New struts - horrible ride

[J J]

Gentlemen HELP!!!! I have a 97 PA with 90K miles. Rear struts were leaking, and compressor was running too much, so they definitely needed replacing. On my previous PA I bought Monroe struts Front and Back and it rode like a truck after that. Everyone said I should have used Buick (AC Delco) struts, and it would have riden like a true Buick. Soooooooooo this time that is what I did. I replaced front and back struts with OEM ac delco parts. It rides like an SUV now. It is so stiff that every little bump and nuance in the road is felt in the car. That WONDERFUL PA floaty ride is GONE. Is there ANYTHING I can do to get my ride back to the way it was when it was new? Is there a difference in struts (sport vs luxury)? This is a gorgeous car, the upper plenum work was all done under warranty, so I have a lot of good miles to go on this car, but I will NEVER be able to drive this car the way it is and enjoy it again. I am desperate. HELP!!!!! Any advice for me before I go back to the dealer would be appreciated. I will even be glad to chat on the phone if that is easier for someone - especially you mechanics out there that are familiar with PA air suspensions!!!! Thanks
[email protected]. Email me, and I will send you my phone number.

Mike

[maxwedge]

Are the struts for the touring suspension option or the regular Park, check the part numbers vs the parts listing at the dealer. Remember new struts will significantly stiffen the ride from the mushy ones that you were used to as they wore.

[HotZ28]

The following AC Delco part numbers are for the 97PA. Can you identify the ones used on your car, using the invoice part number provided by the dealer? The top two are for the front and the third one, is for the rear. There would be a big difference in ride quality and price of the two front strut options.

Monroe offers several different struts in varying ride control, quality and price. The “SensaTrac” struts are the best choice for the Buick. They have a variable compensating system that gives good rebound control without being harsh. I use the Monroe SensaTracs on my PA and the ride is not harsh, in fact, they are better than new OEM, for ride and control over bumps. Any idea what Monroe struts you had installed on your former PA? I am not sure the Monroe SensaTrac is offered for the rear of the 97 PA, the only option shown is the firmer ride, MA822 and it is more like the MonroeMatic strut. (Harsh)


ACDELCO Part # 503382
STRUT,FRT SUSP PREMIUM GAS CHARGED {#88960688}

ACDELCO Part # 505528
STRUT,FRT SUSP w/SOFT RIDE SUSP(FE1) or FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) {#22064730}

ACDELCO Part # 504547
ABSORBER,RR LVLG SHK AIR ADJUSTABLE; FOR GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED LEVELING SYSTEMS
opcorn:

[imidazol97]

Like Z28, I put Monroe Sensatrac on two leSabres (93 and 98) and really like that ride. The softness is there after a couple thousand miles and they broke in. But they maintain control over waves much better than original equipment on the car did.

The dealer did put regular Monroes on the 93 and it rode like a truck. So I called the company (Monroe) and they said they weren't SensaTrac. I stopped by the installing company and they graciously replaced them with what I had paid for!!! They are now out of business, but I received excellent service on everything else I bought after that. I was mad but didn't use any improper words. I was never sure if it was an intential cheaper substitution or a wrong part brought from another store in their large group.

[DioGreer]

I put sensatracs in my 91, and they work great.

[J J]

Well............Yes, they were installed at a Buick dealer. I stopped by today to let them know I wasn't happy. I stayed calm and asked if there was any possibility that there was different struts available. I spent 45 minutes with the parts department. There ARE two different levels of ride - firm and soft. BUT the AC Delco (which I thought were OEM) only come in one ride. They looked up my car via the vin, and it did indeed have the soft ride struts on it. Here's the shocker........The OEM struts would be $187 EACH, whereas the AC Delcos were $146 a PAIR. I honestly thought I was getting OEM struts - I mean, AC DELCO for gosh sake! We discussed possibly putting sensatraks on it, but I'm apprehensive about that as well, as my idea of soft ride and someone elses might be different. They are going to meet with the Service Director tomorrow and see what we can do. Soooooooooo that is where I am at right now.

[Flatrater]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

The following AC Delco part numbers are for the 97PA. Can you identify the ones used on your car, using the invoice part number provided by the dealer? The top two are for the front and the third one, is for the rear. There would be a big difference in ride quality and price of the two front strut options.

Monroe offers several different struts in varying ride control, quality and price. The “SensaTrac” struts are the best choice for the Buick. They have a variable compensating system that gives good rebound control without being harsh. I use the Monroe SensaTracs on my PA and the ride is not harsh, in fact, they are better than new OEM, for ride and control over bumps. Any idea what Monroe struts you had installed on your former PA? I am not sure the Monroe SensaTrac is offered for the rear of the 97 PA, the only option shown is the firmer ride, MA822 and it is more like the MonroeMatic strut. (Harsh)

ACDELCO Part # 503382
STRUT,FRT SUSP PREMIUM GAS CHARGED {#88960688}

ACDELCO Part # 505528
STRUT,FRT SUSP w/SOFT RIDE SUSP(FE1) or FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) {#22064730}

ACDELCO Part # 504547
ABSORBER,RR LVLG SHK AIR ADJUSTABLE; FOR GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED LEVELING SYSTEMS
opcorn:

I believe he said his air pump was running alot so it is safe to say he has air ride.

Now a point to remember with most GM parts is that GM has 2 classes of parts one is AC delco and the other is OEM. Just because you bought AC Delco's doesn't mean you have OEM parts. AC delco is a lower class of part whcih lists cheaper than the OEM parts.

