98 Q: Just replaced my front strut cartridges -- what a difference!!

[tfvesquire]

I finally replaced my front strut cartridges with factory units ($167.00 each, ouch!) and what a difference it makes. I tried just installing new strut mounts and bearing, inner and outer tie rods and stabilizer bushings last summer and it helped alot, but with all the potholes here by Chicago, my front end got worse and worse. So far, the ball joints and tension rods are nice and tight with no cracked rubber inserts so they will stay in place for now.

When I installed the front strut mounts, I had a hard time compressing the springs with the typical rent-a-spring compressor arms you get at the local auto parts store for free even though I have a strong air gun that puts out over 580 lbs of torque. Because our front springs are heavy duty like truck springs, it was nearly impossible to compress them down enough to put the nut back on, so I ended up taking them to the shop and had them do it for $50.00.

I was lucky enough to find a small shop going out of business and I bought an almost brand new Branick MST-580A wall mounted McPherson strut spring compressor. I bet you don't have one of these in your garage!!

Anyway, I just installed the new strut cartridges last night and it went way smoother than last summer. Drove the car last night around 11 and I have my smooth, new car ride again.

If anyone in the Chicagoland area needs a set of strut springs compressed, give me a call before paying the shop to do it. I would only charge $15.00 each or both for $20.00. I will swap out your replacement struts for you if you take your olds ones with you.

The only thing I have left to do is replace the cabin air filters and sell a bunch of parts I don't need anymore. I can finally take a much deserved break, at least until June when I welcome my first born.

Ted

p.s. not sure how I clicked on the creepy, crying face that is on the forum page, but I can't seem to remove it. This was supposed to be a happy post!!

[qship96]

Great!!!!! now do the rears and really enjoy the refreshed ride and handling quality!!!!!!

[BadQ45t]

Yup, your rears are shot too and those should be easier as no spring compressors required.

[Q451990]

I was lucky enough to find a small shop going out of business and I bought an almost brand new Branick MST-580A wall mounted McPherson strut spring compressor. I bet you don't have one of these in your garage!!

Nice find! There are some good things about a bad economy...

Heath

[QFourFive]

Nice. My ride is still smooth but when once it gets rough I'll know what to do.

[EasyGoing1952]

Dealer told me my 98 Q45 with 60K has leaking rear struts. Want $990 to replace. Not many options around here. Monroe doesnt make them. Car rides fine

[Q45tech]

95% of used buyers wouldn't know a correct [as designed] feeling ride if it bit them !

It takes 4 years after brand new for a sensitive owner to start feeling something is different. They don't have a clue until someone suggests/reminds them that shocks have a very limited life.

Back in 70's I changed my shocks every 2 years, now they have doubled their USEFUL life.

Things that cost money can never be the problem, seems inbred.

[elwesso]

i changed the forum icon so it looks "cool"....

isnt it amazing how nicely cars work when its parts are working as designed.

[NightRiderQ45]

BUMP!!!!!!!! This thread is exactly what I'm looking for. Where did you strut cartridges from? Are you speaking of the the inserts? I need to do this for my car, but I'm confused on what to purchase. The strut from IoS is $221 each. Do you still have all the part numbers of the parts you purchased. I've already ordered my new two outer tie rod ends and rack and pinion boots. I replaced the stabilizer bar links in 08 and 09 and strut mounts in 07 and 09. I'm taking my car to a suspension shop later today so they can tell me all of the bushings that I need so I can do one final order. Items that I know that I need to purchase right now is ball joints and tension rod bushings.

[maxnix]

Nissan had been forced to raise prices several times recently due to appreciating yen. They will doubtlessly raise them again soon.