Rear Struts 95 Olds Cutlass

[OHiTime]

I Recently replaced the rear struts on my 95 Olds Cutlass and want to say thanks for the information posted on this forum that detailed on how to do it.

 

However, I have a problem that I need help with solving. The struts, which are Gabriels, worked fine for 1 to 2 weeks then developed a noise which was pin pointed to the shaft binding against the strut housing (you can actually feel it by grabbing the strut and have some bounce the rear of the car). I figured that there was a problem with the struts, so I replaced them with a new set from Gabriel (covered by warranty). This time everything was fine for three weeks and the binding noise returned. All of the other rear suspension parts have been checked by myself and a mechanic and appear to be okay. The rubber end pad on the mono leaf spring have been replaced with the Moog spring pads and have had an alignment performed.

 

Two questions

First: Any ideas on what can cause this problem?

Second: Any experience or thoughts on the quality of the Gabriel Struts

 

Thanks for your Help

OHiTime

[Brian P]

I agree!

 

If they don't make noise, they'll freeze up and ride like you're on a covered wagon. Even the cheapo Monroes will be better! Also the Midas and cheap priced Delco struts are Gabriels so keep away as well.

[Crazy K]

damn, I've had no trouble with gabriel front struts.

 

do you have the OEM jackets installed that cover the upperhalf of the strut?

[cutty]

mine makes noise cause im missing the mono leaf rubber pads on both sides.

[TeeJay3800]

Monroe or KYB are your best replacements

KYB GR-2's are the best struts for our cars IMO.

[White93z34]

i like the monroes i just put on my car myself, but takethe gaberials back and get something better.

[OHiTime]

damn, I've had no trouble with gabriel front struts.

 

do you have the OEM jackets installed that cover the upperhalf of the strut?

 

Yes, the OEM jackets are installed.

[luminal67]

where can i find those moog spring pads?

[OHiTime]

where can i find those moog spring pads?

 

 

I bought mine at O'Reilly's Auto Parts but I also found a number of places on the web that you can order them from. The part number is a K6544

[cutty]

where can i find those moog spring pads?

 

i got mine i think it was from rock auto, its an online store.

[Afubar]

I've got Gabriel front and back and have had no problems what-so-ever. But then I'm a girl (okay, old lady) and what do I know?

[95oldsVan]

Ive used gabriel cheap stuff on 2 different cars and they lbroke/eaked within a year...one of the cars was my 91 Lumina.The front gabriel strut began to bang and found it blew all the oil out of it everywhere in there.Never want to use them again.

[Brian P]

I don't know how Gabriel hasn't been sued by now or at least a class action suit. So many people can't be wrong.

[Crazy K]

ummm I'm happy with my gabrile front struts... they are cheap, lifetime warrentied and on three of my cars. No problems and nearly 40k on my first set.

[Lee]

you can get a cheaper version of the moog helper pads from NAPA for $8.

 

That's what I got when I asked for Moogs. They are less than half the price. I never got to see a Moog close up so I don't know if these are inferior or the same in quality.