Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: terry paget on 21 October 2013, 19:28:04

Title: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: terry paget on 21 October 2013, 19:28:04
V324DTO 2.5 petrol manual saloon
This car (my daughter's) passed MOT today, but tester pointed out slight oil leak on n/s front Mcpherson strut. He did not know that the car has had a squeaking noise from front nearside for a while now which I could not trace. It was a bit like a drop link noise, but a squeak rather than a knock. I reckon it was  the shock absorber, now empty of oil.

My question is, will any Omega n/s McPherson strut do to replace it? Were they all the same, or must I look for one to fit a 2000 2.5 saloon?   
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: tunnie on 21 October 2013, 19:47:09
Think they differ, MV6 ones being stiffer, Elite being softer. Others GLS/CD/CDX being the "standard ones"
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: TheBoy on 21 October 2013, 19:48:55
And replace in pairs, obviously
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 21 October 2013, 19:49:35
There are several different options depending on spec/engine size/heavy duty etc...

Should also be replaced as a pair :y

MTF ::)
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: chrisgixer on 21 October 2013, 20:49:08
To fit like for like, no, they are not all the same. You need the right ones.

Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: terry paget on 21 October 2013, 22:03:32
Thank you gentlemen. Car is an Omega CDX v6, so presumably a standard strut. Now to find a pair of used struts. 
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 21 October 2013, 22:22:45
Thank you gentlemen. Car is an Omega CDX v6, so presumably a standard strut. Now to find a pair of used struts.
At risk of being rude, that is insane :o

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-SHOCK-ABSORBER-GAS-PRESSURE-FRONT-REAR-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-B-2-0-3-0-1994-2001-/380736936919?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AVauxhall&hash=item58a5b09bd7  (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-SHOCK-ABSORBER-GAS-PRESSURE-FRONT-REAR-VAUXHALL-OMEGA-B-2-0-3-0-1994-2001-/380736936919?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3AVauxhall&hash=item58a5b09bd7) :-X
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: tunnie on 21 October 2013, 22:58:36
I bought new pair for my 2.2 few years back, think I went GM as they were not too bad on trade. May have change though.
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: ffcgary1 on 22 October 2013, 20:03:54
Really not a good idea to use s/hand struts/ dampers. :o For the cost use new items if only for the sake of safety. Then factor in that you will need FULL geometry not just tracking(WIM)  to be sure of not destroying your front tyres.
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 22 October 2013, 20:09:08
The ones I linked to are £85 for all four shocks...all brand new, no excuses really :-\
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: symes on 22 October 2013, 21:07:15
if you needed brakes would you fit used ones -
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: chrisgixer on 22 October 2013, 21:38:13
Mmmm, not sure I agree personally, tbh. Gm front shocks last well, IME. Obviously knowing the mileage on them is important though.

I guess the strut might come complete with springs, in which case you'd need to dismantle it to check the damping stroke, by compressing the damping rod by hand to feel there are no dead spots, and releasing it to observe the rebound stroke is even, doesn't stick... And no oil leak of course.

Make sure the base isn't rusty.

Check the top mount bearings aren't pitted too. :)
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: flyer 0712 on 22 October 2013, 21:49:50
Strange thing is the ad for all four shockers £85...the same company is showing £85 for the two front struts and £36 for the rear two shockers....dosent make sense unless the 4 at £85 are crap ????? :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Are all front suspension struts the same?
Post by: 05omegav6 on 22 October 2013, 23:10:31
They're a german firm, had parts from them before, and for the price no complaints :y

Summat might have been lost in translation, but even so, £42 each for new ain't to be sneezed at :-\