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Q45-V8 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/q45-v8-u220722.html
Thu May 02, 2024 8:36 am
Alright guys, I’m going to probably post a conclusion to this thread with the facts, as I just did my front struts and control arms, and will be doing my rears after the weekend:
The directly compatible part for 02-06 Q45 rear struts would be the 03-04 M45/Gloria rear struts, those are equally expensive and dealer only part, now someone did say that Monroe 5632 was an aftermarket equivalent, however those have been discontinued 2017-18 and none are left.
Case in point, someone also said that the 350Z rear struts are a direct fit, now this is true (sorta), the 350Z rear strut (02-08) will FIT, however I have a comparison photo that shows there is a difference in the width and length of the gas cylinder, and a major difference in the length of the piston rod and the travel length!
Under load, a shock absorber is meant to travel around 30 to no more than 70% of its maximum range for longevity. If I were to use the 350Z struts it would be constantly around 50-90% of its range and would certainly fail prematurely, and certainly would ride as well as the 350Z weighs 1,000 pounds less than Q45/presidents.
Background: I drive a 2005 Q45 base sedan. It currently has 104,000 miles. The ball joint on the drivers side has been bad for some time, but the drivers side front shock finally failed and began leaking badly, so it was no longer to hide the worn control arms. I replaced all of it. During that, it was discovered that the rear shocks were not leaking, but had almost no tension left.
Conclusion: unfortunately, for our cars, there never was an option for the front struts but dealer part, and at this point the rear struts are also only dealer part if you want it done right. Plan around $450 for the fronts each, and (for some reason) $500 for the rears (ironically way less complex but more expensive).