[MrRuss]

Hey guys,

I just had to have my driver side MRC strut replaced due to seize up. I will be replacing the passenger side but not with the dealer, too much $$. My car is a 2016 2SS with A8 and ~42K miles. Streets where I live are decent and I drive pretty conservatively.

Anyone know the expected life span of these struts? How about the rear shocks?

Since I am doing both front struts, should I just do the rear shocks?

Thx,

[I`m Batman]

That's poopy. Sorry to hear that you have to replace already. I don't know the expect life span of those things. One of the reason why I opt to not get MRC because of potential future problems.

[crosive]

I didn't expect them to go out that soon honestly. maybe it's just a fluke.

having said that, this is a big reason why I won't get the zle, because replacing just one of those shocks is way past what I'd want to pay

[Drags1998]

The problem You had is a FLUKE!!!! They have been around for MANY YEARS. And there is no need to do anything else. The next time(if there is 1) Buy the Strut on line and do it yourself and save $$$$$$$$

[Blackmonba6Gen]

Im curious.. how much does it cost to replace the one strut?

[BigGuy81]

The struts seem to go for about $250-$300 each on Rock Auto.

[MrRuss]

Originally Posted by Blackmonba6Gen

Im curious.. how much does it cost to replace the one strut?

At the dealer it was $776.51 (part) and $211 (labor)

At Rock Auto online the strut is $326 each for OEM ACDelco, $245 each for the rears.

I was trying to trouble shoot a clunk in the frontend that was inconsistent and only on raised bumps. First thought was the swaybar end link bolts but they were tight. So was every thing else I checked. Got out my large pry bar to move things around and found nothing. Let the dealer check it and they said strut was seized. I let em replace it so they would have to own the fix if that was not it, it was.

I think the cost of replacements is well worth having the variable damping control. Just buy em and install yourself. They are no more difficult to replace than a regular strut. Even if you pay a shop to put them in.

[Azerlazer26]

Originally Posted by MrRuss

At the dealer it was $776.51 (part) and $211 (labor)

At Rock Auto online the strut is $326 each for OEM ACDelco, $245 each for the rears.

I was trying to trouble shoot a clunk in the frontend that was inconsistent and only on raised bumps. First thought was the swaybar end link bolts but they were tight. So was every thing else I checked. Got out my large pry bar to move things around and found nothing. Let the dealer check it and they said strut was seized. I let em replace it so they would have to own the fix if that was not it, it was.

I think the cost of replacements is well worth having the variable damping control. Just buy em and install yourself. They are no more difficult to replace than a regular strut. Even if you pay a shop to put them in.

Just looking at the prices are giving me a heart attack lol. Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the dealer have to recalibrate the MRC after a strut is replaced?

[MrRuss]

Originally Posted by Azerlazer26

Just looking at the prices are giving me a heart attack lol. Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the dealer have to recalibrate the MRC after a strut is replaced?

There was no mention of any calibration.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by MrRuss

There was no mention of any calibration.

My understanding is that "calibration" actually refers to the specific software in place in the controller and nothing more. If they hook up your car to "calibrate it", all that is going to happen is that the computer will compare the newest available version of the software to what's in the car and update if they're different.

Beyond that, the sensors are what tell the car what position the suspension is in at any given point in time and the software figures out the damping required based on movement.

[Azerlazer26]

Originally Posted by ember1205

My understanding is that "calibration" actually refers to the specific software in place in the controller and nothing more. If they hook up your car to "calibrate it", all that is going to happen is that the computer will compare the newest available version of the software to what's in the car and update if they're different.

Beyond that, the sensors are what tell the car what position the suspension is in at any given point in time and the software figures out the damping required based on movement.

Good to know. Thank you!

[UnknownJinX]

Originally Posted by crosive

I didn't expect them to go out that soon honestly. maybe it's just a fluke.

having said that, this is a big reason why I won't get the zle, because replacing just one of those shocks is way past what I'd want to pay

ZL1 1LE uses DSSV instead of MRC. Completely different system.

They use the DSSV for the ZR2 Colorado as well, albeit with some different calibrations, so I would think DSSV is pretty rugged as well.

And yeah MRC has been around for a while, they have probably worked all the kinks out already.

Sent from toaster or something

[GTO_Gregory]

My understanding is the hydraulic fluid in the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) shocks breaks down just like the hydraulic fluid in regular shocks. Albeit it has magnetic particles, but there are seals to wear out, nonetheless.

I have Magnetic Ride Control and plan on replacing them in the 40-50k mile range, maybe sooner. I have got enough other stuff done to the suspension that the impact of the MRC is somewhat diminished.

[Hops]

good to know they can be replaced like a regular strut/shock. From Corvette forums, i get the impression the MRC lasts longer than regular shocks. But i'd think if that's really true, GM would make it a well known selling point.