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Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks

One of the easiest ways to improve an aging vehicle's ride is to invest in a new set of shocks. And depending on what type of vehicle you drive, a basic install requires a small amount of mechanical savvy and can probably be done in a single day. Our test subject is a 2004 Acura MDX crossover with more than 60,000 miles on the odometer. Most experts suggest that shock absorbers, depending on how they are driven, will last as long as 40,000-50,000 miles before they need replacement. After some research and given how our vehicle is likely to be driven in the future, we decided on a set of Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks that set us back about $320 for a set of four. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks

| 12 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks Shock absorbers are an easy aspect of the suspension to ignore. In fact, unless there is some significant breakage or horrible ride issue, you'll never think about them. Part of the problem is that they can wear out so gradually you may not realize how bad they really are. In cases where you replace the front struts, you should have the front end aligned to prevent excessive tire wear or steering wheel wobble.

1. With the vehicle fully supported, the rear shock replacement was pretty easy. The MDX has a coil/link rearend, so swapping the rear shocks was a two-bolt (upper and lower) operation. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 01 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

2. With the mounting bolts removed, compress the rear shocks so they can be maneuvered into place, then reuse the mounting bolts. While the wheel is off, inspect the links, coil springs, and brake parts. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 02 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

3. Be sure not to damage or drop the shocks during installation. Any impacts to the cylinder could cause problems later. Also, do not put any sideloads on the shock that could compromise the seals surrounding the shock rod. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 03 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

4. Removing the front strut is a little more complicated. First, remove the brake hose bolt and the ABS sensor wire bolt from the strut assembly. Save the bolts--you'll need them later. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 04 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

5. Next, disconnect the stabilizer-bar link and remove the two lower mounting bolts and nuts, separating the strut assembly from the steering knuckle. You'll need a strong torque wrench for the last two. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 05 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

6. Remove the three upper mounting nuts that connect the strut assembly with the vehicle's upper body mount. Depending on the application, access to these bolts may be tricky and hidden. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 06 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

7. Before completely removing the strut assembly, be sure to have the lower control arm and knuckle supported from below. Be cautious when removing the entire unit, carefully working the lower portion away from brakelines and wiring. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 07 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

8. A spring compressor will be necessary to relax the tension to allow the loosening of the top rod nut. Using a spring compressor is dangerous, so you should have a local shop do this for you.To make sure the existing springs line up correctly on the new Sensa-Trac struts, mark the springs so they line up with the lower mounting bolts. Also, new struts are likely to be shipped in the locked-down position, so the rod will need to be rotated counterclockwise to release and extend to its full length before installation. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 08 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

9. Reinstalling the new strut and spring assembly is likely to take two people: one to thread a few of the upper mounting nuts and another to locate the lower mounting bolts. Inspect all reused parts beforehand to determine if they need to be replaced. It's important when dealing with suspension and steering components that you torque all bolts to the proper manufacturer's specification. The lower bolts must be torqued to at least 116 pound-feet on the Acura, so make sure you have access to an accurate torque wrench and the right torque spec for your vehicle. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 09 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

10. The completed assembly has the stabilizer bar reconnected, the brake line attached, and ABS wiring in place. While it's open is a good time to inspect the brakes and halfshafts, and look for leaks. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 10 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

11. 0nce the lug nuts are torqued to factory specs, check all tire clearances, especially if your vehicle isn't running a larger-diameter tire. We're running a 255 tire (it came new with 235s), but we still have over an inch between rubber and the lower spring seat. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 11 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

12. The Sensa-Trac shock from Monroe is a position-sensitive damper, meaning it will modify its absorbing strength based on the size of the inputs. It does this via a series of orifices channeling fluid inside the shock. Do It Yourself: Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks | 12 2004 Acura MDX Monroe Sensa Trac Shocks

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Chassis Suspension