DIY Diagnosis of Adjustable Suspension?

[NY94J30]

The ride on my new 2000 Q45 seems overly stiff. I want to think that maybe the valving on the adjustable suspension is sticking somewhere and that it is permanently in touring mode. The ride does not seem to differ between sport and auto modes. Is there anyway to diagnose this?

My frame of reference is my 99Q45T, and while I went from a 225/50/18 to a 225/45/18, the 11mm shorter sidewall can't account for the difference. The ride on the 99, at 72K miles, didn't differ much between sport and auto either. I was preparing to replace the struts before it was totaled. The ride was, however, very comfortable on the highway, far softer than the ride in the 2000, but not in any way floaty or too soft. If I could have the ride I had in the 99 in auto mode and what I have now in my 2000 for touring mode, it would be a great compromise. Right now, the ride in auto feels too stiff for a luxury sedan.

EDIT: FOUND THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT FA-39 IN THE 2000 FSM.


Modified by NY94J30 at 6:34 PM 4/7/2008

[maxnix]

The adjustable always felt to stiff for me also, and the regular with 50K on it seemed plenty stiff also. Can't understand why Nissan paired that shock rate with such soft springs and firm anti-sway bars.
Modified by maxnix at 6:51 AM 5/26/2009

[JOHNQ]

i would be thankful if i were you because i have 109k on mine and i can only have it in sport mode because auto mode is too soft.i only put it in auto mode when im on the highway for long distances which is very seldom.i actually called scottsdale infiniti and they want $400 for each front strut because they say the cartriges are no longer available by themselves so now i drive like an old lady when i see potholes

[NY94J30]

You're right, diagnostic turned up nothing. I guess the ride in the 99 was just an indicator or wear and perhaps some additional sidewall.

[kosmo69]

Are these shocks rebuildable?

[maxnix]

One can buy inserts for the front.