Had to head to FT Knox with about 800 lbs of gear in the trunk and back seat of my 2001 Bonneville SSEi with 220k miles. The rear shocks have been leaking bad for years, and with the 800lbs of gear the air compressor ran the entire 700 mile trip in vain. A year ago I replaced the air compressor and the air compressor vacuum lines, but never got around to actually replacing the rear shocks.

Ordered the Monroe aftermarket replacement shocks Part No MA822 as research stated they were exact fit replacements. Bought the shocks on-line at Advanced Auto parts using a 20% off coupon with in store pickup, grand total with tax and a can of PB Blaster came to $59.

I don't have any tools with me, but know the hardest part of the job is lifting the carpet off the sides in the trunk- which is easy. I went to a local muffler shop and told him I had the shocks and I wanted them replaced, that I had already removed the carpet from the truck and PB Plaster the shock bolts.

He told me my Bonneville had rear struts, that he had a Bonneville also. He put it on the rack and said- "well guess you are right- they are shocks". He then went to his computer and typed for three minutes and came back and said the labor to replace would be $103.50. I said I will pass and to take my car off the rack.

I went to Wal-mart and bought the cheapest floor jack (I don't recommend this one at all- very unsafe) for $18, a ratchet, a 10mm, 15mm, and 17 mm socket, and a pair of pliers.

I jacked up the Bonneville, swapped out the shocks on both rear sides and was on my way in under 30 minutes. I picked an open spot under a tree in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

The only issue I would worry about for one to do this job if the hanger bolts on the bottom of the shock are rusty, and if one breaks them it would require humping to the dealer or a hardware store for replacements. Using PB Blaster and taking my time kept the hanger bolts serviceable.

Interesting story sir, but after what I seen a few weeks ago just 2 doors down from Harry'* may end your unsafe parking lot repairs.

A guy was changing his front/right wheel. He had one of those rolling floor jacks holding the right front up. Well, with FWD, if both wheels are on the ground, it won't move in PARK. But, as soon as you take one wheel off the ground, it will eventually move. The second he took the wheel off the hub, the van moved forward tipping the jack over and pinching his one hand on top of the wheel impaling him to it. Not 3 of us could lift the front of the van up enough. It took half the fire dept to get it off of him.

I am glad Michael that the shock swap went well in the parking lot, & 30 minutes, that'* great...Mr Speedy!

I guess the guy beside Harry'* may now learn why it is important to block the rear wheels before lifting the front.

Sorry to hear that. Must of been a tragic scene.

Good tip to remember to always block wheels when jacking up a vehicle. One never knows.

True that! Even the parking brake would have made the difference.

Glad to see it was just that easy. The older gen is a bit more involved, but it'* not that bad either.

Tell the truth....you were using a sun dial....and it was cloudy....

Now that'* funny!

Ya maybe Guns will have to update his wristwatch soon!