Monroe Sensa-Trac Struts

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 26 Dec 2008, 11:01

At 110,000 miles, I think my struts and shocks are due for replacement. The current ones I assume are the originals, and I think they would deliver a very firm ride even when new. I would want a ride perhaps a bit softer than the original even.

Easily available struts are Monroe Sensa-Trac and the KYB GR2, which are twice as expensive (currently $85 and $160 ea. respectively). I understand the Monroe is gas charged, as are the KYB.

Does anybody have the Monroe on? Anybody have recent experience with these products?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 26 Dec 2008, 15:00

I hardly ever hear of anyone using these or the KYB.

OEM is Boges/Sachs. Most people tend to go with Bilstein (they have a HD version that will jar your teeth out or TC- Touring version that will feel nice but raise the front a bit) or Koni which seem to offer a decent compromise between comfort and control. You might check out prices at www.fcpgroton.com (10% discount with "frosty" at checkout) eeuroparts.com and www.shox.com Depending on how much you spend, I believe all now have free shipping.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Dec 2008, 17:16

It would surely help to know what kind of Volvo this is, we're not mind readers!
KYB's are a decent shock/strut in general, but as MIJ said, not many here have used them on a Volvo.

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 28 Dec 2008, 11:03

JRL wrote:It would surely help to know what kind of Volvo this is...

Model is listed in my signature.

howardc64 · Post by **howardc64** » 03 Jan 2009, 10:02

I run KYB GR2 in my 01 T5. Works fine for me but I don't really drive the car very hard.

Got mine at rockauto.com for like $65 each. 1/2 price of anywhere else.

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 04 Jan 2009, 18:01

howardc64 wrote:I run KYB GR2 in my 01 T5. Works fine for me but I don't really drive the car very hard. Got mine at rockauto.com for like $65 each. 1/2 price of anywhere else.

Good info. I imagine your T5 has a stiffer ride than my 2.4T, but what kind of difference did you notice when you changed over from the OEM?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jan 2009, 18:18

Wildman wrote:
JRL wrote:It would surely help to know what kind of Volvo this is...
Model is listed in my signature.

Couldn't resist

:

: 4wheel Pawned.jpg (14.57 KiB) Viewed 3760 times

Post by **outdoor7or24** » 06 Jan 2009, 11:08

Wildman wrote:At 110,000 miles, I think my struts and shocks are due for replacement. The current ones I assume are the originals, and I think they would deliver a very firm ride even when new. I would want a ride perhaps a bit softer than the original even.

Easily available struts are Monroe Sensa-Trac and the KYB GR2, which are twice as expensive (currently $85 and $160 ea. respectively). I understand the Monroe is gas charged, as are the KYB.

Does anybody have the Monroe on? Anybody have recent experience with these products?

I have the sensa-tracs on my 1993 945t and the ride is okay. The car seems to dive when braking, more than my 95 855t with Boge in the front and Bilstein TC in the rear. I have to say I would not go back with them if switch them out. They seem a little to slow in responsiveness, but the ride is better than bad or worn shocks/struts. I like something a little more firm like the boge or bilstein tc.

I know you are looking for a 850 with them, but I will say they are okay. I don't think you can get a very soft ride in an 850 like you could a lincon or caddy because of car design (tires and suspension). Just a thought.

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 06 Jan 2009, 21:43

Got mine at rockauto.com

That site looks like a winner, thanks. Incredible prices on KYB struts.

howardc64 · Post by **howardc64** » 10 Jan 2009, 17:16

Wildman wrote: Good info. I imagine your T5 has a stiffer ride than my 2.4T, but what kind of difference did you notice when you changed over from the OEM?

My OEM struts were at 110k miles so the new KYB was much better than what was in there. I also replaced the control arm bushing, sway bar end links, and inner tie rods (replaced a leaky steering rack) at the same time. So I pretty much had a new front suspension.

Actually, from what I understand on these front suspensions, all parts are identical between the T5 and 2.4T except for maybe

1. Tires/wheels
2. Maybe anti-sway bar size? (My T5's rear anti-sway bar is a bit thicker than my 01 XC70s rear)

Other than this, control arms, struts are identical.