1992 Infiniti Q45a--Active suspension issue--noise and rattle.
1992 Infiniti Q45a--Active suspension issue--noise and rattle.
The car raisies and lowers on startup but the active suspension hasn't been working properly since I bought the car (the actsus light is on) and I'm awaiting a new vehicle height switch to install since the original one is missing. (I'm hoping installing the switch fixes the actsus light issue! )I've been driving it for about 2 months like this with an odd clunking sound over big bumps...sounds like a bottoming out. I'm assuming it must be in "fail safe" mode. However, now there is a new noise coming form the passenger side...it seems like a loose strut...a rattling clanking over any irregular road surface. I can feel it in the floorboards. Nothing seems visibly worn but the rattling is getting worse. Once my switch arrives, I'll be able to perform an onboard self-diagnostics for the suspension system. But in the meantime, I'm not sure if its harmful or dangerous to drive the car this way. Can anyone help with this? Thanks!
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rover3l
- Posts: 514
- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2003 3:22 am
- Car: 1998 Q45, 2000Q45 Anniversary, 1965 Rover 3L,
Re: 1992 Infiniti Q45a--Active suspension issue--noise and rattle. (tonyp71)
Is the active fluid level normal?
Also with the car running can you bounce each corner or does it feel completely stiff.
From your decription it sounds as if the nitrogen in the 9 accumulators is depleted. This seems to be the most common problem with the active suspension systems, assuming you have a normal fluid level in the system. These can be recharged by Keith Bowers aka Texasoil who is a specialist in on these systems. Do a search on his name and you will find a number of posts on the active suspension.
On my active I have replaced the 4 strut accumulators and achieved a major improvement in ride and impact absorption.
Also with the car running can you bounce each corner or does it feel completely stiff.
From your decription it sounds as if the nitrogen in the 9 accumulators is depleted. This seems to be the most common problem with the active suspension systems, assuming you have a normal fluid level in the system. These can be recharged by Keith Bowers aka Texasoil who is a specialist in on these systems. Do a search on his name and you will find a number of posts on the active suspension.
On my active I have replaced the 4 strut accumulators and achieved a major improvement in ride and impact absorption.
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texasoil
- Posts: 875
- Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2002 3:18 pm
- Car: '92 Infiniti Q45A
'94 Infiniti Q45A
'94 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Most probably the rear subframe mounting bushings have been destroyed by the extreme shocks transmitted to them from driving with flat accumulators. That part is about $600 + shipping of over $100, and about 10 hours of labor. Probably other rubber bushings on the suspension similarly overstressed. First this is to replace the 4 strut accumulators to get some suspension travel and shock absorbtion back. Email me off-line ([email protected])
Recharged Accumulator PRICE HAS BEEN REDUCED to $150 each to reflect declining value of thecars due to age.
Recharged Accumulator PRICE HAS BEEN REDUCED to $150 each to reflect declining value of thecars due to age.