monroe shocks review

Monroe Shocks Review: A Good Aftermarket Solution for Your Vehicle?

How smooth and enjoyable a car ride is, often depends on the quality of the vehicle’s shock absorbers. Even though some factory shocks can last for 100.000 miles, their durability can be impacted by different driving patterns.

Finding an aftermarket shock replacement for your truck or your car is going to take some effort since there are so many different things to consider.

However, Monroe shocks are frequently mentioned in conversations about the best shock absorbers, as there are only a few other brands on the market that can compete with Monroe shocks.

In this Monroe Shocks review, we are going to take a closer look at how these shock absorbers can improve your driving experience and help you decide if they are a good aftermarket option for your vehicle.

Are Monroe Shocks A Valid Option? | Advance Auto Parts

Definitely! Opting for a Monroe Shock Absorber is always a good decision. Monroe offers several different series of high-quality aftermarket shocks like the Reflex, OESpectrum, Max-Air, etc. which perform much better than most factory shocks and its up to you to find the perfect model for your vehicle.

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Are Monroe Shocks the right choice for me? 

Monroe Shock Absorber Review

Monroe offers a broad range of shock models that are compatible with different types of vehicles. The brand produces shock absorbers for both cars and trucks, and each of them can be regarded as an upgrade from the factory models.

Furthermore, you can also purchase Monroe struts together with Monroe shocks, so that you don’t have to search for these two parts separately. You should check if Monroe’s shock absorber you are interested in is compatible with your car by measuring their length and ensuring that the two-car parts match.

Optionally, you can also search for the OEM’s serial number, and use it to determine if the Monroe shock model is a good fit for your car.

Opting for a Monroe shock absorber is a good decision in most cases since this brand manufactures high-quality aftermarket shocks that perform much better than most factory shocks.

Exploring the Monroe Shocks models

Assuming that all Monroe shocks are the same would be a mistake, as the brand offers several different series of shocks. Furthermore, certain series of Monroe shock absorbers are available only for specific trucks and cars, which is why you need to check if a particular model can be installed on your vehicle.

For instance, the Reflex® truck shock absorbers and Monotube shock absorbers are both perfectly suited for trucks, SUVs, and types of vehicles that have a high center of gravity.

OESPRECTRUM® models, on the other hand, are available for both passenger cars and trucks, and they are built to match the manufacturer’s shock specifications. However, they are only compatible with cars produced in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Monroe OESpectrum Monotube Shock | Advance Auto Parts

Full displaced valving, tuned to each vehicle, adjusts to road extremes to provide a smooth ride while free floating dividing piston separates fluid from high-pressure gas charging for reduced shock fade and aeration.

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The majority of Monroe shock models are designed for trucks and SUVs, although models from the OESPRECTRUM® series are also compatible with passenger cars. The Max-Air® shocks are air adjustable, which means that you can inflate or deflate them in accordance with your needs.

Our Recommendation
Monroe Shock Absorber | Advance Auto Parts

The Monroe MA836 Shock Absorber is ideal for anyone who wants to improve the performance of their vehicle. It offers a shock absorber that has been proven to provide a smoother ride, has good durability, and is also cost-effective as well.

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What’s more the Monroe Original shocks utilize the same technologies as the vehicle’s OEM part. So, if the vehicle came with the gas-charged twin-tube shock, Monroe’s replacement part will match its specifications.

Nonetheless, they can only withstand normal usage, and you must consider other Monroe’s shock models if you are planning on driving your vehicle through rough terrains.

Monroe shocks improve your safety, give you better control over a car or a truck and they reduce the shaking and bouncing that comes from the springs and tires. Follow this link if you want to learn more about the best shocks for F150 2WD or check if the Monroe Quick Struts are a great choice for your vehicle.

Monroe Shocks Review: The Pros and Cons

Monroe’s shocks have a reputation for being reliable and durable, which is the reason why you cannot go wrong if you opt for one of their models.

Each of Monroe’s shock models for trucks and SUVs allows you to drive in all types of terrains with ease, which is the reason why a lot of automotive industry professionals recommend them. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of Monroe shocks.

Pros

  • Made out of highly durable materials
  • Industry-leading shock absorption capabilities
  • Simple installation process
  • Makes handling a vehicle easier
  • Monroe implements advanced technologies to improve the performance of their shocks
  • All Monroe shock models come with a warranty
  • Compatible with a broad spectrum of cars, SUVs, and trucks
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Some Monroe shocks can be too soft for the rear end
  • Certain models can increase the vehicle’s height
  • Lifetime warranty isn’t available for all Monroe shocks
  • The shock’s durability depends on the vehicle’s usage and your driving style

Things to consider while choosing new shocks

car shocks 1

Audi, BMW or Toyota are just a few among countless car manufacturers whose models are compatible with Monroe shocks. What’s more, some of Monroe’s shock models can be installed on vehicles produced in the 1970s and 1960s, and you can use them as an aftermarket solution for classic cars.

There are a number of factors you will need to take into consideration while searching for a new Monroe shock absorber in order to find the best model for your vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to consider while picking a new shock absorber.

The shock type

A shock absorber can either have a Mono-tube or a Twin-tube configuration, and you must find out which of these two shock types your vehicle has. Moreover, twin-tube shock absorbers can be:

  • Gas-charged
  • Position Sensitive Damping (PSD)
  • Acceleration Sensitive Damping (ASD)

For instance, ASD twin-tube shocks adjust to the road conditions automatically, while gas charged models utilize nitrogen to improve the reaction time. PSD twin-tube shocks strike a perfect balance between the shock’s handling capabilities and shock absorption.

Mono-tube shocks commonly have much better cooling capabilities than twin-tube shocks and they are generally considered a more reliable option for off-road driving.

Finding out which type of shock absorber your vehicle has will help you to narrow down your choices considerably.

Technologies a shock is utilizing 

Mono-tube and multi-disc technology, Tenneco’s Twin Technology Active Control System or All Weather Fluid Technology are just a few examples of the technologies you can find in Monroe’s shock absorbers.

Each of them is designed with the aim to give the driver better control over the vehicle and make driving smoother. Tenneco’s Twin Technology Active Control System, for example, utilizes internal dumping which enables the driver to control the vehicle regardless of the road conditions.

It is worth noting that different Monroe shocks are equipped with different technologies, and gathering more information about them may give you a better understanding of the shock’s capabilities.

The driving terrain 

The purpose for which you are going to use a vehicle is probably one of the best ways of choosing a new shock for your car or your truck.

If you are using your vehicle to commute to work or long drives on the highway, chances are that you are not going to need a significant upgrade from the vehicle’s factory shocks.

As we already mentioned, Monroe’s Original shocks can be installed on vehicles from nearly all of the industry’s leading car manufacturers and chances are that you are not going to have much trouble finding a shock from this series that matches the OEM specifications.

The durability of the material 

Shock absorbers are commonly made out of steel and aluminum, although models made out of other metals can also be found on the market.

Having to change shocks on your car after every few thousand miles can be expensive, which is why it is better to spend a little more on shocks that are made out of durable materials that are not prone to corrosion.

Steel shocks are less expensive, but they are also difficult to install, which is the reason why most car owners choose aluminum-made shock absorbers.

In addition to the material from which a shock is made, you should also pay attention to its overall construction and ensure that it is sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear over a long period of time.

monroe shocks review

Installation process

How difficult it is to install a shock absorber depends on the model, since some models may require modifications prior to installation.

In case the shock absorber doesn’t need any modifications, you just have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, although you are going to need the necessary tools and at least basic knowledge of this process.

Even though hiring a mechanic to install the shock absorbers for you will add to the overall cost of replacing shocks, it is by far the best option if you don’t feel confident enough to make modifications to one of Monroe’s shock absorbers on your own or go through the installation process by yourself.

The price 

Opting for the least expensive shock absorbers you can find on the market shouldn’t be your top priority, since the shock’s capabilities and durability depend on their price.

Even though you can find Monroe’s shock for less than $40, choosing a model that costs around $100 is a better option in the long run as you won’t have to replace them as often as less expensive shock models.

Monroe’s shocks are not as expensive as models offered by competing brands, but you will have to spend around $400 to change all shock absorbers on your vehicle. Click here if you want to find out more about the best shocks for RAM 1500 4×4.

Are Monroe Shocks A Valid Option? | Advance Auto Parts

Definitely! Opting for a Monroe Shock Absorber is always a good decision. Monroe offers several different series of high-quality aftermarket shocks like the Reflex, OESpectrum, Max-Air, etc. which perform much better than most factory shocks and its up to you to find the perfect model for your vehicle.

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Top Three Alternatives to Monroe Shocks 

Monroe shocks are far from being the only aftermarket option you have at your disposal since manufacturers like Bilstein, KYB, or ACDelco all offer shocks that are capable of great performance. Here are our top three alternatives to Monroe Shocks.

Bilstein 5100 Series 

Shocks from this series are compatible with a broad range of vehicles, and you can use them to replace OEM shocks on a Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, and numerous other vehicles. Bilstein 5100 Series features mono-tube shocks that can be installed on both front and rear wheels.

All models are made from sturdy materials that ensure their durability, while they are also equipped with patented digressive valving that enables the shock to react to the change of surface. The 46-mm mono-tube design allows the shock to have fade-free performances regardless of the conditions on the road.

Installing the shocks from the Bilstein 5100 series is easy since you don’t have to make any modifications before installation. However, you will have to check if your vehicle is compatible with any of the models from the Bilstein 5100 series.

Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit | Auto Anything

Match your ride height adjustable shock with Bilstein 5100 Series Rear Shock Absorbers. The 5100 Series Rear Shock Absorber is designed specifically to help your truck, Jeep or SUV reach its pinnacle in ride performance.

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ACDelco 580-435

ACDelco 580-435 is a mono-tube front shock absorber that is designed for light trucks. Even so, it is not perfectly suited for off-road driving despite its excellent shock absorption capabilities.

It is a great OEM replacement part for GM vehicles because it is built to improve the driving experience and bring more control over a vehicle. This aftermarket shock ships with all additional parts you are going to need during the installation process.

This ACDelco’s shock absorber is compatible with only a limited number of vehicles, which makes it only a good choice for GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade owners. This model is more expensive than similar shock models, and it doesn’t have much more to offer than Monroe’s shock absorbers.

That’s why you should only consider getting ACDelco 580-435 as an OEM replacement for a GM vehicle.

ACDelco Original Equipment Front Shock Absorber | Advance Auto Parts

These original equipment shock absorbers have been manufactured to fit your GM vehicle, providing the same performance, durability and service life you expect from General Motors.

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KYB 565104 MonoMax Gas Shock 

Like all shock absorbers in KYB’s MonoMax Gas Shock series, the KYB 565104 MonoMax Gas Shock model significantly increases your driving experience. Its damping capabilities are 40% better than those on standard shocks, while the model’s design enables it to adjust to all types of terrains.

This is a mono-tube shock that can be installed on both front and rear wheels, that is commonly used for trucks and SUVs. The shock is equipped with a rubber boot that provides extra protection to the shaft and prevents the dirt from reaching the seals.

All models from this series are durable, even if you often use your vehicle for off-road driving. In addition, KYB MonoMax Gas shocks are affordable, which makes them a great investment for all heavier vehicles. Follow this link if you want to find out how KYB shocks compare to Monroe shocks.

KYB 565104 MonoMax Gas Shock | Advance Auto Parts

The KYB MonoMax is a heavy duty monotube shock absorber that provides the most handling, control and durability of any KYB shock; and it’s just for trucks. 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Monroe Shocks 

Are Monroe shocks difficult to install?

No, they are not. Most Monroe shocks don’t require any modification before the installation, but you shouldn’t attempt to install them on your own if you don’t have the tools and the experience for the job.

Do Monroe shocks have a warranty?

Yes, all models of Monroe shocks come with a warranty. Most models have a lifetime warranty, but certain models only have a limited two-year warranty. It is advisable to find out more about the Monroe shock’s warranty before purchasing it.

How expensive are Monroe shocks?

The price of Monroe shocks depends on the model and it varies from $34 to $130, which makes them less expensive than shock absorbers produced by competing brands.

How often do I have to replace Monroe shocks?

The answer to this question depends on your driving style since an aggressive driving style can wear down Monroe shocks after just a few thousand miles. However, in most cases you will have to replace Monroe shocks are 50.000 or 100.000 miles.

Conclusion 

Are Monroe Shocks A Valid Option? | Advance Auto Parts

Definitely! Opting for a Monroe Shock Absorber is always a good decision. Monroe offers several different series of high-quality aftermarket shocks like the Reflex, OESpectrum, Max-Air, etc. which perform much better than most factory shocks and its up to you to find the perfect model for your vehicle.

Check Price Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

BMW, Audi, or Ford are just a few among numerous car brands that are compatible with Monroe shocks. Each of the shock absorber models offered by Monroe is built from sturdy materials, which makes them a good long term investment.

The Monroe shocks are built to match and exceed the specifications of the OEM shocks, as they provide better control over the vehicle and reduce the vibrations generated by the wheels. Installing Monroe shocks will improve your driving experience and make you safer on the road.

Finding the Monroe shock model that matches your vehicle shouldn’t be too difficult since these shocks are compatible with most vehicles on the market. We hope that our review has helped you decide if Monroe shocks are a good aftermarket option for your car. Click here, to find out if Monroe shocks are better than Gabriel shocks.

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