2006 M45 Sport Shocks and Struts

[yosM45]

Just wondering is anyone one else with an 06-07 has replaced or is getting ready to replace their shocks/struts?

I'm quickly approaching 100k miles and figured I'd replace them at 100k.

Even though they have not ruptured, it's seems like the ride has become much harsher.

I can't seem to find anything other than OEM, and the best prices I can find are 1000% more expensive than any other suspension component for any vehicle in the world.

Front Right - $190
Front Left - $173
Rear (each) - $176 x 2

$715 for shocks/struts? WOW

There's gotta be some other option. I know there's got to be someone on here that has done their suspension.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[a.blanco0905]

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/detai ... 49053.html

KYB for $58.10 before shipping.

[yosM45]

Thanks for the link.

$344, no shipping, no tax. But they only thing is that it says 2006 M45: All Sub Models. It seems it's the same for Sports and non-Sports.

Is anyone else running these? Are they a pretty good brand?

[a.blanco0905]

^KYB is a good brand. I dont know if anybody's running them but that's the same link I gave Gmo, I dont know if he bought them tho.

[mexillis]

I am at 84k and will be replacing my stuff with air suspension in August hopefully! I dont think I need to get rid of mine it's not bad or too bouncy like what worn out suspension parts usually feel like. Since OEM replacement is about 720 why not get coilovers Yos? I know how you wanted to lower your car without it being too low and that would give you that ability to do so.

[EniGmA1987]

didnt we confirm in another thread that the suspension part numbers were definitely different for non-sport and sport models? So if these say that they support all models, it most likely is for a non-sport and would not be the correct shocks for the sport model.

[yosM45]

Mex, I really just wanted the lowest drop possible that corrects the excessive gap in the front.

With all the issues with getting our alignment within spec and camber bolts and control arms, I really don't want to stress about that with coilovers.

I guess the tein h-techs will correct that with out sacrificing alignment or tires.

I picked up the springs from Blanco, so it hopefully it makes a difference.

How much do coil-overs run by the way?

If the KYBs are for the non sport, can they still be used on a sport?

I guess the better question is...has anyone used Non-sport shocks/struts on a Sport M.

Would it give you a soft ride in the crap roads of DC? Or would non-sport shocks with a drop improve ride quality and handling?

Please chime in if with thoughts or ideas?

[a.blanco0905]

^I personally dont think that infiniti would make 5 different sets of shocks/struts... 2 for m35 and m35s, 2 for m45 and m45s and 1 for AWD models... PLUS and here's where common sense kicks in, aint it funny that most aftermarket springs work just fine for every model... PLUS aint it funny that the same part (strut) has the same price all across the board? Im really thinking that the only major difference on the sport versions of the M45 is our RAS and then obviously all the little trim details. KYB is a good brand and if I was in your position, I'd buy them at the price of the link I gave you. I'm about to buy a lower control arm on ebay for an M45 and it doesnt say if it's for sport or not, but I have a hunch it'll work just fine for me.

Cheapest coilovers are the Megans at about $880 shipped btw.

[yosM45]

I talked to the Technicians at KYB.

He says that the KYBs are for the non-sport model. So I asked him how the KYBs compare to the non-sport oems. He said that during their testing the KYBs were 10-15% firmer than the oems. He said they never tested them on the Sport because the sport springs were firmer than the non-sport.

So I said, "Wouldn't it make sense that KYBs are a better fit for the Sport since they are firmer, and the sport springs are firmer?"

He said it would make sense, but that they never tested it so they can't recommed you use them on the sport version. He also said that they aren't even sure if the bolt/link/screw patterns for the shocks/struts on both models are the same. It maybe be that the sport bolts on differently than the non-sport. So they cant recommend them.

So, is it possible that the ONLY difference between sport and non is the spring firmness?

And, does the spring firmness matter if your changing your springs to lower your car anyways?

Does anyone know if the non sport and sport bolt on the same way?

And, maybe one of the techs on NICO could answer this, does changing your suspension, springs, shocks, struts, etc...affect your RAS?

