Shock absorbers

"ransley" <Mark_Ransley.DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:1e5f0a60-d2f8-4508-80fd-ec1e8a76810b@25g2000hsx.googlegroups.com...
> On Jun 1, 8:13 am, "Pszemol" <Psze....DeleteThis@PolBox.com> wrote:
> > How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
> > According tohttp://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/you
> > should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
> >
> > I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
> > thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
> > where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
>
> mine went hard in cold temps at 50000. 246000 you are way overdue.

Does it really make the difference what brand and what kind I get?

At autozone.com I see "Gabriel ultra" strut (G56502) for $55 each.
Universal left/righ? But I see also Bilstein strut (VNE-4833-BK and
VNE-4832-BK) different part numbers for driver/passenger side
for @120 each. Similar for the rear: Gabriel ultra, this time different
part number for left (G55675) and right (G55676) and Bilstein
(VNE-4958-BK and VNE-4959-BK). These Bilstein are described
as "Touring class ride / Twin tube gas charged strut" - will you be able
to tell the difference which ones are installed on the vehicle??

Also, what do I usually need to replace with the struts?
Are the coil springs also due for replacement?
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

"Pszemol" <Pszemol.TakeThisOut@PolBox.com> wrote in message news:g1tp62.19s.0@poczta.onet.pl...
> "ransley" <Mark_Ransley.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:1e5f0a60-d2f8-4508-80fd-ec1e8a76810b@25g2000hsx.googlegroups.com...
>> On Jun 1, 8:13 am, "Pszemol" <Psze....TakeThisOut@PolBox.com> wrote:
>> > How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
>> > According tohttp://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/you
>> > should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
>> >
>> > I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
>> > thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
>> > where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
>>
>> mine went hard in cold temps at 50000. 246000 you are way overdue.
>
> Does it really make the difference what brand and what kind I get?
>
> At autozone.com I see "Gabriel ultra" strut (G56502) for $55 each.
> Universal left/righ? But I see also Bilstein strut (VNE-4833-BK and
> VNE-4832-BK) different part numbers for driver/passenger side
> for @120 each. Similar for the rear: Gabriel ultra, this time different
> part number for left (G55675) and right (G55676) and Bilstein
> (VNE-4958-BK and VNE-4959-BK). These Bilstein are described
> as "Touring class ride / Twin tube gas charged strut" - will you be able
> to tell the difference which ones are installed on the vehicle??
>
> Also, what do I usually need to replace with the struts?
> Are the coil springs also due for replacement?

I found Advanced Auto Parts (www.partsamerica.com) having much
greater selection with Monroe Sensa-Trac $85 and Gas-Matic $63.
They also have KYB Strut: Gas; GR2(R) for $90. Which one to choose?

I am leaning toward $85 Sensa-Trac - what do you think? )
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

Pszemol wrote:
> "Pszemol" <Pszemol DeleteThis @PolBox.com> wrote in message
> I am leaning toward $85 Sensa-Trac - what do you think? )
=========
I pulled those out and put in stock.
I like stock handling.
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

"Daniel" <nospampls2002.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:ddbd73cf-5e05-438c-ac2f-b31986b1cfd7@p25g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> Pszemol wrote:
>> "Pszemol" <Pszemol.TakeThisOut@PolBox.com> wrote in message
>> I am leaning toward $85 Sensa-Trac - what do you think? )
> =========
> I pulled those out and put in stock.
> I like stock handling.

What was wrong with the handling?
Would the Monroe-Matic be more similar in handling to stock struts than Sensa-Trac?
Where can I read more about the differences between different struts in handling?
Is this something you cannot read about but must try and feel for yourself?

Do you have some not expensive source for stock struts?
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

50000 is about right for OEM Keep Your Bilsteins (aka KYB). Gabriel
Ultras should last longer and prices are right at Autozone w/ coupon.
I'd personally avoid Monroe Sensatrac, but some give good reviews.
Reflex is supposed to be good from Monroe. Replace all rubber parts
while at it.

