Pennock's Fiero Forum
  Technical Discussion & Questions
  Monroe sensatrac failures

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version


next newest topic | next oldest topic
Monroe sensatrac failures by fierobug
Started on: 01-11-2014 07:12 AM
Replies: 20 (525 views)
Last post by: fierobug on 01-14-2014 02:09 PM
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 07:12 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Replaced front shocks with sensatracs two years ago. Only drove it 5000 miles or so. Started removing front end suspension parts for new bushings and noticed that front shocks had no rebound when pushed in. The lay there like dead fish. Have problems at 65 mph and up with floating that is why I am putting in new bushings. I was shocked when I saw no action from the shocks! Will try to return them to advance auto, but don't really want two more. Am I testing them right? Anybody experience shocks failing this fast? Thanks for any info.

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
RWDPLZ
Member
Posts: 15085
From:
Registered: May 2002


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 306
Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 07:42 AM Click Here to See the Profile for RWDPLZSend a Private Message to RWDPLZEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Mine lasted about the same amount of time. Comfortable when they worked, though.
IP: Logged
Skybax
Member
Posts: 2385
From: PA
Registered: Jun 2003


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 78
Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 08:06 AM Click Here to See the Profile for SkybaxSend a Private Message to SkybaxEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I put new Sensa-Tracs on the front of my AMX last summer and I took them off the next day. They were fine in most driving conditions, but when riding over small bumps they sounded loose. (they were not loose) I put a set of Gabriels on and it solved the problem. When it comes to budget stock replacement shocks, I think it is hit and miss depending on the vehicle, spring rate, vehicle weight, condition of other suspension components, etc.
IP: Logged
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 08:48 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I realize shock choice has been gone over and over but what did you go with to replace them? I see KYB are more money but wow this budget stuff turns into a hassle. A little more money and less headache.

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

[This message has been edited by fierobug (edited 01-11-2014).]

IP: Logged
RWDPLZ
Member
Posts: 15085
From:
Registered: May 2002


Feedback score:    (11)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 306
Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 11:43 AM Click Here to See the Profile for RWDPLZSend a Private Message to RWDPLZEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
KYB's, which were really stiff. Now I have Koni's, on the softest setting.
IP: Logged
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 12:04 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Thank you.

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

IP: Logged
uhlanstan
Member
Posts: 6446
From: orlando florida
Registered: Apr 2007


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 427
User Banned

Report this Post01-11-2014 01:58 PM Click Here to See the Profile for uhlanstanSend a Private Message to uhlanstanEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have the cheapest monroe shocks on the front of the 86 Fiero, just wanted to try them out ,,One is great, the other install at the same time bottoms when i go over the rail road tracks.. the midas shocks I replaced work better than one of the new Monroe,s
My SUV jimmy .. I had the thing 12 years with unknown shocks ,no telling how old, still work great going over the same tracks
the cheap Monroe & gabrial are minimal for the family sedan
the Fiero deserves quality brake pads & quality shocks , you can feel the difference
IP: Logged
Dodgerunner
Member
Posts: 9687
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
Registered: Sep 2004


Feedback score:    (61)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 323
Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 02:23 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DodgerunnerClick Here to visit Dodgerunner's HomePageSend a Private Message to DodgerunnerEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I ordered two Monroe rear struts for my 85. (from Rockauto not that it mattered) Made the mistake of not putting them on for a year and made mods to them before installing so the warrenty was long over.
Took them out of the box and installed. One was completely bad one was good.
IP: Logged
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-11-2014 06:46 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Called Advance Auto and they think there should not be a problem since I have the online receipt They will give credit towards new ones. I asked if they would let me purchase KYB's instead and he thought that wouldn't be a problem. From what I read I guess they are somewhat stiffer but that is OK. Don't know until I try them. Stiff is O K. Bottoming out is not. 5000 mile failure is ridiculous.

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

IP: Logged
Custom2M4
Member
Posts: 4414
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Registered: Sep 2004


Feedback score: (3)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 114
Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 12:38 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Custom2M4Send a Private Message to Custom2M4Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have also had Monroe's fail. Kybs are much better, I've had koni reds on two of my vehicles, and theyve lasted the life and then some of the vehicles.

------------------

IP: Logged
masospaghetti
Member
Posts: 2477
From: Charlotte, NC USA
Registered: Dec 2009


Feedback score:    (10)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 09:51 AM Click Here to See the Profile for masospaghettiSend a Private Message to masospaghettiEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I've had a bunch of sensatracs, on my Fiero (front and rear), a 96 Camaro, and 3 Ford Explorers. Never had any of them fail.

