Rear Air Shocks 2004 Buick LeSabre

[Milkman]

Hello all,

I had a rear shock let go last night, hemmoraged oil all over the garage floor. This car (2004 Buick LeSabre) was factory equipped with a "Level Ride" system. Meaning that there is a small air compressor and some sensors that keep the rear of the car level when loaded.

So I called the mechanic that I use (and trust) when something is a little bigger than I want to do with out a lift and he says that the only way do go is factory (dealer) parts.

Here is my question: Dealer price for 2 new shocks (parts only) is $ 268 plus another $ 105 for an adaptor kit if my shocks have a threaded air line connector. (My luck, I'll need the adaptor.)

I can get Monroe aftermarket for around $ 85 for the pair from a local Mom n Pop store. I called Monroe's tech support line and they said that these were a direct replacement, just hook 'em up and go. (Parts guy at auto parts store said the same thing.)

Does anyone have real world experience with these Monroe replacement shocks ? I would like to save a few bucks if at all possible.

As Always, Many Thanks...

 

[sciphi]

Get the Monroes, and don't sweat it. Else you will be replacing them really soon. Everybody I've ever heard of on the Pontiac Bonneville boards (same car as your LeSabre) uses the Monroes without issue.

Link to a thread on that board discussing this very issue and other pertinent information to know about replacement: Rear Strut Replacement

 

[HTSS_TR]

I agree with Sciphi. Get the Monroe shocks, no reason to spend 4 times the money for dealer parts, also supporting local Mom&Pop store is a good thing to do.

 

[Stu_Rock]

I currently have those Monroe MA822 shocks on my car. They are very nice.

There is also an aftermarket (non-dealer) ACDelco pair and KYB recently came out with a part for this application as well. Both of those are about 60% more expensive than the Monroe.

When you remove the old shocks, you will probably break the speed nuts. It's OK to use regular M8 nuts in place of them. Make sure you have 4 of them on hand before starting the job.

 

[Milkman]

Stu,
I have heard about breaking the nuts and bolts that connect to the lower control arm. From what I hear, it is OK to just get nuts and bolts from the Hardware store. What are M8 nuts ?

Also do you have a source for the AC/Delco or KYB shocks ?

Thanks

 

[Stu_Rock]

Just standard metric nuts from the hardware store. Size M8-1.25. If your hardware store doesn't have metric, find a new hardware store. Or use 5/16-18 nuts and bolts.

The ACDelco and KYB are available at RockAuto, but like I said, they're considerably more expensive than the Monroe.

Also, I don't think a 2004 will have threaded fittings. If it does, the adapter kit is available from RockAuto. The part number is 19210500, for $65.

 

[Trav]

I put a set of Monroe's on a 2000 Venture mini van with level ride 5 yrs ago and they are still going strong, no issues whatsoever. Nothing wrong with these shock at that price, you cant go wrong. Installation is a breeze.

Edit: If you break a bolt AA, AZ or NAPA has M8 nuts and bolts in various lengths and shoulder lengths, no problem

 

[Wilderness]

Stu_Rock:
After replacing the shocks on the 2004 LeSabre with the Monroe's, what do you do about the Air Compressor? [email protected]

 

[Wilderness]

Milkman:
After replacing the shocks on the 2004 LeSabre with the Monroe's, what do you do about the Air Compressor? [email protected]

 

[sciphi]

The air compressor stays hooked up. The replacements have air bladders just like the factory struts.

 

[GMBoy]

I replaced a set of those level ride shocks with Monroe's for a neighbor probably about 2 years ago. They are still working great and they sure get a workout..he car pools and the 2 in the back each go atleast 250lbs each.

 

[artificialist]

Sometimes when the back end of a car sags for too long, the air suspension level sensor gets destroyed. If new air shocks/struts are installed, and the back end of the car does not rise, bypass the sensor, and see if the back end of the air compressor operates.

I have replaced very few air suspension compressors, but replaced many air suspension level sensors.

 

[vssjim]

I have put on alot of those Monroe shocks for direct replacement of you same type of car and never had a defect in years of using them. Monroes for these cars work every bit as good as oe and yes they fit with no adapters.