2002 Infiniti Q45 F50 Rear Suspension Question

[Gaffney982]

I just bought an '02 Q45 F50 and I'm trying to get some info. It has the motors on top of the front strut mounts but I can't see anything on the rear struts/shocks (not sure which). The back of the car sags and I'm trying to figure out if I have weak springs or if the rear air shocks or struts are weak? Help!

I priced out rear shocks on Infiniti's website using my VIN number and it said $299 (Not sure if that was a set or each one) so I'm at a loss.

Also, the 18" Infiniti rims have some heavy buildup of crud on them and I'm trying to see if anyone has a good idea for scrubbing the cra* out of them without scratching them. They're not the chrome wheels, they're the aluminum/alloy ones.

[Q451990]

to NICO!

I'm not sure on the rear shock situation... if you want to browse through your car's factory service manual, you can see more of how everything is set up. www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

As far as wheel crud, I've heard of some people having success with simple green. I've had some success with the harsh armor-all wheel cleaner, they work great, but can damage the wheel if left on too long. I'm going to guess a lot of elbow grease is in order.

Heath

[Gaffney982]

Ty for the welcome :-)

I'll try some of that simple green.

I did download all of the manuals for my Q but haven't had a chance to browse through them all.

It would be nice to find out why my car sags so bad in the rear.

[maxnix]

Ty for the welcome :-)

I'll try some of that simple green.

I did download all of the manuals for my Q but haven't had a chance to browse through them all.

It would be nice to find out why my car sags so bad in the rear.

Standard posture. The Eibach Pro springs for the FGY33 would probably work, but they have been out of production for at least a decade. Espelir?

[Gaffney982]

Ty for the welcome :-)

I'll try some of that simple green.

I did download all of the manuals for my Q but haven't had a chance to browse through them all.

It would be nice to find out why my car sags so bad in the rear.

Standard posture. The Eibach Pro springs for the FGY33 would probably work, but they have been out of production for at least a decade. Espelir?

Are the rear shocks an air shock setup?

I just find it hard to believe that there's such a big difference in ride height front front to back.

[seldomseen]

I just bought an '02 Q45 F50 and I'm trying to get some info. It has the motors on top of the front strut mounts but I can't see anything on the rear struts/shocks (not sure which). The back of the car sags and I'm trying to figure out if I have weak springs or if the rear air shocks or struts are weak? Help!

I priced out rear shocks on Infiniti's website using my VIN number and it said $299 (Not sure if that was a set or each one) so I'm at a loss.

Also, the 18" Infiniti rims have some heavy buildup of crud on them and I'm trying to see if anyone has a good idea for scrubbing the cra* out of them without scratching them. They're not the chrome wheels, they're the aluminum/alloy ones.

The cost is most likely per strut/shock. Everything about the F50 is expensive due to the limited production of the car. How many miles does the car have? I sold my '03 last year with 67k miles on. The F50 is nice, but will require thousands of dollars to maintain properly and is a money pit for folks with shallow pockets particularly if you own an '02 F50.

Some tips: keep an eye out for cracks in the dash board, oil consumption, HID ballast burning out, driver seat movement/rocking, GPS screen failure, smart key engine system failure, wheel bearing failure. There are a few other things to keep an eye out for as well. Just search the forum, these issues have been discussed a million times.

[gemman69]

I have the same problem, but gave up worrying about it. I've put over 40K on it. The car rides great nonetheless.

Like seldonseen says those frequent problems are key issues.

Seat rocking - I took the seat out and had the frame rewelded carefully (none of the upholstery needed removed when we placed wet rags all around the repair area. We kept a water spray bottle around too just in case. 1st time taking the seat out if frustrating with the bolts and their covers.

HID ballasts - if they start to fail, get after market ones. I kept the old ballast and drilled through it with a hole saw that just fit the new ballast and silicone it to the existing ballast and ran the wires through. Had to cut and adapt the old harness, but all of this for less than $200. Based on newer technology which should last longer.

oil consumption - just make it a habit of keeping 1-2 quarts in the trunk and check it every time you fill up. I average a quart every 800-1000 miles, and change it about 7500 mile intervals since the refresh rate is so high.

enjoy the car, keep your eyes and ears open, and don't stress out about it. GREAT CAR!

[Gaffney982]

I decided to sell it, hopefully someone will buy it for the $4400 that I'm asking. It runs and drives well but I just don't want to get in too deep with a car that's expensive to repair and tough to find parts for.