Just as the title says, anyone here have any experience with the Monroe Max Air adjustable air struts? The Bonne has 140k miles and some change, and just by looking at the rear struts, they do appear to be stock, so I'm sure they are well overdue for changing. That, and starting in May, I will be driving, a TON, so matter the issue, I'm sure it will help the ride quality a bit.

Part Number: MA822 on www.partsamerica.com. They are packaged as a pair, and come with the air fittings.

Or just in general, good replacement air struts. I've seen the Rancho mod that some people do, but for a car with 140,000 miles and soon to be a helluva lot higher, definately not worth my time. That, and I enjoy the air ride.

I believe we've had a few members try and like them. I had purchased a different brand, which was more expensive, when I replaced mine a while back. I generally stick with Monroe'* and hadn't been disappointed, but I decided to go a different route. I'll be replacing those next week, with the Monroes. I don't mind a firm ride, but the ones that I have now make it ride like a buck-board, in particular in colder weather. I believe you'll be quite happy with them.

Good, that'* mainly what I would like to hear. I will be traveling a lot for my new job (Field Service Engineer for a company that makes heat treatment furnaces), so the car'* suspension needs to be in good shape. Within the next week, I plan on visually inspecting the entire suspension, front and rear, for any wear.

On my list of stuff to do:

Drivers side front wheel bearing
Drivers side front lower balljoint
Rear Struts

When I do the struts, do I need new mounts/bearings for the top of the struts themselves? IIRC, the W-body'* required upper and lower bearings/mounts, so I'm sure these cars require the same, or somewhat similar.

So, we're talking about the front struts, here - not the rear shocks? I believe what you posted are the shocks for the rear of the car. If the rear, if the mounts are in good shape (no clunking) you should be fine keeping those.

If you are talking front struts, I'd recommend the Monroe Sensa-Traks. You can likely just get away with replacing the bearings, not the entire mount...again, as long as there are no current issues with it.

Slick, I put on Monroe Max Airs last fall. Firm they are. I recommend keeping the original shocks in case you find the Monroes too firm.

I concur with Archon, do not replace the shocks mounts (they are only upper ones in the rear) unless you are having a problem with the originals. I replaced the original mounts because I wasn't sure what was causing an occassional clunk so just as a "while I am at" approach I replaced them with the shocks and have regreted it ever since. The new mounts (Monroes I believe) are now causing a lot of clunking noises over bumps at low speed -- even more pronounced in cold weather.

Yes, the rear air shocks.

So replacing the mounts are needed then? Cool!

I know that my original'* are in fact shot. Going over any significant bump, they easily bottom out. And at highway speeds, hitting any bumps causes the rear end to get a bit squirelly, from all of the movement of the shock itself.

No matter what I choose, they need to be done.

Any other recommendations?

you may consider changing the springs while ur in there. i think mine were only 80 bucks for the pair.

and i used the monroe sensatracs with good results.

Do the springs need to be compressed before pulling them out?

Truthfully, I've never had a problem with the actual springs wearing out, but $80 for the pair is pretty damn cheap.

No, they can be removed without compressing them. I can post the procedure if you are interested in the extra work. My personal opinion is that even though it'* not very expensive, why replace a part that doesn't need replacing?