Struts 'N Shocks

[enginebrake]

Has anyone had any luck in obtaining Monroe or other aftermarkets suspension parts for the earlier Vues as of yet. My local auto parts guy told me they should be available sometime in the beginning of this year and Monroe had their parts numbers listed months ago but still not available. Thanks
Harry

[D C]

Have you tried contacting Monroe directly? They have a "contact us" on their website.

[GearGuy]

Here is a previous thread. (http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?p=845522)

Still showing the 3rd quarter, huh?

Found the fronts listed at Strutmasters (http://www.strutmasters.com/catalog.php?cat=134)
but I somehow doubt they actually have them...

Looks like the rears are common to the Equinox.

[1saxman]

Monroe has the rear shocks. I'm going to try to hold out for Bilstein or Koni, but I can't wait too much longer. So far, the dealer is about the only place to get decent shocks/struts, and they're high. However, the original parts seem to last fairly well. My 2003 is starting to get a little 'spongy' but is not really bouncing. The key to suspension parts is replacing them before they wear out and cause something else to go bad, like bushings. Remember, it can be made to ride just like when it was new. Tires, shocks, bushings and insulators, and sometimes springs.

[GearGuy]

However, the original parts seem to last fairly well. My 2003 is starting to get a little 'spongy' but is not really bouncing.

How many miles on your Vue?

[enginebrake]

DC I did try contacting them directly in December and was told they should be available "shortly". I was told that since late July. I also noted the answer changes from rep to rep too. One rep told me they didn't make it yet although it had a part number, another emailed me they were undergoing test vehicle runthroughs. My ride has been spongy and at 52,000 miles, I am inclined to get the factory struts if we don't hold onto this nice weather long.
:us:

[1saxman]

I have 42K and it's still basically okay. I've just wanted a 'sportier' set of shocks on it all along. I can hold out quite a while now because after just getting a new truck and also being retired, I won't be putting as many miles on the VUE. The only problem with the struts is, they have a bracket for the sway bar end link welded on. Other than that, it's just another strut. Whoever is making them for Saturn must be under an agreement not to release struts on the aftermarket for an unknown period of time. Maybe it's five years, in which case we should start seeing them, but for now it's the dealer or nothing. The rears are just shocks, so I look for these to start being available any time. The Redline probably has a better strut, but it also has a lower ride height than the regular VUE, so that strut may not work either. Having had experience with many shocks and struts over the years, I can tell you that although expensive, getting the right part from the dealer most of the time is the best bet to help restore the new-car ride and feel. I have paid a lot for aftermarket 'sport' shocks (KYB) that turned out to be softer than the originals. I mentioned Bilstein and Koni because I know for sure that their stuff is the best. If either one had a set of struts for the VUE I would order them tonight. One has to be careful wih 'sport' settings on the VUE. It has a somewhat firm suspension to start with and a quiet ride, so you wouldn't want to turn it into a bone shaker that would drive you crazy. That's why I recommended the factory replacement parts if you don't want to take a chance. I probably will have some front-end work done on mine in the spring, to include struts and mounts, sway bar end links and any bushings or insulators that are bad. So far the VUE seems to have a strong front end that holds alignment, so I don't mind putting some money into it to maintain/restore that new-car ride. Fortunately, there's an old established local shop that specializes in chassis/spring work. The rear end seems to be no problem either, and the shocks are the only thing I plan to change there.

[Ritz]

The VUE could definitely benefit from more aggressively damped struts. Billstein or Koni replacements would be ideal if/when/ever they become available.

Cheers,

[Bob25thTA]

Monroe has finally manufactured Front Struts. They have not made it to distributors as of 01/12/07. Had a Sales Guy at Sears try to get a set, but their wholesaler/distributor does not have them. Maybe in a few weeks:yes:

[mellissam]

Here is a previous thread. (http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?p=845522)

Still showing the 3rd quarter, huh?

Found the fronts listed at Strutmasters (http://www.strutmasters.com/catalog.php?cat=134)
but I somehow doubt they actually have them...

Looks like the rears are common to the Equinox.
Great link GearGuy!
Well, they have them (Monroe Reflex) listed for 2002-2005....would imagine they would fit 06&07 (nothing changed in the strut dept did it?)?

2002 - 2005 Saturn VUE - FWD and AWD [FR]
Reflex Struts (932217)
$76.13

2002 - 2005 Saturn VUE - FWD and AWD [FL]
Reflex Struts (932218)
$76.13

[Bob25thTA]

Ordered a set of front struts from Strutmasters for my 03 Vue, should have them by Friday. If all goes well I'll install them this weekend.

[GearGuy]

Did they have them in stock or are they on order as well?

Glad to hear that you will get them. I'm interested in hearing how well they work and if there is much of a difference.

[1saxman]

Yeah, let us know how you like them.

[Bob25thTA]

Did they have them in stock or are they on order as well?

Glad to hear that you will get them. I'm interested in hearing how well they work and if there is much of a difference.

They are being "drop shipped' directly from Monroe. Probably the first set off the production line, if ther is such a thing in the shock/strut industry.