[HotZ28]

Are these the OEM part numbers they gave you:
22064730 Front
22064809 Rear

[TopherS]

JJ, be sure to let us know what you find. I, too, have a different idea as to the type of ride my PA should have. I have 83K on my '01 PA and have considered replacing the front struts, as I feel mine rides too harsh. I have just been afraid that what has happened to you will happen to me...the ride being worse than before, rather than better. So far, I've just done nothing but extensive research. What I've found is that everyone is saying the SensaTrac's are the best for ride quality (again, like you, my definition is way different than theirs). The other options I have found include: KYB (which Midas tells me is comparable to the SensaTrac's ); AC Delco and OEM. Some places have also said Gabriel makes a replacement, but others have said no...and most say they would be harsher than OEM.

My previous car was a 95 Roadmaster, and I loved the very cushy, floaty ride. I want that for my PA, which would complete my idea of the perfect car...but am finding that the days of floating down the road have past, never to be recaptured. I have even looked into seeing if the struts for the LeSabre would fit the PA, as I sometimes hear the LeSabre is a little more floaty that the PA. I have also tried to find out if the struts on the 91-96 PA would fit the 97+ PA, as those seem to ride pretty cushy, but it appears they won't fit. I feel stuck with a car that I love that has a ride that I don't like...and am willing to try almost anything to get a true Buick Boulevard-ride.

One thing that has made a slight difference is the tires. I needed new ones and after much research, I found the Goodyear ComforTred tires. They were rated (by actual consumers) as being the quietest, softest-riding tires. I got some and am very happy with them. They also look good with the thin white stripe out. This may help your ride a small bit, as well.

Hope this helps.

[J J]

Hi guys - Just wanted to let people know that the dealer did pretty well by me with regards to my PA and the strut problem. They covered everything except the cost difference bewteen the AC Delcos and the OEM. They even covered the new alignment. However, the dealer told me that there was no difference in front struts bewteen the firm ride and the soft ride. BUT......there would be a difference between the AC Delco and OEM right????? Does anyone know the OEM part number for the front struts???? Thanks, guys

[HotZ28]

OEM Part #22064730 & ACDELCO Part # 505528 are listed as the same part! What the dealer told you, “that there was no difference in front struts between the firm ride and the soft ride” appears to be correct and you could use either the ACDelco or OEM part number to order the exact same strut!

This is from GM Parts Direct parts catalog:
GM PART # 22064730 & ACDELCO Part # 505528
STRUT,FRT SUSP w/SOFT RIDE SUSP(FE1) or FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) }
CATEGORY: Struts & Shocks
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $170.50
OUR PRICE: $88.66

The strut listed below is a lower price and lower quality than the one listed above! Is this the part number the dealer originally installed ?

GM PART # 88960688 ACDELCO Part # 503382
STRUT,FRT SUSP PREMIUM GAS CHARGED
GM PART # 88960688
CATEGORY: Struts & Shocks
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $111.02
OUR PRICE: $57.73

[J J]

HotZ28 - the front struts that they put on are the #88960688. According to your list they are of lower quality than the #22064730. I have to take it back anyway this week as one of the strut mounts has gone bad. In your opinion, should I make them change the front struts to the #22064730? When they changed the rear struts it made a HUGE difference!!!! I also paid a HUGE difference as well - AC Declo's were $146 a pair, the OEM ended up being $187 EACH, so I paid the difference in the cost, but no labor. I have already had to replace the strut mnt on the Left front, and now the Right front - and it hasn't even been three weeks!!!! I am getting tired of it all, but they are being very accomodating, so I am trying to be patient and civil!!!!

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by J J

I am trying to be patient and civil!!!!

‘Kill Them With Kindness”

If you want things to go your way!

Every shock/strut manufacture has there own unique way of offering varying levels of quality & price, which in-turn equates to; varying levels of ride quality and vechicle control!

Some are simply nitrogen gas charged and only claim to offer “improved comfort at an economical price”. The higher quality struts, such as Monroe Sensa-Trac & Reflex, have groove tube technology that features precision tapered grooves that allow fluid to flow freely around the piston, creating a smoother ride under a wide range of driving conditions. During emergency maneuvers or braking, the piston travels beyond the grooves firming up the ride for added safety and control when needed most.

Without a clear description of what type of technology is used with OEM or ACDELCO, we could only speculate on what type of system the higher price unit would offer.

So with all that said, if you are not satisfied with what the dealer originally installed and want to stick with OEM, then it appears the only choice you have, would be the "higher priced struts" part #22064730

A little info on Monroe strut technology for the Reflex and Sensa-Trac

[J J]

Hotz28 - I'm still settling my strutproblem. Here is the latest. The dealer had replaced the rears with OEM at no charge to me (except the cost diff between the two) They are going to do the same for the front. They called me on Fri and said that theOEM #222064730 are no longer available, and the ones that are on there are the only ones available.
Can you check to see if this is indeed true? I'm wondering if they should have ordered the ACDELCO number 5o5528 which you said was the same. The back is great now, but it still makes your "chest" jiggle when youdrive it because of the front struts!!!
I have to get back to the dealer by early next week, so I anxiously await your reply.

JJ

[HotZ28]

Well, looking again at GM parts Direct, it looks like the Part # 22064730 has been discontinued since our original post, however, it says if you order a strut with that part number, a new number will be displayed when you actually “go to check-out”. I did go to check-out and the same # 22064730 was displayed again, as an order number??? Another thing I noticed, that particular strut is a “special order” and non-refundable item. The ACDELCO Part # 505528 may be what you get when ordering, who knows? Shown below is what they now show for the OEM number!

GM PART # 22064730 *
CATEGORY: Struts & Shocks
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $170.50
OUR PRICE: $88.66


This part has been discontinued.
DESCRIPTION: STRUT
* This part has been replaced by a new part number. The new part number will be used if you add this part to your cart.

I will include some links to the ACDELCO information for your review, HERE & HERE

BTW, notice that ACDELCO is showing three different levels of shocks/struts, as we suspected!