2004 Buick LeSabre rear shocks. What's up with that?

Question

This car has the air ride shocks on the rear and one of them is leaking hydraulic fluid. GM wants $400 each to replace them. Even the bumper to bumper warranty doesn't cover rear shocks, front struts, yes.

For the elite piston heads among you...Has anyone encountered this problem? I would like to replace them with ordinary shocks...but...I don't know what part number may fit..and what are the issues concerning disabling the air ride compressor?

I think GM holds the patent for these things and won't release it to the automotive aftermarket.

Thanks in advance..I would deeply appreciate any guidance you may have.

Answer 1

Most reputable shops will not install parts that are brought in by a customer. It is the same principal as bringing your own steak to a restaurant and wanting them to cook it. They cannot guarantee the outcome. Take your car to a shop for an estimate on having the shocks converted.  

Answer 2

If you don't mind a little different ride, just have the air removed and put gas charged struts on the rear. I really don't think you will be able to tell much difference and if it is not covered by the warranty just go to Advance Auto and buy the struts and take it to a private shop and have them installed. It won't affect the warranty.

Answer 3

Don't worry, Fords are bad about these, too!

Just ask for shocks for a LeSabre without the air suspension option.

Disconnect the rest of the stuff as mentioned, and be on your merry way.

They are wear items, so naturally warranty won't cover that.

Answer 4

The air ride part is what controls the ride height, the shock is ,   well ,   a shock. Gm put the 2 together , unfortunately , you can`t just replace them with a $20 shock absorber as the rears are also a strut type unit. The other thing is that the Bonneville/LaSabre and Park Avenue are all the same, Good luck

Answer 5

just tell the parts store it don,t have air ride shocks and they will give you a set without air ride. just disable the compressor, unhook the air hose and put on reg. gas shocks.

Answer 6

Goto rockauto.com and you can buy direct replacement monroe max air shock for $55.79 each and install them yourself

http://www.rockauto.com/