I did have a failure of a "standard" replacement shock from NAPA, which I think Monroe makes. Found fluid leaking out of it after about 6 months of use. It was on my Fiero, maybe the Fiero's front end is especially hard on shocks for some reason.
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
Raydar
Member
Posts: 41199
From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country.
Registered: Oct 1999


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 461
Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 12:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I had one Sensatrac strut, defective out of the box.
The good one could be compressed, and would slowly extend back out.
The other would stay compressed, or would jump back out at irregular intervals. Seemed to be binding.
IP: Logged
Boostdreamer
Member
Posts: 7175
From: Kingsport, Tennessee USA
Registered: Jun 2007


Feedback score:    (24)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 98
Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 01:21 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BoostdreamerSend a Private Message to BoostdreamerEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fierobug:

Stiff is O K. Bottoming out is not.


I would not think the two were factors of each other. Wouldn't bottoming out be more a function of springs that were too weak for the application?

Jonathan

IP: Logged
Pilot Abileen
Member
Posts: 69
From: Copperas Cove, TX 76522
Registered: Jul 2012


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 01:38 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Pilot AbileenSend a Private Message to Pilot AbileenEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The good thing about most auto parts stores, is various brand options. Take those monroe back to Advance for a Warranty Refund or Warranty Upgrade. The KYB option is alittle more but way worth it!
IP: Logged
Blacktree
Member
Posts: 20770
From: Central Florida
Registered: Dec 2001


Feedback score:    (12)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 350
Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 05:44 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BlacktreeClick Here to visit Blacktree's HomePageSend a Private Message to BlacktreeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Back in the day (mid/late 1990s), I put a set of Monroe SensaTracs on the Fiero I had at the time. The ride was nice. But after a couple years, they started getting soft.

My current Fiero has KYBs, which I installed in 2004. They're still working fine. But as mentioned above, the KYBs are stiffer than stock. For me, that's fine. But if your Fiero is a daily driver or a boulevard cruiser, you might not like it.
IP: Logged
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 06:52 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
By stiffer I assume that means road sensitive or somewhat harsher ride? If control is tighter that is fine, can sacrifice soft ride for that.

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

IP: Logged
Blacktree
Member
Posts: 20770
From: Central Florida
Registered: Dec 2001


Feedback score:    (12)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 350
Rate this member

Report this Post01-12-2014 09:38 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BlacktreeClick Here to visit Blacktree's HomePageSend a Private Message to BlacktreeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The damping is heavier, so the ride is more firm. On bumpy surfaces, it will feel more harsh. You'll definitely want to slow down for railroad crossings.
IP: Logged
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-13-2014 04:41 AM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Thanks Blacktree. Pondering the change. Think I'll try the KYB. Gun shy now with monroe. Struts are new monroe. Work great - for now lol. Don't have time to keep crawling around under car to perform quality control on things that are suppose to be OK. Though glad I found out working on Bushings!

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

IP: Logged
AL87
Member
Posts: 2578
From: Bradenton, Florida, United States
Registered: Mar 2010


Feedback score: (5)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-14-2014 01:52 AM Click Here to See the Profile for AL87Send a Private Message to AL87Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
working at advance, its kinda sad to see in person how many failing products there are within the warranty period too!!!

soo much work is generated for the second hand auto service industry...
and a lot of it unwanted! who wants to spend 4 plus hours to remove and replace a part that they just put in not even a month earlier?
and its even worse with items that are defective out of the box...

I've been so much on the fence about buying certain products placing importance in name brands and everything...
soo many things are hit and miss... some products... I cant believe how bad they are, even if they are.

I was going to buy some sense-tracs for my gt but I think I'll just... NEVER... the %20 discount is loosing its applicability...
IP: Logged
TriumphFetish
Member
Posts: 98
From: Indianapolis, IN
Registered: Jul 2013


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-14-2014 12:57 PM Click Here to See the Profile for TriumphFetishSend a Private Message to TriumphFetishEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have to wonder if some of these parts have been sitting on shelves for a long time and the seals and check balls that make up the damping unit are defective from just sitting. I purchased all of my suspension / brake parts from Rock Auto.
The packaging of the brake pads tells me they are at least 10 years old. I did buy the sensa tracs because I've had good performance from them on every other vehicle I've put them on. Those other vehicles were newer and had many more units produced. Just wondering if it may be a causal factor. Low demand = low production = old "new" parts???
IP: Logged
fierobug
Member
Posts: 276
From: Rochester,New York
Registered: Nov 2010


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post01-14-2014 02:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobugSend a Private Message to fierobugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have ordered parts from some companies and that is exactly what I got. Product looking like it has been returned and boxed ripped open, missing instructions. Also being manufactured long ago old as already said. Some things don't matter, but others do. Send it back and you pay shipping. Guess I need to call customer service more often. Hate to get into it. Time and energy.

------------------
FIEROBUG!!!!!!!!!!

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot

next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock