2001 i30 delayed maintenance estimate

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elav
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jan 23, 2014 1:46 pm
Car: 2001 Infiniti i30

Post

I was given a 2001 i30 with approximately 100k miles on it. The overall condition of the car is great but the previous owner delayed some maintenance (e.g. brakes, suspension) so they all need to be addressed now. I'm wondering if people could give me a rough estimate for the following and their opinion if it is worth doing (or just sell the car). The car needs...
1. Transmission flush/fluid
2. Brakes all-around (warped rotors in front so might as well replace all and replace brake fluid)
3. Suspension refresh (at least new shocks/struts but if you are going to do it might as well replace springs and mounts)
4. Tires

I could do brakes myself but seeing as the suspension is going to require an alignment, might as well have it done. Thinking this is going to be over $2,500 at the end of the day and I'm sure there are other "while you are in there" items. Thoughts?


NutriaforBreakfast
Posts: 1316
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:41 pm
Car: Nissan Maxima 1995 VQDE engine

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I have good motor mounts and strusts so I didn't need to change them. If you do, then do those first. If you have loose and crumbling rubber on your control arms
you might as well get new ones or your alignment won't "hold"

I was very satisfied after i went ahead and replaced the control arms (with new bushings), tie rods, and inner tie rods. It costs about 400-500$ from Oreilleys. I also put on camber bolts for the alignment ($26). Also add $75 at Midas for wheel alignment. I used the MOOG brand but there are some better ones
out there.

The next year i replaced the struts (didn't have the cash last year). I got them at Rock Auto and they were $90 cheaper apiece than Oreilleys. Had to re-align again.

If you have some experience with any of the above, i would recommend
RockAuto to buy the parts. I went with Oreilley because i had not done front
end work before. I am kind of loyal to them in a way because they guided
me through a lot of front end work.

You could go to the junkyard (or use your control arms) and get some used control arms and have the machine shop install/press in bushings for you. That would be the cheapest route IF you know what a good control arm looks like AND if you know
the machine shop has done a good job. Please don't try to press them in yourself.

A new front end will save wear and tear on your CV axles and brakes as well.

You will love your car when you get a new front end! :rotflmao

NutriaforBreakfast
Posts: 1316
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:41 pm
Car: Nissan Maxima 1995 VQDE engine

Post

I also changed out the connecting links and the stabalizer bar bushings.
That would have been included in the monies previously mentioned.


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