Front Strut Recommendation

[bigsky]

Would you go with OEM or Monroe Sensamatics? I have read through some of the other threads (including the recent one with the Monroe problem posted by xs...) and thought to just ask the question outright. This is for a 1999 Base Model.

[TopherS]

I'm dying to know myself...I followed the thread to see where I should go, but I'm still not sure. I'm concerned that if I order OEM, that I'll get the cheapy AC Delco versions mentioned there and will find myself very unhappy...but I'm getting the impression that people are finding the Monroe's to be a more "controlled" ride (which for me would be very uncomfortable...I want a soft/smooth boulevard ride that Buick used to have).

I've got 87,700 miles on mine, but I can't quite tell if mine need replacing. My co-worker has a 1998 Regal w/ 106K miles and it rides like a tank, with every crack and pebble in the road being transmitted to the passengers. The dealer told me that when these types of struts wear out, they get very harsh, much unlike the old world of shocks, which get very bouncy as they wear out.

I'm wanting to know if the Park Ave's (97-05) are the same (rough) when they wear or not. Can anyone give their impressions in their replies to Bigsky on how their car responded as the struts wear? It would be very helpful.

Bigsky, please let us know your impressions of whichever replacements you use. Thanks.

[bigsky]

Topher...now I'm really confused (not the first time and guaranteed not the last).

I figured the struts are worn because the front end is too bouncy (1999 Base), and a bit difficult to control. I realize these are not sport cars (even though I sometimes pretend), but the 97 I have is more firm and an "acceptable" ride for me. I have no idea what struts are in the 97. Both are RPO FE1 (soft suspension). So...according to what the dealer told you, maybe the 97 struts are actually more "worn."

Regardless, I need/want to do something on the 99.

[xs03mich]

GM used to sell a whole assembly for a replacement on the front struts. Now discountinued. Delco version of the strut is way too much money!! Triple the cost at least. Those front struts on the park are good until 60 - 80 thousand and need to be replaced. You do not really notice the difference in ride as they wear because the they wear gradually. Bounce the car up and down...does it keep bouncing after you stop? If it does replacement time. I still have a squeak....sometimes louder....sometimes goes away...I did not put the new rubber piece in for the coil though. I can not see where it would help. Mine makes the noise at the top of the strut. Remember you need to use the GM strut plates the mounting bolt shafts the three of them are shorter. One nice thing though...car rides great with monroes...I just need to turn up the radio sometimes!!! Am I paying the dealer 900.00 to replace the struts...probably not. Good luck hope, keep us posted. Greg.

[TopherS]

Originally Posted by bigsky

Topher...now I'm really confused (not the first time and guaranteed not the last).

I figured the struts are worn because the front end is too bouncy (1999 Base), and a bit difficult to control. I realize these are not sport cars (even though I sometimes pretend), but the 97 I have is more firm and an "acceptable" ride for me. I have no idea what struts are in the 97. Both are RPO FE1 (soft suspension). So...according to what the dealer told you, maybe the 97 struts are actually more "worn."

Regardless, I need/want to do something on the 99.

Oops... ...sorry 'bout that...I was confused by the service tech's statement, too. All this time, I've always believed that when shocks/struts wear out, they get ineffective and allow the car to bounce all over the place. I'm not taking what the dealer says as gospel just yet...I wanted to see what others have experienced before I believe/not believe the service tech who told me this.

I would be more apt to believe that your 97 is fine and the 99 is in need of replacement struts, especially when you say that it is hard to control in addition to being too bouncy. That's always been the classic sign. And with what xs said about the bounce test, you should be able to tell further.

[xs03mich]

If the car wanders it could be as simple as low tire on one side. If it is difficult to control and follows the pavement grooves etc. you could have a ball joint going bad, it would cause the car to wander.

[Mag00]

when my struts went dead (or close to it) - in my 95 PA, it wasnt bouncy at all.
i would hit a speed bump, and the front end would hit the ground, and go back up.
I knew they were gone because the front end bounced down way too much.

and sure enough, when i got them replaced i could feel the difference.