[a.blanco0905]

The deal with those, and just like the springs you just bought from me, they were probably never tested on M45s because they didnt want to spend the money on R&D and then on a license to sell to, yet "another" car model so they advertise them for M35s only. We're talking about something similar on the Z32 forum, about a set of turbos for my Z that are only for "off road use" only... they prolly just didnt submit them to the DOT for tests and licencing so they're arent street legal.

...and Yos, I doubt we're going to get some clear answers on this since Infiniti WANTS you to buy their OEM products, but like I said, same price for the same part all across the board... there's NO WAY Nissan developed... I'll just leave it alone. lol...

[m-licious]

firmness when speaking about springs usually refers to spring rate. opinions vary on what you want vs need from spring rate when lowering. i think most people agree you need a slightly higher spring rate since the car is riding already lower and so the strut is compressed beyond it's "usual" load.

if you search older threads, we had various conversations about this, with some "spirited" conversations about different opinions. my research indicated that the HTechs were around the stock rate, and therefore gave a ride that was a little spongy to my personal feel as the car was lowered. I liked the look, but thought it added very little to the ride. don't assume Htechs will always align within spec. some people did, some didn't.

The eibachs are a progressive spring, so the more you compress them, the more they push back. so even though they lower the car more, they gave a more balanced ride in opinion as load varies. they gave a great ride but the overall clearance was a little low. they also look mean, especially for those going for a more slammed look but not wanting to pay for coilovers.

I suspect that the suspension parts are different among sport and nonsport suspensions. as stated by infinitieric, why would they make different part numbers and have to track them as such. that adds layers of complexities to any business model and would be unlikely move if not necessary. i would imagine the cost is the same because people whom bought sport models would be pissed if they had to pay more for replacement parts.

I cannot tell you if they hook up the same, but suspect they would because, again, the more modular they could make it, the cheaper the production costs. I'll let you know if I can get someone to swap suspension bits with me. there used to be a lot of guys whom would come on here and complain the ride on the sports was too harsh but they are all gone now. I suspect as the car ages, the y50 is getting more affordable for a younger age range of after market car buyers and this group is more willing push for looks over comfort and so more likely to ride big wheels/low profile tires, slammed rides, etc. it'll be fun to see where the "next generation" of owners takes this model.

[EniGmA1987]

the HTechs were around the stock rate

Tein H-Tech spring rates are:

Front Spring Rate: 7kgf/mm || 392lbs/in
Rear Spring Rate: 9.2kgf/mm || 515lbs/in

and from what I remember, stock springs are:

Front Spring Rate: 6.2kgf/mm
Rear Spring Rate: 8.3kgf/mm

The closest you can get to stock ride with lowering springs are the Tanabe NF210's, which are:

Front Spring Rate: 6.4kgf/mm
Rear Spring Rate: 8.7kgf/mm




It took a LONG time of searching to find the Eibach ratings. Obviously iits hard because the springs are progressive and have a different level of spring depending on how compressed they are. But I finally got the numbers!

Eibach spring rates:

Front Spring Rate: 228 lb/in. to 331 lb/in.
Rear Spring Rate: 399 lb/in. to 513 lb/in


It looks like from those numbers, the Eibach springs average out to the same rates at stock springs. When compressed all the way down though, the Eibach's are stiffer. So I suppose that means for small bumps and normal riding you would have the same feel, but when going over a somewhat larger bump, or a bump at higher speeds, the Eibach's would compress down more and be a bit stiffer at the bottom of the bump compared to stock. So I suppose that means I should revise my statement earlier and say that Eibach is actually the closest ride you can get to stock with using lowering springs.

[m-licious]

yeah, if I'm gonna drop it, it only makes sense to me to increase the spring rate. and i appreciate that eibachs are progressive.

[yosM45]

yeah, if I'm gonna drop it, it only makes sense to me to increase the spring rate. and i appreciate that eibachs are progressive.

So according to Enigma, the H-techs are a higher spring rate. I personally don't need the to go Eibach low. I only have 19” wheels and am just looking to close the gaps some.

Great comparison of springs. Does any one know or have any comparison info on the shock/sturts.

