Advice for wrong 94 Q45 front shocks.

[Stvo]

Hello gentlemen, first time poster - long time lurker. There is a lot of good info here that is much appreciated for keeping my Q in shape.

After reading several posts and finding out that my rear shocks are bad, I just purchased Tokico blues from IOS for my 94 Q45. Unfortunately, IOS said that nothing else was needed - no bushings, mounts, etc., unless broken. Delivery was on time but they did not come with boots (gaiters, I believe they are called?) as the part listed on the website ( http://www.infinitipartsusa.co...=3221 ). Of course the price was $280, so I was ok with that. I picked up new boots, bushings and mounts from my local dealer. On to the work.

The backs fit great and the ride is much better. The fronts, however, gave me some trouble. I tried using a clamp thinking the new shock may just be a tight fit (and trying to get it done before running the impact wrench too late at night), but no luck. After a good night's sleep, I realized the next morning that the lower mounting bolt diameter for the front is too big to fit the shock. I saw that Q45Tech mentioned this in another thread. However, when originally ordering the parts and asking about this, IOS said that there is no difference and the shocks will fit any Q45 from 90-96.

Having just done more searches by part number, it appears that there is in fact a difference. I will have to confirm the part number they sent when I get home:1994 - 1996 HU2890A FRONT 1990 - 1993 HU2890 FRONT

So, I'm looking for some advice. Since I have scuffed up one of the shocks, I probably cannot return it. I've seen in another thread that it is possible to bore out the diameter of the mount on the shock. Thoughts/suggestions? What tool(s) should I use to do this? Or should I just eat the $60, return the non-scuffed one, and get the correct ones (waiting another week for replacement from IOS)?

History:1. 1994 Q45 (no active suspension). Production date inside door 2/932. 205k miles3. unknown history from previous owner4. rear tires wore uneven. steering wheel vibration and pull. alignment within specs. tire rotation made vibration much worse. found that rear shocks were leaking, and suspect they are originals.5. valve cover gaskets replaced - only other major work done (other than belts, pulleys, pads, rotors, filters, throttle body and MAF cleanout, etc.)

Thanks,Steve

[Stvo]

UPDATE: I had one of the shocks in my car and it does, in fact, have HU2890 stamped on the part, which is for 90-93.

[Q45tech]

Most people don't have a drill press or the EXACT correct bit to PRECISELY drillout the shock.

[goody90q45]

...... Tokico blues from IOS for my 94 Q45. Unfortunately, IOS said that nothing else was needed - no bushings, mounts, etc., unless broken. Delivery was on time but they did not come with boots (gaiters, I believe they are called?) as the part listed on the website...

More incompetence from IOS. It looks like not much has changed. We need to look for a different sponsor that is willing to take on NICO's business and ship the correct parts the first time. Sorry they let you down. You're not the first and you won't be the last.

[elwesso]

I definitely do agree that ever since Joe stopped being the liason to infiniti of scottsdale, service has gone down significantly... Its hard for me to not recommend them though, up until recently they've been nothing but flawless..

Seems odd, did you call them to place the order??? They have a kit on their website that at least has the boots and other bits you need... Not sure if it includes the mounts..

I am going to point him to this thread.

[jtesensky]

Stvo-

I am terribly sorry to hear about the issue you had with our sales staff. I can speculate that the 2/93 pro-date threw them off since that is the exact cut off of the old Vs. the new strut design. You did mention however that this Rep. said there was no difference between the 90-96, which is wrong. As you found out there is a big difference between the 90-93 HU2890 and the 94-96 HU2890A.

I have no problem with taking both struts, scuffed or not, in on return for full credit and overnighting you the correct struts. I will even credit you the cost of the boots from your local dealer, as those should have been included in not at least mentioned.

The reality of this situation is our depleted sales staff. Our online business has actually seen consistent increases, but as a department we have seen an overall decrease in revenue thanks to the diminishing activity in sales and service. This issue may be the consequence needed to prove more expenditure in staff dedicated to the internet staff (as I report to individuals who look at the department on a "global" scale and not Internet Vs. wholesale ect.). Regardless this is an issue I will fully work towards resolving, not just in this instance but all future transactions.

Stvo, please email me at [email protected] so I can get your invoice number and get the ball rolling towards getting your situation taken care of. I will also need to see if this was a billing error or a mis-pull shipping error.

