Front MRC Shock Replacement, OE or Aftermarket?

I was recently told by my GMC dealer that the front shocks in my 16 XL Denali should be replaced. I've only owned the vehicle for about 8 months, 2nd owner, and have about 65k miles on it. I have not yet taken it to either another dealer or independent shop to have them checked out to confirm. From other threads, it seems that this is a common issue for this vehicle, correct? If they are not leaking, how do you know if they are bad and need replacement? I don't have any CELs on the dash. Not sure if there is a stored code. Is it just a stiff ride feeling, or what? I have not looked into how the MRC works, what fails and how, etc. Does anyone have a site or other post string that discusses these more?

Also, I've seen a number of forum threads discussing various aftermarket solutions that people are installing instead of the MRC OE parts. For a daily driver and occasional road trip vehicle, what do you suggest? I'm in MN, so it will be driven in all of our lovely conditions and on our lovely roads. If aftermarket, can you maintain a nice ride just changing the fronts, or should all 4 corners be changed to match ride feel?

old school test was just to get the corner in question bouncing either by jumping on a bumper or just pushing on it. if it kept bouncing the shock or strut in question was shot. if it quickly stops bouncing its fine as long as its not visibly leaking fluid. ive been told by garages on numerous occasions i needed shocks or struts on various vehicles and it was just bs. when i was younger i got alot of vehicles inspected at more "lenient" inspection shops. i have a family with 2 kids so i dont like to play games either way. my vehicles need to be safe but i dont like to waste money. i only have 2 shops i dont mind using they know me and i trust them and they trust me. anyway i dont know if the old school method works anymore on the newer vehicles but shocks and struts seem to be a common thing garages try to get you to pay for that dont actually need to be done.

As stated above. I’d be surprised if you needed new shocks but it’s possible. As mentioned look under your rig for leaks or worn out bushings where the shock attaches though I’d think you would hear that. The tear is different due to the auto leveling. I’d think on a ‘16 you’d get a DIC light if there’s a problem.

drakon543 said:

old school test was just to get the corner in question bouncing either by jumping on a bumper or just pushing on it. if it kept bouncing the shock or strut in question was shot. if it quickly stops bouncing its fine as long as its not visibly leaking fluid. ive been told by garages on numerous occasions i needed shocks or struts on various vehicles and it was just bs. when i was younger i got alot of vehicles inspected at more "lenient" inspection shops. i have a family with 2 kids so i dont like to play games either way. my vehicles need to be safe but i dont like to waste money. i only have 2 shops i dont mind using they know me and i trust them and they trust me. anyway i dont know if the old school method works anymore on the newer vehicles but shocks and struts seem to be a common thing garages try to get you to pay for that dont actually need to be done.

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I'm definitely not an expert on these magnetic ride control shocks, but due to how they work and what I was told by the dealer, I do not think that the 'old school' method of bouncing on it will work for these. The dealer said something along the lines of the ride being stiffer than normal, not soft and bouncy.

My experience with the MRC shocks failing is typically they lock-up, and become incredibly stiff. On the forums here I've seen some owners report them failing at 40-60K miles and some at 80-100K miles. The dealership will quote you a very expensive price to replace the front MRC shocks, it'll probably be between $1,800-$2,000. This is because they are typically charging $700-$800 for each MRC shock, a part you can find online for half that. Same OEM GM ACDelco part.

I just had my front MRC shocks replaced on my '15 Yukon XL Denali, got (2) OEM ACDelco MRC shocks off Rockauto for about $720 shipped and paid $200 to have them installed, all-in <$950.

OEM Part should be GM# 84176631

For what you've described I would just replace with OEM MRC shocks.

Use OEM AC Delco for replacements on Rock Auto

I personally used sensors and deleted the MRC and used Monroe 139104 replacement struts.

I absolutely love how it rides now....couldn't be happier.

Just for my own info do the MRC shocks stiffen under a load with the ignition off? I understand they won’t bounce like regular shocks but just wondering. @CMoore711 did you get any warnings the shocks failed?

Big Mama said:

Just for my own info do the MRC shocks stiffen under a load with the ignition off? I understand they won’t bounce like regular shocks but just wondering. @CMoore711 did you get any warnings the shocks failed?

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I'm not sure if the MRC shocks stiffen up under load with the ignition off? Not sure what the "state" of the MRC shocks are when the vehicle is not running, that's a good question. All I know is with both my '15 Yukon XL Denali and wife's '13 ESV when the MRC shocks were shot visually you could see they had been leaking fluid and the shock seems to "lock-up". When I say "lock-up" while driving it feels like there is almost no suspension at all, very bouncy and stiff ride.

There were no warning lights or messages on the DIC regarding failed shocks or "check suspension"; That goes for my '15 Yukon XL Denali or my wife's '13 ESV.

DirtyBlackHoe said:

I personally used sensors and deleted the MRC and used Monroe 139104 replacement struts.

I absolutely love how it rides now....couldn't be happier.

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Hi,
What other components are needed along with Monroe 39104?
Thankyou,