Monroe Sensa-Trac Struts

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 20 Feb 2009, 14:26

Well, I gave my mechanic the price RockAuto.com lists for their KYB shocks/struts and he can't come close. Looks like he's figuring 2 hours for the front, 1 for the back, labor. I think I'll approach a local shop about installing the equipment I buy from RockAuto. I have a question about the mounts. How do I know if they need replacing or not? Any thoughts?

otis44 · Post by **otis44** » 20 Feb 2009, 16:36

You may have already checked, but in my experience with Rockauto the prices are very cheap, then when you get to the checkout screen the shipping will be absolutely ridiculous. So much in fact, that on most items I have priced their deal is no longer a deal. Good luck

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Feb 2009, 16:52

At 110K miles, you're best bet it to go ahead and replace the spring seats- don't skimp here...the cheap stuff just wears out quickly- then you're in to replace them again ($$), even though your struts are still good. I personally am recommending the XC90 spring seats or the heavy duty ones from www.ipdusa.com for all of our FWD/AWD Volvo's.

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 20 Feb 2009, 17:20

MadeInJapan wrote:... go ahead and replace the spring seats ...

Is there anything else besides what I have seen called "strut mounts" that go between the top of the strut and the hole on top of the fender well? Thanks in advance.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Feb 2009, 17:53

On our cars, the strut mount looks like this:

These do wear out too but not as much...this is the piece that buts up against the very top of the strut tower and you actually screw the bolts on to which keeps the struts in place. Just check them and if they look gnarly or don't turn well, change them too.

I suppose you know that the spring seats are these:

and these are the pieces that will almost always be bad when you change out your struts.

On the rear there are only shock mounts (well there are "bump stops" that can fall down in the coil and rumble around...if this happens, there is a cheap plastic clip that you can buy that will restore their functioning).

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 20 Feb 2009, 20:35

MadeInJapan wrote:... strut mount looks like this...

Yea thats good, thanks

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 21 Feb 2009, 11:47

MadeInJapan wrote: You might check out prices at http://www.fcpgroton.com (10% discount with "frosty" at checkout)

You are right, fcpgroton has a great package deal for all 4 wheels. No shipping charge. If I buy I'll try your discount code. Now I just have to find a shop willing to do labor only.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Feb 2009, 15:50

Discount code has changed for this month....I read it somewhere but forgot to write it down- If I can think of it, or come across it again, I'll post back.

Wildman · Post by **Wildman** » 23 Mar 2009, 18:39

Found a very good price on a four wheel strut and shocks kit from FCPGroton.com. It is OEM equipment (Sachs). It absorbs the shock of pavement cracks and carrot-sized bumps much better now. However, the ride on this car is very sports car like.

I had my local shop put the struts on, but there was some knocking/ rattling in the front. I took it back and they fixed that, but I hear a straining from the upper strut mount when I turn the wheel. I guess I'll have to take it to a Volvo specialist - so much for the money saving route.

mosearch · Post by **mosearch** » 23 Mar 2009, 20:16

otis44 wrote:You may have already checked, but in my experience with Rockauto the prices are very cheap, then when you get to the checkout screen the shipping will be absolutely ridiculous. So much in fact, that on most items I have priced their deal is no longer a deal. Good luck

Funny,
RockAuto shipping has always been quite reasonable for me...to California.

Monroe Sensa-Trac Struts

Re: Monroe Sensa-Trac Struts