Commodore VX - Front Struts

[PeterVX2]

My VX II Equipe has done 276,000 klm and I think the front struts are just about gone.

I have to bounce the front suspension quiet a few times before shock inserts start working. Once I do this they seem to be OK after that.

I have Pedders Comfort Ride struts and these are no longer available. Pedders want $950 to supply and fit equivalent struts and replace the rear two shocks as well.

Just looking on ebay, "Suzuki Super" and Webco strut assemblies are listed at a fraction of what Pedders want.

The Suzuki look the better units of these two as "Webco" has had recalls in recent times.

I have not yet checked what Holden genuine units are worth.

Has any Forum member had any experience fitting either of these brands or any other brand of after market front strut assemblies ( and rears ) to a standard VX II Commodore ?

I would appreciate any informed comment.

 

[MYVESSV8]

kyb's or munro's

 

[lowandslow]

A set of front KYB struts delivered are $240 on ebay atm.

 

[shueardm]

I did this last week
https://forums.justcommodores.com.au/threads/300k-on-one-set-of-struts.270221/

I got KYB from Sparesbox. You will need to work out if you also need new top mounts , bumper stops and protection boots first, at least if you don't want the job to stall when you take them out to find you need more parts in a hurry

 

[devilly]

Yeap I agree with KYB struts then I went sports Gt rear shocks and springs pedders heavy duty works really well

 

[afstruct]

As said before, might be a good idea to jack up car and inspect other bushes , ball joints, tie rod ends before you start ( pulling it apart once or paying someone to do that is way less frustrating and expensive if someone else is doing it) , one wheel alignment instead of another shortly after. Might be a bigger bill now but smoother operation into the future.
And with that in mind probably would guarantee strut top mounts/ bearings would need doing .

 

[losh1971]

Poke your head under the guard with the car jacked up a bit. I reckon you need to replace everything on the strut including bumpstops and boots. I'd be inclined to replace the CA's while the strut is out. Do it once and do it right. If you do the job yourself including arms you will save 120-150 bucks and that's about all. My mech did the labour on mine for $60 a side including fitting new CA's with me supplying the bits to overhaul the strut and a rebuilt CA. Like Afstruct mentioned, I'd grab another left TRE as it will probably be flogged out given the mileage and they are under 25 bucks for a Wasp if you have a shop that will look after you. TRE's are fairly easy to fit yourself as long as they are not seized in the hole like mine was. Setting the alignment enough to get it to a wheel aligner can be tricky but not too hard. Just don't use BJTM for an alignment, need I say more......

 

[PeterVX2]

Thank you all for your replies.

I have done some more homework.

The KYB units for my VX II are pitched at the FE II suspension, they clearly state this. My vehicle has a standard suspension.

The Monroe units are more expensive that the Pedders struts, but they do offer 3 different valving options, but without using the word "standard" suspension. At that price, I am sure they are excellent quality.

I rang my local Holden dealer and to my surprise, they supply the struts for $122 each, but more importantly, offer 3 variations of shock valving, Standard, FE I, and FE II. With my VIN number supplied, I will get the correct one.

To my surprise the genuine Holden units look the way to go. I realize I will have to replace the top bearings and boots as well.

I will do the job myself after looking at this informative video. Spring compressors look cheaper to buy on Ebay than to hire.

 

[afstruct]

If your bump stop and dust cover are good don't bother cutting zip tie , just undo clamp at bottom of the cover on stut.

 

[Commo Baba]

Thank you all for your replies.

I have done some more homework.

The KYB units for my VX II are pitched at the FE II suspension, they clearly state this. My vehicle has a standard suspension.

The Monroe units are more expensive that the Pedders struts, but they do offer 3 different valving options, but without using the word "standard" suspension. At that price, I am sure they are excellent quality.

I rang my local Holden dealer and to my surprise, they supply the struts for $122 each, but more importantly, offer 3 variations of shock valving, Standard, FE I, and FE II. With my VIN number supplied, I will get the correct one.

To my surprise the genuine Holden units look the way to go. I realize I will have to replace the top bearings and boots as well.

I will do the job myself after looking at this informative video. Spring compressors look cheaper to buy on Ebay than to hire.

Thanks for mentioning Holden for standard struts. Will keep that in mind. I tend to forget about them as a parts supplier.

Just had new lower control arms put in and some strut damage was found on the same side I smacked a wombat at highway speed. Already knew the top bearings are worn.

Will have to save up again but damage is not critical and I don't get out much anyway.