2002 Strut and spring question..

babeba67 · 10-07-2014, 10:36 PM

I just bought a 2002 (3.4L) with 132,000. The ride seems pretty rough to me and I'm wondering what the life span of the struts and springs are on these vehicles.

If I replace the struts I will not be "dropping" or modifying in any way. Using this car for a highway commuter about 150 highway daily, so I'm looking for as close to stock or whatever gives a smooth ride with decent handling.

Should I also replace the springs? What is the telltale signs they are bad?

Thanks for the input!

03glgold · 10-07-2014, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babeba67

I just bought a 2002 (3.4L) with 132,000. The ride seems pretty rough to me and I'm wondering what the life span of the struts and springs are on these vehicles.

If I replace the struts I will not be "dropping" or modifying in any way. Using this car for a highway commuter about 150 highway daily, so I'm looking for as close to stock or whatever gives a smooth ride with decent handling.

Should I also replace the springs? What is the telltale signs they are bad?

Thanks for the input!

If you arent lowering or anything might be easiest with a quick strut which will include the spring.

Papa Rad17 · 10-08-2014, 03:33 AM

Monroe quick struts are your friend here! Common problem will with n-bodys is our strut mounts will go out. Like mine, they will pop and creak as you turn. Its good to replace them. Monroe makes good stuff, the quick struts are easy, and have everything there instead of piecing it all together. My first alero had around 200,000 on it and the factory suspension seemed to be slowly loosing its ride quality. This one is about the same miles, stock suspension is gone, toast in the front. happy modding

03Alerosil · 10-08-2014, 08:38 AM

I second the Monroe quick struts. They have the strut, spring, and mount all in one so no spring compressor is needed. Makes strut replacement very easy. Wish I could afford some for my alero but my factory stuff seems to be holding out.

Papa Rad17 · 10-08-2014, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03Alerosil

I second the Monroe quick struts. They have the strut, spring, and mount all in one so no spring compressor is needed. Makes strut replacement very easy. Wish I could afford some for my alero but my factory stuff seems to be holding out.

depending on how the car's life has been the factory suspension can be great. n-bodys were loved for their ride and handling, people just dont see it anymore

Redog · 10-08-2014, 10:28 PM

Struts should be changed at 50,000 miles, so at 132,000 you should be ready for the 3rd set by now.

Personally, I don't care of Monroe. I run KYB's on both my Oldsmobiles. The G/F's Focus will soon run them and the Volvo will too next year.

KYB GR2 is a OE quality shock, so it's not like a major upgrade. They will work fine with stock springs

sleepyalero · 10-08-2014, 11:10 PM

I dont change them every 50k lol my stocks ran on the car till like 180k

Still felt okay, and never had un even tire wear.

zzyzzx · 10-09-2014, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Rad17

Monroe quick struts are your friend here! Common problem will with n-bodys is our strut mounts will go out. Like mine, they will pop and creak as you turn. Its good to replace them. Monroe makes good stuff, the quick struts are easy, and have everything there instead of piecing it all together.

I agree with the above statement. Another reason not to reuse strut mounts is that I have had strut mounts rust out later after only replacing just the strut: