The right shocks and struts can protect driver and passenger safety by controlling vehicle body roll, improving steering precision and reducing braking distance. They can also make the car more enjoyable to drive and own. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right ones can be challenging. This article helps guide you through the available choices so that you can make an educated purchase and find the best value for your money.
Monroe OESpectrum and Reflex shocks are premium-level replacement units for passenger vehicles. They feature monotube design, gas charging, and external reservoirs to deliver a balance of performance and ride quality and come in at competitive prices that make them affordable upgrades for many drivers.
The OESpectrum model features several improvements over the Reflex version including stronger chromium plating and an improved top oil seal to improve durability. They also offer reduced body roll, jounce, and rebound, although they don't quite match the BMW-firm ride of my own car's stock front suspension. Front-end dive under hard braking is also significantly less dramatic with the OESpectrums in place.
The Monroe Sensa Trac strut is another popular choice among car owners seeking better handling. They're designed to replace the OE struts on passenger cars with undersized or worn-out stock components, which can cause symptoms like a mushy ride and excessive floating after traversing even small bumps. They also feature an oversize design, industrial-strength welds, and a piston rod made from high-grade steel that's finished with wear-resistant chrome.
