After chasing this clunk in the rear for a while I'm finally going to just say f*ck it and get new struts. Car has 173k on it now so it was likely the strut all along. What are the options for rear struts? Bilstein does not list the GXP as being supported. I see the Monroe's are quite common but I'm not sure how factory's up front vs. Monroe's on the back would feel.

 

These are Bilsteins.

Rear

Front

 

I'm in Canada, to get those I have to get them from Amazon.ca in which case they are $700 lol. Will it change the car much if I do a different brand on the back and leave the stock ones up front?

 

I doubt it would be night and day, but I wouldn't. Its part of what makes the GXP a little different. Anything other strut really wont compare in my opinion, Bilsteins are the best as Koni is unavailable for us. You have the part numbers, do a search for other options closer to you. Rock Auto has them, check eBay as well. Post back your findings so others will know too.

 

Ya I found them on ebay and rockauto as well. The clunk is mainly on the left side so I may just do the one for now. It's always been the problem side with cupping of the tires and always more wear on the inside compared to the passenger side.

Should I be looking at changing the springs too?

 

I'm the wrong guy to ask. If I have to takeoff that strut I am replacing everything associated with it and anything else close. I don't do any job twice if at all possible. And always change struts in pairs. It sucks they are costly, but this is a high end model .If this isn't a daily driver Bilstein can refurbish them , its cheaper.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/s...rvice/service/

 

As already posted its well worth it to keep with the oem bilstein struts. Look at it this way you'll never have to replace the rears again. Going with another brand and type, non monotube, you will be unhappy with the performance and build quality will not be the same. There's a reason the replacements cost so much, they're worth it. Keep us posted!

 

GXP struts can't be rebuilt. Better off getting new ones.

 

Why do you think GXP struts can't be rebuilt?

 

I'm getting ready to do KYB AGX's all the way around. Off the previous body style, requires changing control arms and sway bar (which probably needs done anyway), to except the control arm mounted end links.

 

I would confirm with KYB or someone who has done that swap(Parkave?) those will fit, I thought the spring perches were different causing rubbing in the rears. Monte Carlo and Impala use the older style control arm for those end links, and they only list the GR2 struts for them? There has to be some difference.

 

I believe you have to use the older mounts.

 

Rock auto actually list the same mounts for both styles.

 

Front springs are also the same the rears however are different. Should just be able to use the older springs.

 

Post some pics and your opinions on how anything changed(tire size too), good info on this would be helpful for those not wanting to drop extra coin on Bilsteins. Maybe throw in a pic of the Heavy too! Thanks

There is an 80 dollar rebate on 4 also. If no issues I would consider these on my 04 for sure.

 

Thanks guys. For some reason I saw many posts that are older that say the stock bilsteins can't be rebuilt but when I get some more disposable income I'll probably just spring for the new ones from Ebay. I don't suppose there is a core charge with struts like there is calipers or something is there?

 

there is a guy selling a set of new bilsteins on grand prix forums

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...s-TEP-Cam-More

 

I talked to Bilstein myself and they can re-valve your stock struts, BUT since they were not designed to be rebuilt they will cost far more than they are worth.

 

Well that sucks. Something to note is Bilstein struts carry a lifetime warranty, it may only be to the original owner and it needs to go through the manufacturer if they were factory installed. Anyone have the number for Pontiac

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/s...vice/warranty/

 

When I bought my rear OEM GM replacements, which are clearly marked as Bilstein, from Rockauto they came with a lifetime warranty as well. That's another reason they're worth the price. Even if you can't warranty the original, they state transfers void the lifetime, the replacements should be set for forever.