Again Gentlemen, my apologies for any inconsistencies in our performance as a sales team.

[jtesensky]

More incompetence from IOS. It looks like not much has changed. We need to look for a different sponsor that is willing to take on NICO's business and ship the correct parts the first time. Sorry they let you down. You're not the first and you won't be the last.

Mike, please let me know if there is any way I can rectify your opinion about our corporate character. You have obviously had an issue with us in the past, which I believed you mentioned in a prior post, but I would like to have a chance to redeem your graces.

Please, let me know...

[Stvo]

Mike- thanks. I also noticed in another post that you recommended the marking of the mount/boot in order to line up correctly. That helped me last night when I installed the backs.

Wes- I ordered the parts via phone, with which I wasn't overly impressed. But it was my first order and the weight of phone service isn't as high as other things for overall satisfaction. Thank you for the support in showing this to Joe. You guys are awesome.

Joe- I am extremely pleased with your immediate contact and willingness to correct this issue. When I get home, I will email you with my CT# and anything else you might need. Overnight or even 2-day would be outstanding as I would be able to replace these sooner than I expected with the new found problem. If this is the type of service that you provided everyone in the past, I can see why Joe at IOS comes highly recommended.

Thanks all!Steve

[maxnix]

Joe stands behind his products and service, and occasionally, the products of others.

Anytime you order parts without your VIN, you take the chance of getting the wrong part when running changes are made every year throughout the year.

All I have to say to Mike is good luck and write us when you find that superior supplier of OEM and aftermarket parts, that is if your Q45 still runs.

Stvo, you need to complete your profile and feel free to email or call me if you need help.

[Stvo]

Joe- I sent you an email with my info last night.

Maxnix- thanks. I'll work on the profile. Regarding the VIN, I am beginning to understand how important that is. I thought it was odd, after noticing on the IOS website (since placing the order) that it is required for accuracy when ordering. Yet IOS never did ask for it when I placed the order. Even after telling him that it was a 94, had a production date of 2/93 on the inside door sticker, understood that to be a cutoff date, and wasn't sure if there were different parts or not. When I had to go to the local dealer for the additional parts, they asked for the VIN and new exactly what I needed. I'm still getting used to bringing in my insurance card with me when I go to them for anything.

I'll post an update when I hear back from Joe and this has been resolved.

Thanks!

[maxnix]

Local dealer marks up parts 15% - 25% over suggested list!

When you call IoS with your VIN, you will find that Fred, Dan and Justin, for instance, are very good.

Never order online, always call!

[Q451990]

Maybe IOS needs to set up a "NICO Hotline" number to guarantee that the rep that answers is one of the "good ones"

This reminds me of a group project study that I did in college for one of my business classes. We worked with a local veternarian who had grown his practice to the extent that he was not able to have as much personal contact with his clients as he once did, and was extremely concerned that they would feel that he was neglecting them. We completed customer satisfaction surveys over the phone and in that case found that his customers were still very happy with his service... almost universally.

The point being, it's very difficult to grow a buiness and continue to offer the same level of personalized service... especially when you build relationships with your clients and then have to deal with their disappointment when they call and have to talk to your new assistant that you have hired to share some of the load. Old customers usually feel like they're the reason you have grown to this level - so they're entitled to talk to "the man" instead.

Heath

[maxnix]

Unfortunately, the Nissan and G35 guys are about 25 times our business.

But Joe still cares and extends every effort to help us maintain our cars.

[TellarHK]

I'll chime in and say that my experience with IOS this past month went quite well. I called in, spoke with someone and ordered the rear shocks for my '94 Q, and got exactly what I needed. I'll definitely be giving them a call for anything else that pops up.

[jtesensky]

Joe- I sent you an email with my info last night.

Reply email sent...

Thank you for allowing me to make things right!

[jtesensky]

Maybe IOS needs to set up a "NICO Hotline" number to guarantee that the rep that answers is one of the "good ones"

I like this idea Heath! Like I have mentioned in the past, if there is any issues with any NICO order please email me at [email protected].

I am much more available via email since it allows me to multi-task. You can always feel free to contact me directly several other ways:

MSN: jtesensky ([email protected])GTalk: jtesensky ([email protected])

Check in & see if I am in the office here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ios-live-office-cam

Send me a "tweet" at: https://twitter.com/jtesensky

Don't be afraid to send me any inquiries or quote requests.

