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Need help with replacing all struts and springs

Tiny
CANDO1
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CADILLAC STS
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
What codes do I use when purchasing Struts and Springs for my car listed above? I know I have AWD FE1 soft ride Struts however how does that translate into part numbers?
also, what kind of struts do I have and what kind do I look for? Please include instructions and pictures to replace front/rear springs and struts.
I put in the RPO for reference for you.

Thanks
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 AT 7:49 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the shocks, I had to determine if you have performance brakes, and you do. RPO code JE5 is the indicator (see pic 1 which is your pic I copied). And yes, it is a soft ride system.

If you look below, I attached a portion from the manual and highlighted the OEM part numbers for both the front and rear shocks. (Pic 2) Interestingly, there is a big difference in price between the AWD rear shock and the 2wd rear shock. The good news is the AWD is much less expensive. LOL

Let me know if this helps and if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
CANDO1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
Can you tell me what the Sub model with suspension code is, apparently there is two for my 2008 AWD STS.
With suspension code DB,DC.
with Suspension code ZK.
this is on Carid.com:
https://www.carid.com/2008-cadillac-sts-suspension-parts/acdelco-gm-original-equipment-shocks-and-struts-69966384.html?parentsubmodel[]=WHEEL+DRIVE|AWD+%28All+Wheel+Drive%29
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Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
CANDO1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
And last. Is the front shock magnetic ride control shock? And can you please give instructions to replace front and rear shocks with pictures?
Thanks
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Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I have no idea what they are asking for. The RPO should answer all questions. I went to the site and did a live chat. The guy wanted me to tell him the SKU number of the part. When I told him I can't because I didn't know the sub-model of the sub-model, he said I need to contact a dealership. Not the most helpful live chat. LOL

I have nothing other than the RPO list. I have nothing like they are requesting. He did ask for the VIN, which I don't have, but then ended with contacting a dealer. Try their live chat and have your VIN number available for them to see if that helps identify it for them.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
CANDO1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
I looked up the Highlighted Shock number you gave, and that number is GM 19150444
it's the Wrong Shock for my car. It's a Magnetic Shock I do not have FE3 RPO code
or magnetic shock.
I have Soft Ride SUSP(FE1), SUSP(7DB), RPO Codes.
Can you check for another SHOCK for MY 2008 STS AWD 3.6?
The closest one I found is 19180778, 19121865, 19177765, GM 540-601.
The second Pic is from Ebay and the fitment chart for the GM 540-601.
The Third pic shows the fitment for GM 19150444 Magnetic Shock.
I'm pretty sure that's the wrong one.
Thanks
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Sunday, February 6th, 2022 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
That is the only thing my manual is identifying. Could you provide me with the VIN number of the vehicle?

Joe
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Sunday, February 6th, 2022 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
CANDO1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
1G6DW67V080123560.
It's also on the RPO sticker.
I had the strut assembly off when finding out the last shocks I purchased were not the right ones. I do not want to make that mistake again. I believe the magnetic shocks have wires too and none of my front or rear had none.
Here are the correct rear shocks I purchased, GM OEM 08-11 Rear-Shock Absorbers 15938719.
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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The ones listed above appear to be the correct ones based on the RPO. However, when I used your VIN number, it comes up with an FE3 sport suspension.

I don't feel your RPO list would be wrong. Something has to be mixed up at the GM parts giant. Have you already ordered the ones you listed?

Joe
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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
CANDO1
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No, I haven't ordered them yet. I wanted to be sure first.
Do the magnetic shocks have control wires to it?
Is it normal for the VIN to indicate one thing and the RPO code another?
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Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 AT 6:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

It isn't normal for the two (RPO / VIN) to differ. I suspect it could be the site. As far as the magnetic shock, it has two electric coils on it that when energized changes the viscosity of the hydrocarbon oil that contains iron particles. As a result, you get a stiffer ride.

I don't believe there are wires. Instead, there should be a spot toward the top of the strut where there is a plug.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
CANDO1
  • MEMBER
  • 43 POSTS
I read up on Mag Shocks and the system that supports them. I had my entire strut out and there was no plug or wired connectors to my shock. Nor are there any on the rear shocks. I even thought maybe someone may have removed them and replaced them with the FE1 combination. So, I looked and there are no wiring harness in the front or rear that is just hanging with no termination point. So, I am going to put on the rear this weekend and order the front as soon as im finished. I just wished I could locate them at a reasonable price. They are not Air or Magnetic and cost the same as air and magnetic. But that's a Cadillac thing, LOL.
When I get them, I will let you know my results. With pictures for your future reference. On my front shock at the bottom 4 inches up is where the spring rest. Last year I got Monroes from Cardi and that rest point for the spring was around 8 inches from bottom of shock. I took pictures and sent them to Cardi and they refunded me as well as updating their website removing that shock from the list that fit the 08 STS AWD.
Thanks
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I did notice the price was a bit crazy. Did you try rockauto. Com? If they have them, you can get an additional 5% off by getting a discount coupon number from the web.

Let me know. Also, if you need me to, I get a code for you (if you want to get the shocks from RA)

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
CANDO1
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Thanks.
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Wednesday, February 9th, 2022 AT 3:27 PM

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