Monroe quick strut replacement strut kits, thoughts on quality?

[pipsters]

Replacing the front struts in my Volvo 850, just wondering if the Monroe quick struts that include the strut and mounts are decent. Not looking for a sports car ride just a decent quality product that won't have to be replaced in 10,000 miles. I drive about 5k a year so I won't put a ton of miles on them.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C57K9M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also, when installing how do I torque down the strut retaining nut? If I use an impact the strut turns, not sure if that is good for it or not.

The Monroes are $240 for the fronts and if I didn't get them I have to buy all the associated hardware (175k on original front end) and it comes out to about $350.

 

[vssjim]

I have used them before on cars that need everything like they come with and they work very well.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Monroe has been making good quality shocks and struts for a long time.

Once you get the exact part number. plug it into Google Shopping. I'll bet you find a wide variation in pricing.

 

[MattPersman]

meh, they are pretty soft. will they do? sure, but the last set I put on a Taurus that had broken springs and the new set ups were softer than the wore out stockers. you can just blast the nuts with an impact if you feel they are loose. doesn't hurt to check

 

[pipsters]

Also I found a $50 mail in rebate that should get me the front sets for $190 out the door.

I don't mind soft even on my Volvo which is supposed to be a bit harsher I guess. It's a 5 cylinder 168 hp STATION WAGON lol.

 

[jhelrey]

Use them all of the time. Simple!

 

[greasemonkey44]

simple easy and fast; depending on the car you might need an alignment afterwards

 

[superkaz]

Interesting that you ask. I am also curious. I actually just joined the boards tonight and also have an 850 that has some suspension components that are about due. On the plus side, "quickstruts" apparently are also the "sensatrac" variety--that is they have the valves that the ST's do.

On the other side, do they make one that fits the 850s? The item listed apparently isnt spec'd for the 850 according to the page. And monroe's page doesnt show it as an option for the 850s. But maybe I am missing something.

 

[pipsters]

Interesting that you ask. I am also curious. I actually just joined the boards tonight and also have an 850 that has some suspension components that are about due. On the plus side, "quickstruts" apparently are also the "sensatrac" variety--that is they have the valves that the ST's do.

On the other side, do they make one that fits the 850s? The item listed apparently isnt spec'd for the 850 according to the page. And monroe's page doesnt show it as an option for the 850s. But maybe I am missing something.

No you're not. I thought I had selected my car when I priced it out but hadn't, just when I went to go order I double checked. Damnit! Back to plan 1 which was OEM stuff but damn it's going to be expensive.

The sensa tracs do fit our cars, just not the quick all inclusive variety. Might as well pay another $40 a side to get OEM Sachs at this point.

 

[pipsters]

Actually Sachs comes out to $85 a pop which is the OEM. Mine have 175k on them and are really just starting to get old but haven't failed yet, I'm just deciding to replace them. I highly doubt the Monroes could touch that, so I guess really it's like an extra $35. Not that bad.

Where you lose is I need to replace the spring seats and strut mounts and those are $75 a side, plus the $85 strut, and also the boot and stop. Not to mention I will be reusing the springs. So the quick strut, which I thought was available, would've been under $100 a side with the rebate. Damnit damnit damnit!!

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Monroe shocks are utter shite...if you're looking for a basic replacement, they'd be fine, but anything beyond that and I'd spend better money on better shocks. For OEM-style replacement, I tend to stick with KYB if I can, for non-performance/daily-driver applications.

I replaced a set of blown shocks on a 2004 Grand Cherokee last year with brand-new Monroe shocks...brand-new Monroes felt as bad as 150k blown stockers.

A very few of the more expensive Monroe shocks are decent, but not many.

Course, this is coming from a pony car guy, but even my parents (owners of the Jeep) were less than impressed with the replacement Monroe shocks. "Quick-struts" are in general a good idea, brand notwithstanding, though.

 

[MattPersman]

Sachs are good shocks if you can get them for not much more. Monroe is a profit maker with too soft shocks. the blue cheapies and the sensatracs, seriously they are super soft. to the point of I can not believe people live with it.

 

[superkaz]

If you are looking for the Sachs, right now you can get a complete front set (struts, mounts and hardware) for about $250 shipped. http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/110681/nm/Volvo_850_Non_Turbo_Struts_Spring_Seat_Strut_Mount_Suspension_Kit/category_id/192

I also like the idea of the monroe complete assembly going in and out, and also getting new springs in the mix, but for traditional replacements, this isnt a bad deal.

 

[superkaz]

Just as a quick note, I called tenneco to see if there was a cross-application number for the 850s, and there isnt at this time, no eta available. Oh well. FYI, call center is in India.