J30 100,000 mile service.

[fxgo]

My J30 is running great. She just turned 100,000 miles. I need to do proactive service. On the suspension, what other parts to I need to replace besides shocks. If you have any additions to my list below, let me know

1 MotorVac2 Full transmission Flush with Mobal One ATF syn oil. 12 quarts.3 Rear-end Fluid Flushed4 Two Oxgen Sensor change5. Replace Fuel Pump change(make noise) with Fuel Filter. 6. All four shocks replace with boots. 7. All wheel alignment8. Replace Termastat with Radiator Flush.9. Check belts tension and normal check points for service(check the car out.)10. Change the Oil. Normal Oil.

thanks in advance,

Frank

[VimyJ]

Don't forget about the timing belt change and the water pump, idler pulley and cam shaft seals that are normally done at this stage. You also might water to replace the upper and lower rad hoses while you're there as well. The other stuff sounds good too, though.

[greg_atlanta]

Also need to replace timing belt, and good idea to replace water pump too to avoid repeat labor.

What model year?

93 model has 60K replacement interval for timing belt, and 94 and up have 105K replacement interval.

Has any other major maintenance been done is last few years? Probably time for spark plugs too.

What's MotorVac??? If the oil has been changed on a regular basis there's no need to clean the crankcase.

[pitaq]

As I recall, getting to the thermostat is no trivial matter. Best to swap thermostat out when you do timing belt/pulley/water pump replacement.

[fxgo]

Thanks guys,

The J30 is a 1995. When I purchased the J30, I run the vin through the dealer. The timing chain was replaced at 33,000 miles. So, I don't have to replace the timing belt until 135,000. So, If I don't have to do a timing belt should I replace the water pump anyway. What about the suspension?

On motorvac, the gasoline system equipment is a 12-volt powered 2-line cleaning system which connects to the engine through vehicle specific adapters for all types of carbureted and fuel-injected engines. The equipment passes a detergent and gas mixture through the components of the fuel system. With the engine off, the system removes both organic and inorganic fuel deposits that build up in the fuel rail, injector screens, and pressure regulator areas while filtering the contaminants through the on-board filtering system. With the engine idling, the solution passes through the injectors or carburetor jets and into the engine’s combustion chambers. Carbon, gum and varnishes built up in these areas are softened and passed harmlessly out the exhaust, or are removed by the unit's on-board filter.

I did it at 68,000 miles. It work great for me.

Thanks for your help. You guys are great.

Regards,

Frank

[fxgo]

O', I forgot to mention. I was a member at the yahoo Infiniti group. When I puchased the car at 68,000 two year ago. I want through the car with most of the groups recommendation, all fluid flush, spark plugs, etc. I replaced the brake pads, Nissan pads, at 93,000.

I want to be very proactive. I want this car to last a long time. I am willing to invest to get it there.

Thanks for the help.

Regards,

Frank

[greg_atlanta]

Motorvac thing sounds good since it's run through fuel lines, similar to BG injector flush system.

Funny that timing belt (not chain) was replaced at 33K miles, but as long as service records show it you should be OK for a while.

I believe J30 suspension is struts all-around, so may be pricey. Is the ride excessively floaty or bouncy? If not, it's not necessary to replace struts at particular intervals.

[fxgo]

On the suspension, I remeber Qtech45 saying that it should be replaced at about 100,000, with all the rubber componets. But if you say I should wait until the car feels soft and bounce. I will wait.

I plan to keep this J30 for while. I budget about $1,500 every 30,000 miles, which is cheap. I will only use Nissan parts.

Is Tom Novak still around? I will need to order parts.

Regards,

Frank

[Mayhem_J30]

at 100,000 miles those struts are gone. Mine gave extreme road noise, some vibration and really screwed up the tire treads at about the same mileage.after reading Q45tech's post on gas mileage in the infiniti general section you might as well replace your thermostat for mpg sakes. it's really easy to get to anyway. your list sounds good and add on what greg said with the spark plugs. Go oem with these. I believe the choice around here is ngk platinum...unless you got nitrous in there or something.

oh yeah, brake fluid bleed. get that nasty funk outta thereya! stay on top of all the fluids, brake, transmission, PS...flush the coolant real well and refill with some distilled water and coolant.Enjoy!

