Monroe Quick-Strut 272685 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the Monroe Quick-Strut 272685 Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly. It is designed to assist users in understanding the product's features, installation considerations, and maintenance requirements. This assembly is specifically compatible with 2010-2012 Subaru Legacy models.

Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Figure 1: Complete Monroe Quick-Strut 272685 Assembly. This image displays the fully assembled strut, including the coil spring, strut body, and upper mount, ready for installation.

2. Product Overview and Components

The Monroe Quick-Strut assembly is a complete, ready-to-install unit designed to replace the original equipment (OE) strut, coil spring, and mount. It eliminates the need for a spring compressor, simplifying the replacement process.

Key Components:

• OE-Style Strut: Provides damping and support.
• OE-Style Coil Spring: Engineered to restore ride height and support vehicle weight.
• Upper Strut Mount: Helps ensure smooth steering precision and reduces noise and vibration.
• Jounce Bumper: Prevents harsh bottoming out.
• Dust Boot: Protects the strut rod from contaminants.
• Upper and Lower Spring Isolators: Reduce noise and vibration between the spring and other components.
• SAE-Grade Nuts & Bolts: Included for secure installation.

Figure 2: Exploded view of the Monroe Quick-Strut assembly, detailing its individual components such as the robust bearing plate, jounce bumper, dust boot, OE-style coil spring, upper and lower spring isolators, and SAE-grade nuts and bolts.

3. Key Features

• Quicker, Safer, Easier, and Complete Repair: This assembly includes all necessary components for strut replacement in a single, pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for a separate spring compressor. This design simplifies the installation process.


Figure 3: Illustration emphasizing the quick, safe, and easy nature of replacing a strut with the complete Monroe Quick-Strut assembly, which requires no spring compressor.

• Restores Ride Height: Each application-specific coil spring is precisely calibrated to meet OE design specifications, ensuring the restoration of the vehicle's original ride height and proper support for its weight.


Figure 4: Image illustrating how the Monroe Quick-Strut assembly is engineered to restore the vehicle's original ride height, ensuring proper suspension geometry and performance.

• Improves Steering: The premium upper strut mount integrated into the assembly contributes to smooth, precise steering, reducing noise, vibration, harshness, and memory steer for a 'like-new' driving experience.

Figure 5: Close-up view of the upper strut mount, highlighting its role in improving steering precision and reducing unwanted noise and vibration.
• Made to Last: Manufactured with high-quality steel, the assembly features a superior tube and weld design, ensuring structural integrity and long-term durability. A protective coating also reduces rust.


Figure 6: Image showcasing the robust construction of the Monroe Quick-Strut, emphasizing its high-quality steel components and durable design for extended lifespan.

• Maintains Vehicle Control: The design effectively reduces body sway, vibration, and road harshness before it reaches the passenger cabin, leading to improved vehicle handling and stability.

4. Setup and Installation

Installation of suspension components requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified automotive technician. If you possess the necessary mechanical capabilities, follow these general guidelines:

1. Verify Compatibility: Before beginning, ensure the part is correct for your vehicle. Refer to the product specifications and enter your vehicle's year, make, model, engine, and trim for compatibility checks.
2. Prepare the Vehicle: Safely lift the vehicle using a hydraulic lift or jack stands and remove the wheel. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.


Figure 7: A vehicle securely positioned on an automotive lift, indicating preparation for suspension component replacement.

3. Remove Old Strut Assembly: Disconnect brake lines, ABS sensors, and sway bar links as necessary. Unbolt the lower strut mount from the steering knuckle and the upper strut mount from the vehicle chassis. Carefully remove the old assembly.
4. Install New Quick-Strut Assembly: Position the new Monroe Quick-Strut assembly into place. Secure the upper strut mount bolts first, then attach the lower strut mount to the steering knuckle. Reconnect all disconnected components.


Figure 8: A technician's hand guiding a new strut assembly into position within the wheel well, demonstrating a step in the installation process.

5. Torque Specifications: Ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. Refer to your vehicle's service manual for precise values.
6. Post-Installation Checks: After installation, lower the vehicle and perform a visual inspection. It is highly recommended to have a wheel alignment performed by a professional to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

Figure 9: A technician using a tape measure to check the vehicle's ride height, a crucial step after suspension component replacement to ensure proper restoration.

Included in the Box: Mounting Hardware; Parts Pack(s).

5. Operating Principles

The Monroe Quick-Strut assembly is a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system, designed to provide both ride comfort and vehicle control. It combines the functions of a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit.

• The coil spring supports the vehicle's weight and absorbs road impacts, maintaining the correct ride height.
• The strut (shock absorber) dampens the oscillations of the spring, preventing excessive bouncing and ensuring the tires remain in contact with the road for optimal traction and control.

Together, these components work to reduce body roll during turns, minimize nose-dive during braking, and squat during acceleration, contributing to a stable and comfortable driving experience.

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your vehicle's suspension system is crucial for safety and performance. While the Monroe Quick-Strut assembly is designed for durability, regular inspection is recommended.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the struts for signs of leakage, damage, or excessive wear. Check for bent or broken springs, damaged dust boots, or worn mounts.
• Rust Protection: The assembly features a protective coating to reduce rust. However, in harsh environments, additional rust prevention measures may be considered.
• Alignment: After any suspension work, or if you notice uneven tire wear or steering issues, have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked by a professional.

7. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your vehicle's ride or handling, the suspension system may require attention. Here are some common indicators of worn or failing struts:

• Excessive Bouncing or Sway: The vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump, or exhibits significant body roll during turns.
• Noisy Operation: Clunking, rattling, or squeaking sounds coming from the suspension, especially over bumps.
• Reduced Ride Height: The vehicle appears lower than normal, or one side is noticeably lower than the other.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Scalloped or cupped tire wear patterns can indicate worn suspension components.
• Leaking Fluid: Visible oil or fluid leaking from the strut body.

Figure 10: A close-up image of a severely rusted and damaged coil spring, illustrating a condition that necessitates immediate replacement of the suspension assembly.

If you observe any of these symptoms, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to diagnose and address the issue.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information regarding your Monroe Quick-Strut 272685 assembly, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Monroe Shocks & Struts website. Warranty terms and conditions may vary.

If you require technical assistance, have questions about installation, or need to report a product issue, please contact Monroe customer support directly. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or product packaging.