I need to replace the front struts on my 2000 S80 T6.
Will Monroe sensatrac work or should I go with something better?
But I am selling it soon, will they work well or are they junk?

 

Monroe are a good reliable brand, nothing wrong with them but nothing too spectacular..
How much are you paying for the monroe?

The OEM brand is Sachs which is about $130 each for the fronts
and the upgrade on that is the Bilstein HD which is $235 each...

Just did some quick research... id say get the Monroe on rockauto.com and send in the mail in rebate for $40.. should come up to about $90 for the pair after the rebate which is a steal considering..

 

You can't go wrong with OEM ones. Like said, look for Sachs or Boge, they are essentially the same thing.

 

well yes, but the OEM ones would be 3x the price and considering he doesn't really plan on keeping it, not sure if its wisest to go that route..
Id personally go with monroe if you plan to sell, go with OEM if you dont

 

Thanks for the replies!

nicolaselias, I'm with you on this one, I'm not keeping it for long anyways! So as long as the Monore's aren't considered a poor choice for this car then I'm in for saving money! And thanks for the tip about rockauto.com, I never heard of them.

I just got the:
Monroe struts for $ 60.79 each
Monroe strut mounts for $ 57.79 each
Raybestos bellows for $ 13.93 each
Total of $296 incl shipping. Pretty good deal!

I'll post what I think of the Monore's next week! Thanks again!

 

Always glad to help, but don't forget the mail in rebate on the monroes worth $40.. nice saving...
I wouldnt mind reviews because I think I need new shocks as well...

 

Hey Mercb, did you get the shocks on the car yet? I really would love to know how they ride...

Thanks

 

I have a 2003 C70 80,000 miles. I purchased my Monroe shocks Rock auto and installed them 2 months ago. Took 5 weeks to get rebate check.
Very easy install and the ride is okay. I live in a very hilly and twisty part of Akansas and the ride is ok. Good ride for the money. Replaced the rear shocks two weeks later..... 30 years working on car.....25 years years working on airplanes....the rear shocks are the worest/hardest repair I have ever done.

Cb

 

My mechanic just called me and said he couldn't replace the struts!
He claims there is a special socket to remove the strut from the spring!!

Anyone know if this is true or not!

I'll try posting a new thread on this subject.

 

Yeah I actually got Monroe on my 99 S80 and I got them from one of Rock Auto's suppliers, and they were about $80 per side all the way around (this is without the mail in rebate, because when I got them they did not have the rebate and the prices have changed since then). These were the best ones that Monroe makes btw. The ride is good and I have had them for about 6 or 7 months. I am glad that you found them for a really good price! That is always a good thing!

 

Hey Elmo, just a question but what supplier did you get the monroe struts and shocks from? Would it work out cheaper than getting it from rockauto themselves?

I really think its about time I change the struts and shocks , particularly because i do not want to put my new Continental tyres on with the suspension in its current state

Thanks

 

It appears you may need a special tool to take the nut off. Found this picture online.

My car had KYB front and rear shocks when I bought it which I was not impressed with. Shocks were new then car sat for about 2 years which must have caused rust to form on the rear shock's piston rod because found about a cup of oil on garage floor. Replaced with Monroe which has a much larger piston and looks much more durable.

 

I think IPD sells the socket to get the struts off. It should be a reasonable cost, I think Hayes suggests just cutting a notch in an old socket.

I went with Koni FSDs all around. 26k miles later still running great. Almost as soft as the OEMs on bad roads but firmer on good roads.