Hood support struts

[ZMARKUS]

I tried a pair once from Ebay and didn't fit. Ordered a pair from Autozone once and they didn't fit. Each time they were to long although they were listed as correct strut supports for that vehicle. Both Ebay seller and Autozone were baffled that they didn't fit. Before I order from Infiniti Parts USA, who here has ordered a pair of correct length hood struts for the 99-01 Q45t with success. Where did you order them from if by a supplier besides Infiniti dealer.

[maxnix]

Check the posts for the correct Sachs Strong Arm part number.

[loystock]

Normally, I recommend IoS for OEM parts but for hood strut, follow Brian's recommendation. I used Tuff Support #612935 in my car but that was before I learned about this site. Each OEM strut at IoS is @ $115 while from Strong Arm, a pair goes for $36.65. Huge price difference. And this is a complete set - no need to cut-off the old ball socket to separate the mounting bolt as with the OEM strut. Here's the link:

http://www.bestvalueautoparts....de=PA

Just make sure hood is safely supported and replace 1 strut at a time. Start from the top mounting by removing the 3 bolts on the bracket. With the bracket removed, top mounting bolt can be removed, then the bottom. Others have done it from the bottom, going up w/o removing the bracket. Your call.

[maxnix]

I also found removing the hood bracket trivial also and removal greatly eased the installation.

Failsafe hood support is critical!

[ZMARKUS]

Really appreciate that fellows. That's golden information right there.

[ZMARKUS]

As for the two previous pair of hood supports I purchased. The first pair ( from Ebay) and( installed by local oil &lube shop) was deemed wrong size when it over extended the hood while open and wouldn't close completely. The 2nd pair( from Auto Zone) were deemed to long by my body repair man just before installation. Do you think they both were actually wrong size or a misunderstood install attempts. I ask this because each pair were hood struts that was for my year , make and model car.

[Dodgeyaussie]

Normally, I recommend IoS for OEM parts but for hood strut, follow Brian's recommendation. I used Tuff Support #612935 in my car but that was before I learned about this site. Each OEM strut at IoS is @ $115 while from Strong Arm, a pair goes for $36.65.

That price is $36.65 each, not per pair.Although Amazon does have them for $55 for the pair. http://www.amazon.com/Infiniti...r=1-3

[loystock]

Good catch and nice info about availability from Amazon. Amazon is a good place to shop for as long as you know what you are looking for. I have bought several O2 sensors from them already.

[maxnix]

As for the two previous pair of hood supports I purchased. The first pair ( from Ebay) and( installed by local oil &lube shop) was deemed wrong size when it over extended the hood while open and wouldn't close completely. The 2nd pair( from Auto Zone) were deemed to long by my body repair man just before installation. Do you think they both were actually wrong size or a misunderstood install attempts. I ask this because each pair were hood struts that was for my year , make and model car.

Where you bought them is not as important as brand and model/part number.

[NightRiderQ45]

bought my hood strut from ebay for $40 pair.

[ZMARKUS]

Good catch and nice info about availability from Amazon. Amazon is a good place to shop for as long as you know what you are looking for. I have bought several O2 sensors from them already.

I've browsed Amazon briefly for items non car related a few times. Think I will add Amazon to my online option shopping site. One thing I noticed or maybe it was to brief of browse that gave the wrong impression regarding shipping charges. I recall locating a $6 item I was searching for that was $7 for shipping. I' like damn, $7 for shipping. Ended up finding it on Ebay for $6 and free shipping.

[ZMARKUS]

Where you bought them is not as important as brand and model/part number.

Your right, those are factors to determine correct fit.

[ZMARKUS]

Normally, I recommend IoS for OEM parts but for hood strut, follow Brian's recommendation. I used Tuff Support #612935 in my car but that was before I learned about this site. Each OEM strut at IoS is @ $115 while from Strong Arm, a pair goes for $36.65. Huge price difference. And this is a complete set - no need to cut-off the old ball socket to separate the mounting bolt as with the OEM strut. Here's the link:

http://www.bestvalueautoparts....de=PA

Just make sure hood is safely supported and replace 1 strut at a time. Start from the top mounting by removing the 3 bolts on the bracket. With the bracket removed, top mounting bolt can be removed, then the bottom. Others have done it from the bottom, going up w/o removing the bracket. Your call.

I thought I would check my Ebay purchase history to see what hood struts I actually purchased that were said to be wrong. Get this, they were strong arm brand. So what's the deal, do you think the lube shop that installed them did so improperly. When they installed them the hood wouldn't close completely and overextended when open. The assumption then was they were wrong size. Now these struts are said to be for my vehicle so I don't get it.. You think the shop installed them incorrectly and that 's what brought on the wrong size confusion.
Modified by totaljett at 5:05 PM 2/25/2010

[NightRiderQ45]

Well I think the writting is on the wall...they installed it wrong! I don't understand why you didn't do this simple job yourself? You unscrew a couple of bolts and that's it!

[ZMARKUS]

Well I think the writting is on the wall...they installed it wrong! I don't understand why you didn't do this simple job yourself? You unscrew a couple of bolts and that's it!

Yeah, I dig your rap. I'm gonna re-order these bad boys and install myself. My novice mechanical skills have greatly improved since then.

[maxnix]

If they are the Correct Sachs Strong Arm model, installation is trivial.

Be certain the hood is well supported while you change them out.

[NightRiderQ45]

there is a write up on this site that I followed. It's easy, especially after you do one.

[ZMARKUS]

If they are the Correct Sachs Strong Arm model, installation is trivial.

Be certain the hood is well supported while you change them out.

You got that right, the Q45 hood is hella heavy.

[ZMARKUS]

Just wanna update everyone on my recent good fortune. We suffered a juicy storm about a month back in my city. Some areas of town received hail damage to their cars. I was one of those victims. Both of my cars being the 1999 Q45 and 2000 Lincoln Ls were covered in dings. Just over 3 grand in damage for each car. Both cars have just finished repairs. Ding free and completely repainted factory like finish . I lucked even more on the Q because my body shop got guy new dealer hood struts installed on the Q. Oh and also all of this deductible free

[WesQ]

Though your is not a 1994, if anyone does a search in the future, the Stabilus Lift-O-Mat part number SG225009 is working well on my 1994 Q45.

[ZMARKUS]

Now it's so nice when opening my hood. It works like it's supposed to. That big heavy a** thing just flips up with ease and stays there now.