Monroe Monro-Matic and Econo-Matic shocks/struts

[aaronhoy]

Ok, so after doing some measuring and research I've determined that my sister's 2000 Camry CE needs new springs in addition to new shocks. I'm looking at several options and the Monro-Matic shocks as well as the Econo-Matic complete strut assemblies keep coming up. I'm having trouble finding much detailed info about them, or reviews. Does anyone have experience with these? Some sources seem to say that the shock component of the Econo-Matic assembly IS the Monro-Matic shock. Is that actually the case? The Econo-Matic assembly seems attractive because I can't seem to find a better deal if I buy shocks and springs separately, and they would come with a new boot (which the old ones are ripped), bump stop, and upper strut mount in addition to me not having to shop for springs separately. But are the other parts they come with going to be any good? Any other info would be much appreciated. I do quite a bit of wrenching so I don't have a problem replacing the shocks/springs independently or as a pre-assembled combo. I'm just looking for a good deal and decent quality parts. Also since this is my sister's car and it's just a commuter/grocery getter, I'm not looking to lower it or upgrade to a sportier suspension or anything like that. Thanks in advance!

[HermitLoon]

I have a 2000 LE 4cyl (122k miles) - I just put on 4 Leacree strut assemblies from Rock Auto - cost me $326 delivered. The springs and shocks are a little stiffer than before, but that's to be expected. The ride is great, quality seems good, and they were a piece of cake to install. I took a chance on them because I only drive 12k miles a year.

[JohnGD]

I think Econo-matic is the name of the complete assembly, and it uses the Monroe-matic strut. However, many TNers use the old "SensaTracs" that are being replaced by "OESpectrum". The newer strut is supposed to have something like the impact sensor Monroe used on the Reflex line. The better "QuickStrut" (with Sensatrac or OES) carries lifetime warranty, but the Econo-matic "complete assembly" probably just 90 days?

Of course there are probably SensaTrac based QuickStruts on the shelves of many warehouses. So you might not be getting the OES.

Maybe contact Monroe and let us know?
http://www.monroe.com/support

[fenixus]

I would just get any Monroe QuickStrut (which is an OE quality unlike Economatic which is below specs) from amazon or rockauto.com at around $100 a piece (complete assembly with spring, mounts, bumpers, insulators and all).

I have Quick Struts in front of both Solaras and they are very decent, I actually love them for the price they cost me LOL!

[aaronhoy]

Thanks for the advice guys. I decided not to risk the Econo-Matic and I went for it with the Quick-Strut. Most of the good deals I could find didn't say anything about OES so I assume I'll just be getting the Sensa-Trac. The best deal I could find was about $111 per strut plus $9 total shipping at partsgeek. The rockauto prices must have gone up since the price posted earlier.

[fenixus]

have you checked rockauto.com? they also have a 5% off coupon.

EDIT:
wow, they jacked up their pricing by 10-20% !!

now the 2.2L front quick strut sells at $124 while V6 front quick strut sells at $145 ... used to be $100 and $125 respectively...

[aaronhoy]

At rockauto they are a little over $120 per strut so even with the 5% it's not quite as cheap. Also as I recall their shipping was a little more. I saw some Quick-Struts for other cars on amazon for a little under $100, but the ones for 2000 Camry were more unfortunately.

[HermitLoon]

update: LeaCree Struts
Bought a set of these in July of 2011 for my 2000 Camry from RockAuto- r/rear started thumping in Sept. - L/front in Dec., then the rest in Jan. 2012 - after only 600 miles! - checked every other link in suspension - replaced sway bushings - checked wheel bearings - no problems. The thumping led to clunking and finally an expert mechanic told me the spring isolaters were a cheap plastic tape wrapped around the coils instead of a solid rubber piece. Because of the reviews showing they also have junk strut mounts I threw them away and put on a set of Monroe QuickStruts and problem solved. Leacrees have a "lifetime" warranty - but it costs a small fortune to ship them back - and no refunds - replacement only - so you can start all over again!

[aaronhoy]

I ended up going with the quick struts. They seem fine except that after a while of driving on them my sister reported that there is some light squeaking when she is turning the wheels. After further investigation, the noise is coming from one of the shocks. The shock body itself is attached to the steering knuckle and steers with the wheels, while the shaft coming off the shock piston that goes up to the shock tower is secured there and does not turn. This causes the shock body to rotate relative to the piston/shaft. The shaft sticks through a rubber piece at the top of the shock body and those two rub together when the wheels are being turned sometimes. I tried lubricating the rubber piece, but it did not help. From what I can tell, this piece is not that actual shock seal, just some protective boot thing around the seal, so I do not consider this a mechanical problem. It would be nice if it didn't make the sound though. Perhaps after some more miles the part that is touching will get rubbed away.

[fenixus]

quick struts do get quieter and smoother (not so harsh as new ones) after some miles, but it may take anywhere between 1k and 5k miles to see/hear the difference honestly. it works best on daily driven cars.

[JohnGD]

It's normal for the rod to stay stationary. The noise can also come from the vanilla colored strut bumper that's on top of the dust boot. Isn't the bottom of the dust boot tie-wrapped to the strut body?

Originally Posted by aaronhoy

there is some light squeaking when she is turning the wheels.

while the shaft coming off the shock piston that goes up to the shock tower is secured there and does not turn.