The phone is so difficult for me sometimes, but I do what I can to get back to all of those who leave me voice mails in a timely manner.

[Stvo]

The correct parts just arrived and I will be installing them this weekend.

Joe, thank you very much for resolving this and going 'above and beyond'. I will continue being a customer knowing that this is how you operate.

Thanks to all!Steve

[lino]

It's really nice to see you around here Joe. I just wanted to share with everyone how nice you've always been to me. You've always been incredibly thoughtful, helpful and accommodating. I understand how busy you are, yet you always manage to respond to my messages without fail.

Thanks for everything as usual.

[jtesensky]

Hey Lino! How's the Q running?

[lino]

It's getting better Joe. Thanks for asking . Owning an Active G50 is not the same as a JR50 . It still needs some love and patience. The boys here have been incredible! Honestly I'd be lost without them. I'm learning new things all the time. I'm on a mission to get my hands on a Consult. I have something in the works. If that happens, then I'll be all set.

[Stvo]

Got the shocks on Sunday, and new tires and alignment done today. Here are the results:

F Camber -1.6 -1.7F Caster 5.5 5.7F Toe 0.02 -0.01

R Camber -1.7 -1.5R Toe 0.06 0.12

Total Toe 0.18Thrust Angle -0.03

I'm reading up on other alignment posts, but let me know if you guys see anything that doesn't look right and/or needs attention. Thanks!

[qship96]

Camber, toe, thrust angles are still off.....needs more work!!!

[elwesso]

Agreed, you need some more work..

[Stvo]

Will do. Looks like from old posts that I need to either shim the UL brackets or replace the upper links to get the camber to .7 degrees. Will work on this (and research on toe and thrust angle) after vacation and get another alignment. Thanks!

[elwesso]

Will do. Looks like from old posts that I need to either shim the UL brackets or replace the upper links to get the camber to .7 degrees. Will work on this (and research on toe and thrust angle) after vacation and get another alignment. Thanks!

If you didnt lower the car you wont need to shim the upper link brackets, rather replace the upper links themselves, along with all the other worn out stuff.

Gotta pay to play baby.. however for the time being if you can get your toe perfect that will help a lot as far as tire wear is concerned.

[maxnix]

Looks like from old posts that I need to either shim the UL brackets or replace the upper links to get the camber to .7 degrees.

Luckilly for you we have SPL in town and they have both adjustable links and a neat wedge shim kit for the upper link brackets if you go that way.

Hope you are not on a driving vacation.

Sounds like your guy used a Hunter, but if you are looking for someone really good and not expensive, call Jerry's Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance in Pflugerville. Service par excellence!

[Stvo]

Thanks Wes. I did not lower the car, so I will go with the UL's. I do not have a problem paying, but do have a problem with unnecessary spending.

Thanks Brian. I meant to shoot you an email to ask for some local info, but had 2 places in mind from TR reviews - SoulSpeed (not impressed at all) and Dave's Ultimate, who ended up doing the work and did use a Hunter, yes. And I got a lifetime alignment....we'll see how that works.

No driving vacation - flying out today.

As soon as I figure out what parts I need next (thinking front UL, front upper/lower bearings, and possibly front tension rods), I'll get them from Joe, install them, and send it through for another alignment. The shocks/alignment have improved the ride by 98%. I'm just curious if I can get that last 2% without replacing the entire front/rear ends.

Thanks,Steve

[Stvo]

Just wanted to put up some pics of my recent projects....

[maxnix]

Thanks Brian. I meant to shoot you an email to ask for some local info, but had 2 places in mind from TR reviews - SoulSpeed (not impressed at all) and Dave's Ultimate, who ended up doing the work and did use a Hunter, yes.

Soul Speed was good when Bill Kim owned it for alignment, but his assistant totally botched a shock replacement.

Don't know a thing about new owners.

Dave's should have alerted you to some more worn out parts.

[upg]

Does anyone know the correct drill bit i need to drill out hu2890's?

has anyone done this successfully?

from i can see the hole is tapered. not sure if its the whole way
can anyone confirm if the taper is important?
is there a matching taper on the mounting pin or is the taper only there to aid in sliding the shock onto the pin?

thanks