Cutlass was replaces (over two or three separate install jobs) with the latest and heaviest springs, torsion bars, struts, links that Delco had available for that model. It turned out GREAT.. the body was lifted (jacked) nicely all around and the ride/handing were MUCH improved. It was [almost] like a new/different car.. and tough looking! One saturday I put in for sale in a parking lot near-by, and someone bought it cash before dinner!
-Ed