Suspension Question???

jlangz

Member
Location
Arizona
Hey guys,

What are "normal" replacement parts for an FX45 suspension (shocks, struts, etc) over the 60K mark? I know this is a very general question but I was just curious what most of you see failing at this mark. Thanks in advance.
 
I don't think the manual specifies that anything be replaced at 60K. In general it would be your shocks with that kind of mileage, but if there is nothing wrong with them then no need to replace. I have 105,000 miles on mine and still using the original set. I keep having them checked because I expect to replace them, but so far - no need.
 
it is impossible for struts with 100k miles to still be good. maybe there not leaking & maybe your still kinda riding OK, but there is no way to inspect them with certainty & say there OK without removing them & putting them on a shock dyno which is of course not even worth considering. the wear happens inside at the internal seals that you can not inspect at all & it is impossible for them to still be fine. I personally guarantee you that if you did swap them out you would be amazed at the difference & your fx would feel much "newer" & you will realize then just how much your struts are deteriorated now & you will say wow, I shoulda did this a long time ago.

the problem with shock/strut deterioration is that it is so gradual that you will never actually be able to feel that they are deteriorated or ever feel like anything is wrong, you drive it each time & each time it feels the same, but if you could get out of your fx now & step into it from 4 years ago you'd realize the difference right away.

even at 60k the struts are deteriorated to the point that a new set would be a very nice improvement, but at 100k plus, big big difference...
 
Since were talking about struts I notice most people replace them with the KYB struts is that because the ride beter than the OEM or just cost less ??
 
OEM supplier to Nissan is kyb, so there one & the same really (possible that to the OEM they may have supplied several different valvings though)... kyb couldn't release to the aftermarket for a period of time under there contract (I think 5 years?) but now that the time has passed there allowed to sell to the aftermarket. they now only offer one part # for all applications though
 
it is impossible for struts with 100k miles to still be good. maybe there not leaking & maybe your still kinda riding OK, but there is no way to inspect them with certainty & say there OK without removing them & putting them on a shock dyno which is of course not even worth considering. the wear happens inside at the internal seals that you can not inspect at all & it is impossible for them to still be fine. I personally guarantee you that if you did swap them out you would be amazed at the difference & your fx would feel much "newer" & you will realize then just how much your struts are deteriorated now & you will say wow, I shoulda did this a long time ago.

the problem with shock/strut deterioration is that it is so gradual that you will never actually be able to feel that they are deteriorated or ever feel like anything is wrong, you drive it each time & each time it feels the same, but if you could get out of your fx now & step into it from 4 years ago you'd realize the difference right away.

even at 60k the struts are deteriorated to the point that a new set would be a very nice improvement, but at 100k plus, big big difference...

Thanks - guess I'll be replacing mine soon then...:embarrassed:

Edit - yeah, I just called up the dealer and had them look into history. Never been replaced. Before I joined IS, I took my FX to the dealer for every single scheduled maintenance and problem. Since joining up, I haven't been back except for a free oil change, state inspection and new tires (all at once). Guess it's time!
 
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OEM supplier to Nissan is kyb, so there one & the same really (possible that to the OEM they may have supplied several different valvings though)... kyb couldn't release to the aftermarket for a period of time under there contract (I think 5 years?) but now that the time has passed there allowed to sell to the aftermarket. they now only offer one part # for all applications though

kool N Tha Gang... Thanks Homie:smile:
 
Recomended change by manufacturer is between 50k and 60k I changed mine out at 78k and even though there was no leaking or visible signs of wear there was a marked improvement in dampening. I changed out the strut bearings as well as long as I was there-they were only 15.00ea.
Might want to put some drop springs on while you have it apart:tup:
 
Thanks a lot guys! Would my struts make a bit of a rattling noise going over bumps if they are bad or would that be something else? I hear a knocking noise that is in sync with every nasty bump I hit. Any clues?
 
I read through that one. This is loud. It sounds like metal on metal. It sounds like something has gone bad. It takes place in all four wheel wells.
 
Can't think of anything causing that noise in all four wheel wells. Have it checked out when you have new shocks and struts installed.
 
Maybe this?

Technical Service Bulletins for the INFINITI INFINITI 9999 - 162000 STRUCTURE - BODY

Make : INFINITI Model : INFINITI Year : 9999 Service Bulletin Number: ITB98065 Replacement Service Bulletin Number: NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 604008 Date of Bulletin: 01/15/1999 Date Added to Database: 03/15/1999 Component: 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY Summary: INFORMATION ON VEHICLE SQUEAK AND RATTLE MATERIALS. *YC
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For those of you who are possibly experiencing this knocking sound in your wheel wells or might in the future. I had my struts and springs replaced yesterday with the Kyb's and some H&R's and the sound is gone. Looks like it was what I thought, bad struts. They were the originals and I am at 80K so it was way past due. Thank you for the ideas guys but I thought I would give you all an update.
 
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