Struts
 

I was under the car today replacing the sway bar to frame bushings and noticed that both of the struts are leaking. I checked around and found that Monroe has Sensa-trac struts listed for the 2006 but not the 2007. Does anybody know if they changed the part in 2007 or are 2006 and 2007 struts interchangeable? The other thing that is interesting is they make no differentiation between standard and sport suspension.

According to GM Parts Direct, the struts are listed as 06-07 which means they are the same for 2006 and 2007. However, they do have different part numbers (and prices) for the "soft-ride suspension" versus the "sport suspension". Their prices are from $80 to $90, depending on the side and whether they are the soft-ride or sport ones.

When I replaced the brake pads last week, I noticed my struts (2006 1LT) were leaking. The only replacement struts I have found are the Monroe Sensa-trac (around$80 each) and KYB struts around $95 each).

Steve

Rock Auto has the Sensa-Trac struts for $66.79 each and the strut mounts for $25.79 each. Not bad if you ask me considering what the AC Delco go for. I am not to crazy about using the OE since leaking struts seem to be an issue.

I'd rather buy the KYB than the Monroe which are probably the equal of OEM units. Lots of OEM shocks are actually relabeled Monroe units. I was actually hoping KYB had their AGX shocks available for the HHR but it looks like it's only the non-adjustable units.

If you go with the Monroes for the struts, watch the part numbers. Left side is 72180 and the right side is 72179. The bearing plates have the same part number for both sides as does the boot kits. The rear shocks are both the same part number.

When I put the Monroe struts on in January I noticed the different part numbers but nothing to indicate which side was which. Found the info on their web site.

Have you been pleased with the performance of the Monroe parts?

Yes, very pleased. I did not replace the bearing plates or the boot kits and the originals seem to be working fine. I've used quite a few Monroe shocks on other vehicles and have never had any problems or complaints but this is the first strut I've ever replaced.

The day after I put the Monroes on I left Phoenix for home and put 2,000 miles on them in 31 hours and the ride home was much better than the ride out. But, after 80,000 miles the originals were pretty worn out.

GM lists two different parts for each strut, depending on whether you have the soft-ride or sport suspension. Does anyone know which type the KYB or Monroes are? Maybe something in-between? I would like something leaning more toward the sport side.

Steve

The KYB will be more of a sport level than the Monroe units.