Cracked bushings on Monroe Struts

[Roger]

When I greased my trailer the other day, I noticed that all of the bushings on the Monroe struts were cracked.  I am wondering if I should replace the struts or just the bushings. Has anyone else seen this?

[Ray Kimsey]

I would replace the entire shock. The cost of the shocks was not that much and I expect yours are pretty well worn out. I replaced mine on my 2020 trailer about two years ago and what a difference it made. 

 

[Tom and Doreen]

It's likely those shocks are shot. 

[Steph and Dud B]

Some of mine look like that. There's a couple of threads talking about alternatives to the Monroes.

[topgun2]

23 minutes ago, Steph and Dud B said:

There's a couple of threads talking about alternatives to the Monroes.

HERE is just ones of those posts on the subject of alternative(s) to the Monroe shocks.

Bill

[topgun2]

THIS thread directly applies to the bushing question - particularly see the last post regarding the appropriate amount of "bluge" .

Bill

p.s.  by typing in "Monroe Shocks" the Forum's search function will return more information of the subject of shocks in general.

Edited 3 hours ago by topgun2
added detail

[Roger]

Thanks everyone for your responses.  I tried searching but didn't use the right key words. The other posts are very helpful.. 

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Roger said:

Get 4 new shocks and you may want to go Bulldog brand vs. Monroe.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/bulldog-hd-suspension/bulldog-hd-suspension-shock-absorber/bul0/hd12130656/

https://www.4statetrucks.com/bulldog-hd-shock-absorber-replaces-555001-19-050000007

From what I can tell in your picture, the upper bushings on the original shocks were badly over-tightened causing the rubber bushings to fail prematurely. Your picture shows too many threads up top leaving very little spacing for the rubber. You want to tighten these so that the rubber is just mushrooming and not much more.