A note on Monroe struts....

[jadnhm]

I have Monroe Sensatracs on my 1998 V70 AWD.

I can tell you what led me to pick them:

- local distribution. I bought them at my local Canadian Tire and didn't have to add shipping to the cost. A big plus on something as heavy as struts.

- price. They are pretty cheap as it is, but the suppliers that carry Monroe often have sales and I bought mine on sale: buy 1 get 2nd at 1/2 price. Essentially 25% off if you buy 2.

- warranty. Sensatracs come with a lifetime warranty, so when they fail you can just get a brand new set for free from the place you originally bought them.


I will get behind the 'buick ride' idea. They definitely don't feel like the Volvo/Sachs shocks do, but I don't think they feel bad. Anything was better than the struts I had on there which were COMPLETELY worn out. There wasn't even enough pressure in the strut to hold the rod up on its own.

[precopster]

On my '95 850 I installed Bilstein Touring on all 4 corners with FCPs wagon lowering springs. THAT is one combination that handles well, but around town it can be a bit jumpy and tiresome.

I installed AC Delco on the rear of my 960 wagon with live axle. The ride is very soft. Apparently they are re-packaged Gabriel brand. Anyone used AC Delcos before on Volvos?

[acdog]

I've learned the hard way - never put anything on a European car (Audi, BMW, Volvo, etc) but the original (Koni, Bilstien, Bogi, etc.) I put KYB's on my Audi - never drove the same, Monroe's on my Volvo, never heard the end of it. You have to spend some money...The good news is the Volvo is one of the easiest to work on!

[matthew1]

Here's a sister topic on a review and opinion on Monroe struts on Volvos. They are currently $48.55 for a '97 Volvo 850. Prices can and do change weekly. Look on the right side of this Amazon.com Monroe Sensa-Trac Strut page.

[KEWROCK]

I stated this in the original thread.
I've had Monroes and Gabreils installed in my various work vans and small pick-up trucks over the years, because that's what most repair shops use. THEY DO NOT LAST. If you live in a city with crappy streets, they will not stand up to daily punishment. A lifetime warranty is great, but be prepared to waste time routinely changing them. My company is gone now, so all I have are my family's cars that I repair myself. Nothing but OEM, even on the crappier cars.

[regutierrez]

I installed Monroe structs on my 2003 S60 about a year ago. No issues as far as I can tell, but the front is a litter higher now by about 1/2 ", they ride ok .... for the money!

[boosted5cyl]

Keep in mind "lifetime" warranty doesn't mean your life. It means what the manufacturer deems to be the life of the product. Thinking you can bring your struts back with 2 years and 60K on them under a "lifetime" warranty is nieve at best.

[Kirby J]

So I guess I shouldn't worry about getting the shocks (Bilstien Touring) on my 940 replaced under a lifetime warranty after 3 years and 260K miles?

Kirby J

[C@lvin]

Just thought I would chime in here.

I just put Monroes on my 98 S70 NA with 218K miles.

+1 big time on everyone who said that the Monroes are a thousand times better than worn out Sachs/Boge OEM struts and shocks.

At $158.00 including shipping for all four corners I am loving the price and though I like "spirited' driving as many of you do, I don't need high performance stuff.

FYI, the Monroe Sensa Tracs are now called Monroe OESpectrum it seems.

Anyway, I am happy with Monroe. If there is a long term problem I will post back with it.

[960driver]

looking for new front struts for my 960 sedan, i need something rugged and good for rough Maine roads i travel to sugarloaf a lot in the winter and the roads are constantly changing from frost. Does bilstein make any options for the 960? Monroes may be my next choice or OEM volvo struts. Wondering what brands people have had success with on the 960's.