Changing shocks and upper links

[Qgrappler]

Greetins to allHaving been quoted $975 for upper links and tension rods by my local dealer, I have (tentatively) decided to do it myself, and also add a set of Tokico blues to my 70,000 mile 94 Q45T. Total cost for all that should come in around $900 if I count my labor as worth 0

Any special difficulties in doing this job?? I have the service manual. Looks like I just have to get the shock/spring assembly out and then use a spring compressor from autozone or somewhere to be able to replace the shock.

What about getting the upper links and tension rods reattached?? any difficulty getting the holes back in line?

Is it easier to do one of these jobs while the shocks are off, for example?? Is there a logical order that makes it easier to reattach the links when the shocks are off??

Thanks

[Q45tech]

Very easy on a frame lift. Make sure you follow torque specs. Do each as a seperate function. Realigning springs in seats and rubber mounts is the most difficult part. Secure new dust boots and bumper stops, the runner top doughnut usually is ok.

There is a trick that the arm of the tension rod should be up when tightening the front bolt, then pulled down in tension as the arm end bolts/nuts are tightened [into] when the traverse arm is down due to load being removed from wheel......this way the load on the silicone bushing will be normal when the load is on the wheel.

If you don't have a lift, spring compressor, air tools, metric wrenches............I would just find a tech/shop who has car [anycar] experience and pay by the actual hour. 3-4 hours should do it ..........springs are the most time consumming especially rears.

[Sopdadope]

I agree with Q45tech, changing out the springs and shocks is quite time consuming, especially with the loaner strut spring compressors that are about as slow as a Georgia afternoon. It'll take you about half an hour to put together one strut/shock combo, twenty if you're very fast.

[DAEDALUS]

Look up Hitman's lead on a fantastic deal he secured for us on the Blues. About $260 for all 4 I think. Links are $105 each. Tension rod bushings are $15 each. Allot maybe another $150 for bushings and dust boots, and you're well under your $900 predict. If you still want to DIY, you may decide it best to buy a hydraulic spring compressor. If you ever needed to do this job more than once (or have friends that need to), then there is no question it is worth it. I'm sorry I didn't get one sooner! Even with that, you'll be under your projected budget.A half hour per strut is actually les than what it took me my first time and, as Q45tech mentioned, if you don't get the alignment right, you will have to redo it. Before disassembling the struts mark the spring caps relative to the springs or, better yet, relative to the lower strut bolt axis.If you DIY email me and I can post a few pics of the strut work.

[JEC]

I just had new Blues (from Group A) installed by a local shop Saturday and couldn't be happier with the results. Incredible ride and handling. Strut bar next.

Little local garage charging $70/hr, charged me for four, spent six on it, and threw in wheel balances all around on the house. Shop owner refused to let me tip the guys. He gave the Q the once over and could only recommend a new fuel filter and belts next month. Chided me for buying "grocery store" gas instead of Chevron or BP/Amoco. Better believe I'll go back for the non-Infiniti-specific stuff I don't want to do.

[szh]

I just had new Blues (from Group A) installed by a local shop Saturday and couldn't be happier with the results. Incredible ride and handling. Strut bar next.

Little local garage charging $70/hr, charged me for four, spent six on it, and threw in wheel balances all around on the house. Shop owner refused to let me tip the guys. He gave the Q the once over and could only recommend a new fuel filter and belts next month. Chided me for buying "grocery store" gas instead of Chevron or BP/Amoco. Better believe I'll go back for the non-Infiniti-specific stuff I don't want to do.

Anybody know of a San Jose, CA person like the guy you mention above? I am still not able to drive down to Los Angles to get Daedalus to help me out - no time available now!

[don5154]

I agree with Q45tech, changing out the springs and shocks is quite time consuming, especially with the loaner strut spring compressors that are about as slow as a Georgia afternoon. It'll take you about half an hour to put together one strut/shock combo, twenty if you're very fast.

A 1/2 inch air impact wrench driving the bolts on the loaner spring compressor really speeds the process up.