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'96 SSE Rear Strut/Shock Replacement


bigj-dog
01-11-2011, 08:01 PM
I'm working on a '96 Bonneville SSE with the computer controlled suspension (code FW1). One of the rear struts is blown out, and actually completely broken in half. I'm looking to replace both rears with monroe units, and the notes on the monroe struts say to disconnect the level sensors on top of the struts (the original models have a 3 wire plugin in side the shaft of the strut), which I have to do anyway, as the new ones don't have the plug to plug into anyway. The instructions also say to disable the control unit under the trim panel, can I do that? I understand how you could if you just had the rear leveling suspension instead of the whole computer controlled system, but won't the front be messed up if I just unhook it? I'm thinking I might just put in a used one to simplify the situation, but I'd really rather not recycle struts. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

maxwedge
01-12-2011, 02:22 PM
Any disconnect in that system will kill the ft struts as they work together for proper suspension balance., maybe try a bone yard for good used ones.

Jrs3800
01-12-2011, 08:17 PM
Either update to the Monroe sensatrack at all 4 corners or don't bother... Doing the rears only and leaving the front 2 alone will leave the car with terrible handling... The chances of finding good CCR Struts in the yard is slim to none..

I would replace all 4 struts and disable the CCR system... The Electronic Load Level is an independent system that has nothing to do with CCR, so if the Load Level works now it will continue to do so..

bigj-dog
01-15-2011, 12:49 AM
Thanks for the input. I put a used correct one in. Seems to drive fine. I never drove it before, so I didn't know if it was worth replacing all 4 struts, that and the owner didn't want to spend a pile of money. Either way, it's back on the road. Thanks again.

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