Monroe QuickStruts

[boilerman]

I was thinking of replacing the front struts on my 2003 windstar. It has 85k.

Has anyone ever used the Monroe QuickStruts ?

People say they are very easy to install. I am pretty handy but was wondering what would be involved with these?

At certain times, it appears the front wheels or something is shaking - almost rattling. We definitely notice this at higher speeds but it is very periodic. It also feels as if something is shaking on the front end. Steering is fine and wheel does not rattle. Going over bumps or braking does not impact it. I have tried to isolate it but have not been successful. It is almost like the wheels are going along and then suddenly rattles a couple of times and then is fine again. Could this be the struts?

[garync1]

I got a little over 101,000 miles on my 2001 and they are fine. You may want to check out other front end parts first. Some shops will inspect the front end for free. Of course to make some money. I would not tell them you have a problem just to see what they come up with.. Although with the front end up I would check for free play in the front wheels,check tie rods for free play and other linkage parts to the front end. Also wheel balance and maybe slightly warp rotors could cause this. Really when the struts start to go you have a little more up and down motion in the front end and control issues in the turns that you never felt before. Vibration I would think would be in the tires or front bearings or slightly warp rotors. Who ever had my van before me hit a curb or something
so one of my rims are bent slightly, takes a heck of a lot of tire wt to keep keep it from vibrating. But Yep the quick strut i hear is the way to go for the DIY person.

[RickMN]

Gary,

If you've got 101K on your struts, they're on borrowed time. 80-100K is maximum life. It's not just a comfort issue. Worn struts increase your stopping distance.

Read this: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogs...o-when-to.html

[wiswind]

I had Quick Struts installed on my '96 Windstar this past spring.
I had a broken spring.....was way up near the top.
I am outside the 10 year unlimited mileage warranty that FORD had for my year for the front springs.
I am very happy with the new struts.
I had them installed...as I was having other work done.....and it is a job that is beyond what I want to do in my driveway.
I ended up getting new stablilizer links......the original bolts needed to be heated to come free and the links are plastic......

My struts/springs were original at 183K miles.....and new everything just makes more sense.

I had a very slightly worn original lower ball joint on the driver's side, so the lower control arm was replaced, and I had slight play in the right side wheel bearing (also original) that I had replaced.

So as mentioned.....there are a number of other things up there that are likely causes.
I would have a front end alignment done at a shop you trust.
A alignment has them spend more time looking up there....and gives them a chance to really check out the suspension.