Suspension Questions

[patriottuba]

I was told by a shop that my rear struts for my Pontiac Bonneville 1999 SLE, no ride command, needs to be replaced. Which brands do I need to stay away from? Should I use my existing springs to retain original ride height? Should I get new mounts too? What is a good brand for a good price? I know nothing about suspension parts, but I am always willing to learn new things. Thanks for all the help in advance!!

ps tried to search for it, only could pull up 2000+ stuff. Sorry if already discussed.

[MattStrike]

Personal preference: KYB struts (non-elc) new mounts. Inspect springs to determine if replacement is required.

Does the car still have the level control (ELC)? There are two different systems, the ride control and the level control. I thought they all had level control, in which case the Monro-matic plus struts seem good.

[Bugsi]

Monroe Sensatrac for non-ELC, non-CCR struts:
If your existing mounting hardware is not rusted and can be reused, you can get the struts without the mounting plates or springs:
At NAPA auto parts:
For the front: part number 71822
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-71822-Sens ... B000C59NZ6
For the rear: part numbers 71799
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-71799-Sens ... B000C57NDA

If you need new lower mounting bolt hardware, the kit is part number AK-43.
If you want the complete strut assembly with new springs and mounting plates, the part numbers are:
Front: 171822
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-171822-Qui ... B000C53Q4U
Rear: 171799
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-171799-Qui ... B000EQCTG8

I got just the struts (71822 and 71799) for front and rear for my 97 SE Bonneville and re-used the springs, mounting plates, and lower mounting bolts and all is still fine five years later.

While you're in there, you might as well replace your sway bar end link bushings on the front and rear sway bars. There's a thread for that we can point you to, using the Energy end link bushing kits and new bolt hardware.

[grey3800]

For whatever reason my Monroe's didnt last that long. They were great for awhile and really brought the sportiness of the car back. I tow and do spirited driving so maybe they gave out prematurely.

I've been running AC Delco OEM replacements now for a few months any theyve been great, well worth the extra $.

I did notice the Monroe replacements that Bugsi posted prices have gone down significantly from a few years ago. Either they're making alot more of them due to market demands driving the unit cost down, or our friends overseas are cranking out product with the Monroe sticker.

I strongly suggest doing the coil springs while you're there, its not that much more $$. New springs fixed my saggy rear end and restored handling.

p.s. I used air tools the second time i replaced everything....heck of alot faster!

Good Luck!

[95naSTA]

I love my Monro Matic plus shocks (along with the air line kit) in the rear.

[grey3800]

**Let me clarify, I had sensatracs previously installed