97 Lesabre Limited Shocks/Struts

[RASCARS]

Dear Members and Readers;

My 1997 Lesabre Limited has 43,000 miles on it. The rear Auto Load Leveling Suspension no longer functions and the front struts seem very 'loose'. The car bounces and floats everywhere/
I need to "tie down" the suspension a bit. I want to get rid of the rear auto load leveling suspension in the process. I was think of using KYB shocks, but I don't want to turn my car into a buck board ride.
Does anyone have any suggestions for shocks and struts for this car? Also, has anyone run into any pitfalls that I should know about in selecting, installing, or deleting the rear auto load leveling suspension?
Thank you all for reading my posting.
I look forward to your responses.

RASCARS

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by RASCARS

Dear Members and Readers;

My 1997 Lesabre Limited has 43,000 miles on it. The rear Auto Load Leveling Suspension no longer functions and the front struts seem very 'loose'. The car bounces and floats everywhere/
I need to "tie down" the suspension a bit. I want to get rid of the rear auto load leveling suspension in the process. I was think of using KYB shocks, but I don't want to turn my car into a buck board ride.
Does anyone have any suggestions for shocks and struts for this car? Also, has anyone run into any pitfalls that I should know about in selecting, installing, or deleting the rear auto load leveling suspension?
Thank you all for reading my posting.
I look forward to your responses.

RASCARS

RASCARS

I put struts on my 97 and my brothers 93 (both LeSabres). Mine had the auto leveling, his didn't. With mine I went with Gabriel on mine but I think the ride was a little rough so I went with Monro Sensa-Trac in my brother's car.

Why do you want to get rid of the auto level on your car? You say that it's "no longer functing". Is your tail end draging? Is the compressor not working? Is the adjusting valve not working/ not hooked up? It's interesting that your struts are shot at 47,XXX. They're usally good for at least 60,XXX or more miles.

I hope this gives you a little idea.

Dan

[RASCARS]

Dan,
Thank you for responding to my posting.
I want to dump the auto load leveling because it is not currently working on my car. The car sits level but when I load it the rear sags and does not level out. Occasionally, the pump makes a grind noise for a few seconds, but then it stops.
I figure it would be easiier and cheaper to by pass the system rather than attempt to repair or replace it.
I am also a bit dissappionted that the Struts are shot at 43K. I bought the car a few months ago. It was an older lady driven car that sat outside in Florida. Who knows why they have failed so early, but the did fail. the car dives on the highway ripples like a super vall!!.

Thanks again for the input.
Any other advice you or and member has would be greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend,

RASCARS

[HotZ28]

I agree with Dan, Monroe Sensa-Trac struts work best on the Buick!
You probably have leaking air bladders in the rear struts. The ALC system is designed to keep the car level; however, if air is leaking from the bladders, it will be a constant battle for the compressor to keep them inflated. Changing to a non-ALC strut can be accomplished, but keep in mind, when the car was built, the rear springs were “computer selected” to match the ALC system. (You will find the RPO codes for the ALC system and matching springs on the RPO code list located on your spare tire cover).

Now, if you do the wise thing and install new air struts, you could possibly find something wrong with the air delivery system. Don’t worry, it could be a simple fix, or if not, you can install a simple manual air fill station and enjoy the benefits of the air struts. The manual air fill system is a Monroe part # AK29 and sells for 5-bucks. One advantage to the manual fill station is that you can set the air for best ride & handling as well as vehicle load. The link below will give you an idea how the ALC system works. It is basically the same on all Buicks with the ALC option, however, the location of the components varies from car to car!
Monroe struts can be purchased at Advance Auto PartsO'Reilly Auto Parts
or RockAuto

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t165844.html

[RASCARS]

Thank you for your input and the links.
I will research the links and then make my decision accordingly. I really want an easy fix to the bounce. I use this car as a daily driver (one mile to work and one mile home with an occasional trip) so I'm not as concerned with the originality as must as I am the bounce and ride quality, at a reasonable price.
Again, Thank you for help and advice.
I truly appreciate it.
I'll let you know what I decide and how it works out.

This a GREAT forum!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!
RASCARS

[LeSabre97mint]

RASCARS

When I got the struts for my brothers car I found the best price at www.rockauto.com. Prices may have changed, it's been 6 months. Some places offer free shipping. Some offer free shipping with orders over 50.00.

Are you going to put the struts on yourself? If you do, keep in mind that you'll need an alignment afterwords. Also, work safe. Use jack stands, rent a good spring compressor (only needed on the front). Autozone has a very good rental program. You pay full price for the tool. When you bring it back you get a full refund.

Another option is to buy struts with springs and the bearings already assembled. A bit less work for you while you pay more.

I know what you mean about a car floating! Mine was really bad. It had 99,000 miles on it when I got it.

Regards

Dan

[imidazol97]

It's likely the soft rear struts because the air leveling isn't tightening them up is making the soft, smooth ,floating ride of your Limited even softer and bouncy.

I put Sensatracs on my 98 at about 45K miles. I didn't want the super smooth expressway ride for 80 K miles. They are still great at 140K miles. I had a problem with the load leveler not pumping up and the car became strange and bouncy with the softer rear end, even with the newer struts.

I'd recommend getting the load-leveling struts and fixing whatever the problem is. Parts from a recycling yard should be available if it's the pump or switches if you don't want to go new.

[RASCARS]

It has been a while, but I am finally going to change the struts. I have a question for you. Did you use air shocks/struts on the rear or conventional shocks?
Also, do you have the item number or better still the manufacturer's model number?
Thanks for you help
RASCARS

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by RASCARS

It has been a while, but I am finally going to change the struts. I have a question for you. Did you use air shocks/struts on the rear or conventional shocks?
Also, do you have the item number or better still the manufacturer's model number?
Thanks for you help
RASCARS

Rascars

Did you check out RockAuto for struts? Yes I put the air adjust struts on my 97.

Regards

Dan

[RASCARS]

Thanks Dan,
I did check Rock Auto as well as Discount and a few others. Rock has the best price.
There are 3 or 4 different offerings for the Lesabre from Monroe ranging from $80 to $150 per.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Bob