Shocks /struts wear gradually, so it's often hard to tell. Kinda like
car speakers.
Of course, unless you want Bilstein -- check autozone.




On Jun 1, 6:13 am, "Pszemol" <Psze... DeleteThis @PolBox.com> wrote:
> How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
> According tohttp://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/you
> should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
>
> I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
> thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
> where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

For that year you can get cartridges (same part left/right). so check
carefully!!!! Get assemblies instead of cartridges if possible.


On Jun 1, 6:59 am, "Pszemol" <Psze....DeleteThis@PolBox.com> wrote:
> "ransley" <Mark_Rans....DeleteThis@yahoo.com> wrote in messagenews:1e5f0a60-d2f8-4508-80fd-ec1e8a76810b@25g2000hsx.googlegroups.com...
> > On Jun 1, 8:13 am, "Pszemol" <Psze....DeleteThis@PolBox.com> wrote:
> > > How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
> > > According tohttp://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/you
> > > should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
>
> > > I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
> > > thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
> > > where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
>
> > mine went hard in cold temps at 50000. 246000 you are way overdue.
>
> Does it really make the difference what brand and what kind I get?
>
> At autozone.com I see "Gabriel ultra" strut (G56502) for $55 each.
> Universal left/righ? But I see also Bilstein strut (VNE-4833-BK and
> VNE-4832-BK) different part numbers for driver/passenger side
> for @120 each. Similar for the rear: Gabriel ultra, this time different
> part number for left (G55675) and right (G55676) and Bilstein
> (VNE-4958-BK and VNE-4959-BK). These Bilstein are described
> as "Touring class ride / Twin tube gas charged strut" - will you be able
> to tell the difference which ones are installed on the vehicle??
>
> Also, what do I usually need to replace with the struts?
> Are the coil springs also due for replacement?
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

Primarily the grooved piston rod, called IIRC "position sensitive"
damping. So if the car is weighted down into the grooved area then the
strut's response change. This is in contrast with inertia sensitive
multi-stage valving used in modern non-racing struts. See the video
(Gabriel clearly hinted at their competitor): http://www.gabriel.com/gforce1/eng/default.htm

It's being phased out in favor of the new Monroe Reflex strut/shock.

Also, I didn't like the fact that Monroe claimed some oil leaks are
normal. I persoanlly don't think modern struts should do that. I much
rather they fail dry and stiffened up than soft and leaky. But some
people love Fram oil filters too.

However, I would try the new Monroe Reflex with the new impact sensor.
This strut is normally firm and then softens up for milliseconds
during a harder bump ("impact"). Nissan gained 12-18% stability with
this. That said, Monroe mounts are fine.

Some other strut shops:
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/
http://www.shox.com/

For all aftermarket struts with lifetime warranty replacements, places
like Autozone, Advance, Kragen, Schucks, NAPA etc etc actually come
out ahead (turnaround time and shipping cost).

Keep us posted on what you select. Thanks.




On Jun 2, 10:07 pm, "Pszemol" <Psze... RemoveThis @PolBox.com> wrote:
> Why would you avoid Sensatrac?
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

Gabriel has "ReadyStruts" like Monroe's QuickStrut, but model
availability vary. Some may prefer the KYB , but many people rather
"Keep Your Bilsteins". IMO KYBs are archaic designs not much more
advanced than a fixed-orfice valve and better suited for the museum.

That said, $299 a pair of Monroe QuickStruts sounds like a pretty good
deal. That's like nearly 50% off assembling your own. It's got
lifetime right? So maybe go for it?



On Jun 2, 10:07 pm, "Pszemol" <Psze... DeleteThis @PolBox.com> wrote:
> Can I buy KYB or Gabriel in the strut+spring set like a Monroe Quick-strut?
> I can get Sensatrac in the whole assembly for $299 a pair.
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

Why would you avoid Sensatrac?

Can I buy KYB or Gabriel in the strut+spring set like a Monroe Quick-strut?
I can get Sensatrac in the whole assembly for $299 a pair.