Are the KYBs, being firmer than the non-sport oem, make them a better fit for our Sport versions?

[06M4.5]

i was told that the oem sport strut was not only stiffer than the non-sport but it was also shorter.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

yosM45, that thread may answer some of your questions

what-the-f-front-shocks-t527102.html

[a.blanco0905]

i would imagine the cost is the same because people whom bought sport models would be pissed if they had to pay more for replacement parts.

^That's retarded...

So then the M35 guys should be mad they're paying the same prices as the M45 guys...

Also, if you buy a more expensive car you obviously know you're going to pay more more parts than less expensive counterparts...

Plus, you already have to pay more for replacement parts since the M45s has some components the regular M45 doesnt have... RAS for instance, so we should be pissed that regular M45 owners dont have to pay for an RAS system if it goes Kaput?

Plus you talk about business model and blah, blah, blah, but if my company spends more time on research on one product than on another and thus that product becomes more expensive for me to build (because it might require different craftmanship, material, etc.) to turn a profit I'm going to raise the price for said product OR not sell it at all.

[EniGmA1987]

So according to Enigma, the H-techs are a higher spring rate.

seems to be correct from the info I found. I also updated that post with the Eibach spring rates.

[yosM45]

I spoke to the parts manage at Infiniti of Tampa.

He said that the sport and non-sport are the length and same bolt pattern.
He said the only difference is that the sport shock/struts are firmer. So there shouldn't be an issue.

On the other thread, apparently, CPJ LB is lower on Tein-H tech with KYB, and he like the ride on his M35 Sport.

I guess the only thing left is whether or not there would be a difference with this set-up on the M45 Sport?

[cruzad3r]

Tracked!!!

isn't there a collected thread on different suspension setup and stuffs? if we can pin that, it would be nice for people to research and read instead of posing new thread.

good information though. this is very helpful for people who want to replace their suspension.

[yosM45]

CORRECTED

FYI,

$316.30, includes a 8% discount (CODE: AFFEIAPW), free shipping, and no tax.

Less than half of OEM on Auto Parts Warehouse for all 4 shocks/struts.

[a.blanco0905]

^Get'em Yos... I know I would.

[yosM45]

Justsuspension.com/kyboutlet.com

$263.49 shipped, coupon code: GOOG5, All 4

[a.blanco0905]

^Nice... I think that's bottom dollar man, but keep on searching, u never know.

U know, I have 75k miles on my car and Ive no issues wit my struts, so I guess it's just luck of the draw ah?

[yosM45]

Honestly Blanco...there's a good chance that there isn't anything wrong with my shock/struts either.

But the roads in DC are so s*** that it rides like crap. On flat smooth surfaces it rides like a champ. But in the city, I think I might lose one my wheels.

So I have 85k now. I'm really not planning on installing them until 90k or 100k.

I'm planning on doing the drop first and riding on it to see if it changes anything. Then we'll look at the new SHK/SRT.

[a.blanco0905]

^Oh all right... I actually think that the H. Techs will make your ride a little softer, I personally didnt like the feel as I like my cars to handle more tightly & responsive... but I guess the H. Techs will fit ur MO perfectly.

[c_nitty]

I know this is old but any new info on 2006 M35 shocks for a smoother ride?

[MOWellsinVA]

I just had a set of Monroe trust and shocks installed today. So far, the car is riding very nicely. I bought them here:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/shop_ ... -2007.html

These are assured to be compatible with the M45 Sport; I assume that they will work on the M35 Sport as well.

Prices are 50% less than the Infiniti OEM parts. Check on Amazon.com as well, I've seen them for even cheaper in the last few days.

[CPJ LB]

I still have my KYB's that were put on back in 2011-2012 (can't remember exactly)...I previously had my car lowered on H-techs along with KYB's (non-sport) then switched to KYB (sports) shortly after... then I took off the H-techs and installed Eibachs....my ride is still comfortable and sporty....shocks are still running good. I'm at 136K miles and when I had my car at the dealer getting the accelerator recall issue fixed, they complimented on how my car drove and handled for having "high miles"

[yuM45]

CPJ what is the party number for the KYB sports that you put on?