[fxgo]

I called to order the parts, Tom Novak is not at Infiniti any longer. He went to Accura. Tom's replacement is Tom Ryan. He is still giving us a discount, which is good. I asked about the struts. He said, if they are not leaking don't replace them. On this club recommendation, I will replacing them. Should I replace the cartridge or the hold stut. Are there any other suspension parts?

On the Termostat, he said, they never go bad. I will call and order it. I asked him how much a J30 Tran cost? He said, around $2,600-$2,800. Wow, I'll keep replacing the fluid.

I replace the spark plugs at 68,000 miles. I flushed the Brake Fluid at that time too. I will at this to my list and coolant flush too.

Thanks again for help me keep my J30 running smooth.

Regards,

Frank

[VimyJ]

My thermostat was almost nonfunctional when I had mine replaced.

[fxgo]

Did your engine overheat? That's what I'm worried about. I will replace it.

Regards,

Frank

[VimyJ]

Did your engine overheat? That's what I'm worried about. I will replace it.

Regards,

Frank

My engine did not over heat, thankfully, but the part was very corroded.

[fxgo]

Do you see any signs of corrosion in your antifreeze? My antifreeze looks neon green, not brown. -Frank

[Mayhem_J30]

my coolant is clean as could be due to frequent flushes, but the thermostat is corroded with green crud around the threads. the connection is clean, but this is a sign that it's prbably time for me to replace that thing.

[VimyJ]

I had developed a small leak from one of the rad hoses. I don't remember which one but it was right behind the cover plate. I had them all replaced while the cover was off. The Nissan antifreeze is probably harder on the hoses than one might wish. I went to the orange stuff. So far the rad looks pristine after taking a whole day of flushing the entire system repeatedly after running a cleaner through it. I couldn't reach one of the block drains and thought that torquing away on the other hard to reach drain bolt was inviting trouble.

fxgo, I find it highly unusual that your timing belt was replaced with those few miles on it. Was there another problem that they were tackling and changed up the belt just because it was there? You also might want to think about replacing the belts. What year is your J, BTW?

I, too, am summoning up the resources to freshen the "legs" of my J. I think that just doing the cartridges would do the trick. I would appreciate any input as to what other bushings, etc. should be replaced "while I'm at it".

[Mayhem_J30]

if any of you J owners do replace the rear struts send me the old ones if you would. down the road i might try a little trick our old pal Diamond taught me. other things first, but these struts are pretty hard to get a hold of!

[fxgo]

VimyJ, my J30 is a 95. When I got the vin report from the dealer, I seen that the timing belt. This was in the report

date Mileage Description5/12/97 31,590 Tech notes timing belt tensioner nose during safe check. Replaced Timing belt and tensioner

It was at the same dealership were the car was orignal purchased. Dealer Id: 70242 So Really, I have until 136,590 to replace the timing belt.

Good, idea on the hoses, I will replace them. If I every get stuck on the road, I don't want it to be because of any belts or hoses.

I most like will replace the cartridges, and yes Mayhem_J30, if I every replace the Struts I send them to you.

I would also like any other input on other suspenion parts which need to be replaced.

[Mayhem_J30]

VimyJ, my J30 is a 95. When I got the vin report from the dealer, I seen that the timing belt. This was in the report

date Mileage Description5/12/97 31,590 Tech notes timing belt tensioner nose during safe check. Replaced Timing belt and tensioner

It was at the same dealership were the car was orignal purchased. Dealer Id: 70242 So Really, I have until 136,590 to replace the timing belt.

Good, idea on the hoses, I will replace them. If I every get stuck on the road, I don't want it to be because of any belts or hoses.

I most like will replace the cartridges, and yes Mayhem_J30, if I every replace the Struts I send them to you.

I would also like any other input on other suspenion parts which need to be replaced.

Thanks man, keep me in mind when you do this EXPENSIVE job.