<johngdole.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:70598d9e-97cf-4f6c-b87c-9ae431118048@a32g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> 50000 is about right for OEM Keep Your Bilsteins (aka KYB). Gabriel
> Ultras should last longer and prices are right at Autozone w/ coupon.
> I'd personally avoid Monroe Sensatrac, but some give good reviews.
> Reflex is supposed to be good from Monroe. Replace all rubber parts
> while at it.
>
> Shocks /struts wear gradually, so it's often hard to tell. Kinda like
> car speakers.
> Of course, unless you want Bilstein -- check autozone.
>
>
>
>
> On Jun 1, 6:13 am, "Pszemol" <Psze....DeleteThis@PolBox.com> wrote:
>> How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
>> According tohttp://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/you
>> should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
>>
>> I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
>> thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
>> where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
>
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

I just did 4 Monroe quick struts on a 95 camry w/263k. The sensatrac has a
firm ride
and good handling. I got mine from strutmasters for $299 per pair. At that
mileage
I wanted new springs, bushings etc. which are included on the quickstrut.
Only problem
was that monroe put the wrong strut in one of the boxes, but it was quickly
replaced.

"Pszemol" <Pszemol.TakeThisOut@PolBox.com> wrote in message
news:g1tloa.2e0.0@poczta.onet.pl...
> How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
> According to http://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/ you
> should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
>
> I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
> thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
> where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

I think NAPA has the Monroe Reflex, used on Nissan Altimas. Sensatracs
are being phased out for the new Reflex. Some (like Monroe)
periodically offer satisfaction guarantee (or $50 per corner to swap
them out).

Or get the QuickStrut if available for that year (non-cartridge
models, with Sensatrac), it's cheaper than getting all the parts.



On Jun 2, 6:03 pm, "m j d" <mjda... RemoveThis @hotmail.com> wrote:
> I just did 4 Monroe quick struts on a 95 camry w/263k. The sensatrac has a
> firm ride
> and good handling. I got mine from strutmasters for $299 per pair. At that
> mileage
> I wanted new springs, bushings etc. which are included on the quickstrut.
> Only problem
> was that monroe put the wrong strut in one of the boxes, but it was quickly
> replaced.
>
> "Pszemol" <Psze... RemoveThis @PolBox.com> wrote in message
>
> news:g1tloa.2e0.0@poczta.onet.pl...
>
> > How often do you normally need to replace shocks in camry?
> > According tohttp://www.monroesavethesquirrels.com/you
> > should replace shocks every 50000 miles. Is this acurate?
>
> > I need to replace mine now, probably way overdue at 246
> > thousand miles on the odometer and looking for suggestions
> > where to get not expensive but good one (1995/2.2L/4-cyl).
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

"m j d" <mjdanko.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:jL01k.2126$qP.415@trnddc03...
> I just did 4 Monroe quick struts on a 95 camry w/263k. The sensatrac
> has a firm ride and good handling. I got mine from strutmasters for $299
> per pair. At that mileage I wanted new springs, bushings etc.
> which are included on the quickstrut.

Sounds reasonable and the price is lower then I saw... Thanks!

> Only problem was that monroe put the wrong strut in one of the boxes,
> but it was quickly replaced.

Cool...
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers 

johngdole.RemoveThis@hotmail.com wrote:
> Primarily the grooved piston rod, called IIRC "position sensitive"
> damping. So if the car is weighted down into the grooved area then the
> strut's response change. This is in contrast with inertia sensitive
> multi-stage valving used in modern non-racing struts. See the video
> (Gabriel clearly hinted at their competitor): http://www.gabriel.com/gforce1/eng/default.htm
>
> It's being phased out in favor of the new Monroe Reflex strut/shock.
>
> Also, I didn't like the fact that Monroe claimed some oil leaks are
> normal. I persoanlly don't think modern struts should do that. I much
> rather they fail dry and stiffened up than soft and leaky. But some
> people love Fram oil filters too.

LOL, those who buy Fram oil filters do so out of ignorance, not because
they love them.
 >> Stay informed about: Shock absorbers