Shocks and struts for 2006 qx56?

[shynepo3]

I've noticed since i got this car about 3-4 years ago, the ride isn't as smooth. I picked a friend up at the airport, and he hadn't rode in my 06 qx56 for over 2 years, and his first comment was "how come the ride is so bumpy now? use to be smooth"..

so i figure i need to get new shocks and struts? front and rear? i really dont know. i also notice, when i go over a speedbump, and the front end comes down, i hear a loud schreech noise - like the suspension sounds rusty. when the back end comes off down, no noise.

any recommendations for types of shocks and struts i should get, and whether i should just do the front or should i do both and back.

thanks for any help in advance.

[atlM35]

You'll probably only need the front since those take the blunt of the weight and impact.

Ebay has them for cheap, under $200 for the front pair... my opinion is new cheap shocks are better than worn oem ones.
Here are some KYB from a seller with good reviews:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-341600-Fron ... 28&vxp=mtr

[shynepo3]

thanks for replying...

another question, my auto levelling goes on for about 2-3 min almost everytime i start the car. the dealership suggested i probalby have my rear air shocks leaking and need replacing. is it possible the front is leaking? i really want the auto levelling turning on everytime i start the car.

[AZhitman]

Here's one of those instances where it'd help for members to fill out their profile... Location?

Screeching upon suspension rebound could be a few things - none of which are common.

Mileage on the QX? Tire condition, brand and age? (sounds irrelevant, but it's not)

Let's get you into the Factory Service Manual so we're not guessing. http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/QX56/2006/

And if you order shocks, replace all four. The rears aren't terribly critical on a car, but in a bus like the QX, they are. Ride in the back seat of a big SUV with bad rear shocks and THEN tell me how important they are.

[shynepo3]

Location: Toronto, Ontario CANADA
Mileage: 75k miles
Tire condition: I replaced the tires/rims with 2008 OEM ones - the 20 inch, with Cooper Discover Tires. They were in very good condition, I measured tire depth at 10/32 last month.

My main thing is I hate that the auto levelling goes on for 3 minutes everytime I start the car...and the ride isn't as smooth anymore. I feel more bumps. With the auto levelling, I tried to see if the back is actually rising when it's on, and it isn't - the rear bumper stays the exact same height...am I measuring it wrong?

I'm not a mechanic at all, so doing anything on my own like raising the car and checking for leaks is impossible. I was hoping if I change the suspension, the leak will go away, as well as make the ride smooth again. I just want to know the best possible way to go about doing that.

thanks so mcuh for the help.

[AZhitman]

Unfortunately, this isn't something you can just throw money at and pray. It's an expensive vehicle, and it should be maintained accordingly. However, that's why we're here.

Considering your location, I'm guessing the "squealing" is corrosion someplace in the front suspension.

After looking at the manual, there are specific diagnostic procedures for assessing functionality of the auto-leveling. If it's running for 3 minutes at startup, there's a problem.

[shynepo3]

I hate going to the dealer, and I feel like they are the only ones who can diagnose the auto levelling. Since I probably need new suspension anyways, changing out the shocks/struts will get rid of the rusty corrosion right and probably make my ride a bit more smoother? and if the auto levelling issue is still there after, then i'll take it to the dealer (ugh).

[AZhitman]

No, they're not the only ones who can diagnose it, but you've got to put some effort in as well. The manual is pretty comprehensive.

Is it throwing a code (do you have a check engine light)?

The squealing issue could be any number of things - throwing parts at it is a waste of money until you know what's wrong.

If you have a decent relationship with your dealer, you should be able to take it in and get a diagnosis without committing to let them do all the work.

[Socaldiablo]

I hate going to the dealer, and I feel like they are the only ones who can diagnose the auto levelling. Since I probably need new suspension anyways, changing out the shocks/struts will get rid of the rusty corrosion right and probably make my ride a bit more smoother? and if the auto levelling issue is still there after, then i'll take it to the dealer (ugh).

There are a probably a few issues going on here ...first off, you went from 18" stock wheels on your 06' to 20" stock wheels from an 08' so you lost 2 inches of rubber b/t you and the street, which would make the ride a little more rough. Also, it is likely that you're due for new front shocks and rear air bags. I replaced my front shocks with Bilstein HDs at around 72K miles (a have an 04' QX56) and my rear air bags are fine right now. My pump only kicks on every so many days to auto level the rear and not every time we drive it like yours. I have Nitto Terra Grapler tires in a slightly larger size than the stock tires so b/t the Bilsteins, more off-road style tires, and decent rear air bags, my ride is better than it was before I did the new tires and front shocks. But in general, these trucks don't ride as smooth as say a Cadillac. The Bilsteins are a real good upgrade to the suspension and I think they cost me maybe $300 installed.

[shynepo3]

Rear air bags? I need new air bags for the rear? U sure? Air bags are more for safety, no?

[Outkast]

I hate going to the dealer, and I feel like they are the only ones who can diagnose the auto levelling. Since I probably need new suspension anyways, changing out the shocks/struts will get rid of the rusty corrosion right and probably make my ride a bit more smoother? and if the auto levelling issue is still there after, then i'll take it to the dealer (ugh).

Well we are, the auto leveling has it's own section in Consult for data monitor.