HI

My 96 SSEi is in need of new rear struts. I'm not really interested in paying $$$ for the OEM replacements (though the mechanic would like me to I'm sure - he quoted me 470 for both!) Is there a non-ELC version of rear struts available, since my compressor gave up the ghost long ago?

or is it best to fix the ELC so I get the correct spring/damper combination?

thanks for any comments/help

Paul


1996 Bonneville, ~150,000 miles (hard to know with the dash going in and out)

there are a bunch of aftermarket replacement air shocks, i used these; , just because they are cheap and i dont care if it handles like a race car. it ended up handling the same as it did when i bought it. after a break in period that kind of feels like the wheels are solid mounted to the car. as far as the compressor there is this monroe air line kit that has the proper connectors to go to both shocks and adds a bicycle type filler valve.

Yup.. your springs are not going to like the non-air assisted struts. I'd do it with the air kit as well. Super cheap and works as good as the compressor.

OK thanks for the comments. I'll get the air line kit. What is the pressure range of the air struts?

dont know, i blew it up till it was a little over level with no one in the car and the trunk empty. then when loaded it goes down a bit past level.

got the specs with the kit for anyone'* info.

20psi minimum
90psi nominal
150psi maximum

If the Bonneville uses MA822 air shocks you can also get part # 90007 to convert to coil over non-air. More money but probably a permanent fix.