I was wondering what the best way to determine if you need new shocks/struts.

Reason being is, to me I feel like my car needs new because at times of hitting some bumps you can really feel it, to me it feels like your in a older jeep when going over bumps, not really smooth over them you hear and feel it all when hitting them, and there not like huge pot holes either.

I've heard push down on your back end and if it bounces you need new. Is this the best way? If so I pushed down on my back end of the car and it did bounce I would say 3-4 times. How can I determine the front then?

Shocks/struts have never been replaced on this car, they are original.

If I need new, anyone know what part number I need off of Rockauto to get new?

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R.I.P 2001 Se :(

How many miles on the car? Id say if you have over 100,000 just replace em if you plan on keeping the car. Im getting ready to do mine(I have 160000 and shoulda did them a long time ago.... ) . Im also replacing strut mount plates and shock mounts.

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When I had the 01 SE i had the rears changed at 115k because the rear strut mount plates were making all kinds of noise over bumps...the front ones I never touched. By the time I traded it in, the car needed front struts..140k on the clock.

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2007 Impala SS - 30k 5.3L V8
1997 LeSabre Limited - 115k
Gone but never forgotten:
2001 Bonneville SE
1992 Bonneville SE

Same procedure for testing the fronts. If they bounce too much, they're no good.

Interesting tidbit on the rears though, I'm pretty sure the 2000+ SE do have ELC rear shocks? Mine were dead and were recently replaced. They didn't really bounce and ride quality was fine, but they were COMPLETELY dead when I tested them on removal. Push them in and they would stay in. The air/leveling portion seemed to be the only thing doing any work. If you're over 100,000 miles, if they aren't dead, they're likely getting weak.

The handling you regain will be worth it. I didn't even realize it was that bad - and I've competed with the car at autocross events that rely on being able to turn.

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Jerry /// Past: 95 SSEi (June 2010 COTM) -- 04 GXP (July 2011 COTM)
91 Honda Civic Wagon DX 2WD (fuelly) -- 208,000km -- 92hp -- Autocross Warrior
09 Lexus LS460 AWD -- 94,000km -- Daily Driver
09 White Hot G8 GT -- 155,000km (fuelly) -- LS3 Cam -- GM LS3 CNC Ported Heads -- Kooks 1 3/4" Long Tube Headers -- Solo Catback Midsection -- Hooker Maxflow Mufflers -- Pat G Tune -- Rotofab Intake -- Tein S-Tech Springs -- GXP FE3 Dampers -- BMR Subframe Cradle Inserts -- BMR Subframe Connectors -- Forgestar F14 Gold 18x9 +40 -- Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/45/18 -- Maverick Man Carbon Fiber Spoiler

I agree. My shocks didn't seem that bad, but when I replaced them it became a new car. It was a night and day difference.

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

I know a couple of guys running the KYB GR2 up front and like the extra firmness.

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2004 SLE Crimson Tintcoat with Dark Pewter Interior. Mods so far: Wood Dash Kit-Window Tint-CATZ Fog/Driving Lights
Custom Fabricated Stainless Steel Mesh Grill-Painted Calipers-3rd Brake Light Decal-Strut Tower Brace.INTENSE™ Level 1 L36/L26 Performance Package, Intense Shift Kit. ZZP ER Rockers and a HV3. L76 springs
COTM April 2007

If it pogo-sticks over large bumps they're dead. I did mine and it's a world of difference in how the car handles. Even on my 99 with FE1.

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Current car

1999 Buick LeSabre Custom - Former car

Learn from the mistakes of others, that way when you mess up you can do so in new and interesting ways.

Yea car is at 149k miles right now so I'll replace them then.

Is this what I need for the car (front and back):

Rear: Part # MA822 Link: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=61825

Front: Part # 71685 Link: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=223172

Anything else should I replace with them?

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R.I.P 2001 Se :(

Just my recommendation but for sure, replace the strut mounts at the same time when you're doing the fronts. While you're at it, you may also want to replace the sway bar bushings and bolts. Don't forget to get an alignment when you're all done.

Might as well do the shock mounts for the rear as well as strut plates.

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Were those the right shocks/strust I needed that I posted?

I'll order the mounts as well since I will be replacing the shocks and struts might as well do full job on it.

Is the sway bar bushing and bolts recommended to do as well?

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R.I.P 2001 Se :(

Also does it matter what mounts and plates to get? Sorry for all questions just want to make sure I order everything right.

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R.I.P 2001 Se :(

Those look like good units, from what ive seen posted in other threads. And the mounts/plates probably arent too much dif between brands. maybe make sure theyre USA made?

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Ok I will look to see where there all made.

What shocks/struts/mounts/plates are you replacing in your bonneville with 01bonneSC?

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R.I.P 2001 Se :(

Monroe shocks/struts, moog plates/mounts.

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While you're replacing things, plan on replacing the rubber upper spring insulator for the struts. They often wear through. The mounts generally do not include this.

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*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.

Archon do you know the part number for that so I can find it on Rockauto?

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R.I.P 2001 Se :(