'94 Q45t Tokico shock install

[tpuig]

I've got four new shocks to install on the Q45t, but the link to the FAQ's seems to be gone. Couldn't find much about the actual installation. Anything I need to know before putting the car on the lift? Thanks TP

[Q451990]

The FAQ doesn't have stuff about repairs... might try a search, but that hasn't been working that well lately either.

Here's a pretty good thread. http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....ation

I've done this a couple of times, and it's fairly straight forward... when you have the FSM (factory service manual). Be sure to replace all of the rubber bushings at the same time.

Biggest thing (at least safety wise) is that you don't want to loosen the center nut on the top side without having the spring compressor in place!

Heath

[911/Q45]

Remember to remove the strut assembly from the car before taking it apart.

[DAEDALUS]

LOL. Greg, you out there?

[AZhitman]

Search my old posts for "shock" or "compressor".

Best to remoe the assembly and take the whole shebang to a shop to have the springs swapped on the shock assembly.

Cost me $20 for all 4, took 20 minutes. The rest is gravy.

[Jeff Williams]

TP, I will be doing this, soon (when the weather gets better - no heated garage). I plan to document everyting well. If you wait a month, or so, I will send you all my info.

I bougth all the dust boots, and bushings from Joe, since mine are falling apart.

I plan to steam clean the suspension, before I start, and will be replacing the rotors, and brake pads.

I might even replace all the brake fluid, while I am at it.

[Aus94Q45]

Did mine -- its cake. I bought a pair of good (ie. locking) spring compressors. You should also get a long breaker bar/socket drive to ease the removal of the bolts -- a little Liquid Wrench for the ones under the body will not hurt. Also, when you have the front struts out, it is a good time to do the upper links (2 bolts ea.). It took about 1 hr. per wheel taking my time to methodically do the job. Two points to remember: 1. get good spring compressors -- those thngs take a lot of tension and you would not want one to let loose; 2. Make sure that you take time to look at the strut/spring unit you take out before you take it apart so that you can carefully line up the new strut with the spring in the same oreintation (if you do not, you will not be able to line up the unit to reinstall).

FYI -- the fronts, which I installed first, made a fair difference. However, once I had the new rears on you could really tell a difference. Great improvement! You can do it.

[tpuig]

Thanks for the tips. What type of spring compressor did you purchase? I like to have everything necessary at hand before starting the job. TP

[911/Q45]

I got some cheap ones from JC Whitney, but I like AZHitman's plan for paying a shop to use their power compressor.

[Jeff Williams]

I use the Autozone "Lend-A-Tool" program, for a spring compressor. I have an air comressor, to crank them down to compress the springs, and it works great.. That works fine, and is free.

[Aus94Q45]

I purchased them at http://www.handsontools.com/

About $40 with locking pins & a case. I had surfer around and many others had the same brand and set of spring compressors for $15 to $25 more. Hands on shipped and I recevied them within three or four days on regular delivery.

These were plenty heavy duty for this job. You use a 1/2" socket to compress. ABout 10 to 15 strokes per side back and forth untill you can remove the retainer nut on top of the strut. I did put a piece of plywood and a canvas tarp over the sripng when I removed the first one -- maily out of fear and safety. I did not want that thing to "take off". However, after I replaced the first one and felt comfortable with the stability, I replaced the other three quickly without undue fear. It was very easy and I spent more time making sure that I had the springs aligned with the seats, than I did with the rumored cranking the compressors.

Thanks again to Hitman for the "Blue-Shock" special! One of the best improvements I have made!

[AZhitman]

You got it.

Thank Alex, from Southwest Autoworks - He takes good care of the NICO brothas!

[pmcd1966]

I did the Autozone Lend-a-tool too - they worked great for the rears. I've got the fronts sitting in the garage waiting on me, so I'll be making another trip there soon.