As for other suspension parts, I need to replace my passenger side tension rod. For whatever reason the rubber joint in it has worn badly and the drivers side looks brand new still. So this might be something you want to check out. It goes bad when the rubber ball is all cracked looking.(so i'm led to believe) If you really want to check it all out there's bushing in your sway bar ends that most likely need to be replaced. They don't look to bad to get to especially in the rear.While you're under there inspect your rubber brake lines real good. Mine have more years and miles on it then yours but they were looking pretty aged when I replaced them.there's also a ball joint that's part of the front suspension. I don't know how to check if this is good or not or if they do go bad. I assume they will wear after time.Another easy job, non suspension related, is cleaning all your electrical connection harnesses. They are prone to corrosion but that can be easily remedied. Just go to radio shack and buy some electrical connector cleaner and spray on the harnesses(after disconnecting of course), clean with Q-tip or something small that can fit in there if there is a large buildup of corrosion. Let dry and reconnect. Do the CAS, MAF, Thermostat, and KNock sensor.

[mateo]

I called to order the parts, Tom Novak is not at Infiniti any longer. He went to Accura. Tom's replacement is Tom Ryan. He is still giving us a discount, which is good. I asked about the struts. He said, if they are not leaking don't replace them. On this club recommendation, I will replacing them. Should I replace the cartridge or the hold stut. Are there any other suspension parts?

On the Termostat, he said, they never go bad. I will call and order it. I asked him how much a J30 Tran cost? He said, around $2,600-$2,800. Wow, I'll keep replacing the fluid.

I replace the spark plugs at 68,000 miles. I flushed the Brake Fluid at that time too. I will at this to my list and coolant flush too.

Thanks again for help me keep my J30 running smooth.

Regards,

Frank

I haven't seen anyone respond to Franks questions about "....Should I replace the cartridge or the hole strut?" I have a 93 J30 with 173,000 miles. I am posing the same question.

Also, I notice most of the harshness and floating (like a Caddy) from the front end. Do I NEED to replace the rear struts too? I know I will incur the cost of another alignment if I do the rear struts at another time. I just don't have the funds today to do all four.

Thanks,Mateo

[Q45tech]

Unless you have a brand new car side by side difficult to evaluate the shock performance. Most are pretty worn by 60,000 miles on any car..........the rears always wear faster than the front because of softer springs - more motion per mile.

Never seen a 4 year old [60k] shock/strut that was not worn out, they never leak for year thereafter but the dampening is all gone.

[diamondj30]

chris,you may not need any.i will check.

[diamondj30]

it is so.

[Mike Miller]

I'm about to do the 60,000 mile service on my 93 J30T. The notes on what to do/expect have really been great. I've ordered all the replacement parts from Scottsdale Infiniti and I'm ready to go. My question is, is there a site/directions available that will lead me through the timing belt replacement process. If there is one I cannot find it. Thanks for the help! Miike Miller

[maxnix]

Maybe Carlos' fuzzycats site? You can download a FSM from http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti/ for a one day subscription. Get the TSB also, if you do.

[Mike Miller]

Thanks, I'll try it! Mike Miller

[Mike Miller]

Brian/Others: How much does time count on the timing belt replacement. I only have 54,000 on the 1993 J30T but it is 14 years old. I know the manual calls for replacement at 60,000 or 48 months. Just wondering how important the time factor is? Thanks again for the help! Mike

[Q45tech]

Just as with oil the time is more impotant than the mileage!

10 years on a timing belt is an accident waiting to happen as is 6 years on the ones rated for 100k.

Remember these are interference engines!

[Mike Miller]

Thanks! You made your point very well! I don't even plan to start it until the belt is changed. Mike

[cweberj30t]

I'm about to do the 60,000 mile service on my 93 J30T. The notes on what to do/expect have really been great. I've ordered all the replacement parts from Scottsdale Infiniti and I'm ready to go. My question is, is there a site/directions available that will lead me through the timing belt replacement process. If there is one I cannot find it. Thanks for the help! Miike Miller

That mini service manual in the trunk gives a step by step process for replacing the timing belt. Funny, it's one of the very first things in the manual. Almost like they knew they were using inferior belts.