Looking for 98 QX4 Front Strut Install Walk Thru
Looking for 98 QX4 Front Strut Install Walk Thru
Hello All. I'm new here but have been blasting thru every post imaginable for the past few days. I'm looking for either a walk-thru for installing front struts on my 98 QX4 or even a little bit more of a detail on the process. I've scoured the webs and still nada. Any and all help would be stellar. If I have overlooked it somewhere I apologize for a redundant post. Cheers!
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hospitalbuilder
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:30 am
- Car: 1999 Infiniti QX4
Re: Looking for 98 QX4 Front Strut Install Walk Thru (colefield)
I did this about a year ago on my 99 Q. I do not have a detailed walk through, but it is pretty straight forward. It is a bit of a wrestling match, but entirely doable. You can easily see everything that needs to be loosened. I used a Haynes/Chilton manual to guide the way. The most difficult part is compressing the springs so they can be removed, but that can be done, with a loaner tool from your local auto parts store. I would suggest having a buddy help you as the struts and springs together are pretty heavy.
Also, an issue I had was removing the top retaining nut from the strut. I left it as is, and tried to loosen it with everything out and on the garage floor. I could not get enough torque to the nut to get it to crack. I had to de-compress the spring and put the strut back in and secure the top three nuts and used the mount to restrain it and loosen the nut. Due to that issue, it took me over an hour to finish the first side, then I cracked the nut on the second before I removed it and had that side done in 45 minutes or so.
One other item to note, on the lower portion of the strut, you have two bolt holes to mount the bottom of the strut to the axle/wheel. When I had an alignment done the guy at the shop said I should have routed out the top hole horizontally, which would allow more room to adjust camber. Mine was just barely in spec without.
Anyway, you may want to pick up a Haynes/Chilton manual and follow along. I have found mine helpful for many other things as well.
I say go for it! Good luck.
Also, an issue I had was removing the top retaining nut from the strut. I left it as is, and tried to loosen it with everything out and on the garage floor. I could not get enough torque to the nut to get it to crack. I had to de-compress the spring and put the strut back in and secure the top three nuts and used the mount to restrain it and loosen the nut. Due to that issue, it took me over an hour to finish the first side, then I cracked the nut on the second before I removed it and had that side done in 45 minutes or so.
One other item to note, on the lower portion of the strut, you have two bolt holes to mount the bottom of the strut to the axle/wheel. When I had an alignment done the guy at the shop said I should have routed out the top hole horizontally, which would allow more room to adjust camber. Mine was just barely in spec without.
Anyway, you may want to pick up a Haynes/Chilton manual and follow along. I have found mine helpful for many other things as well.
I say go for it! Good luck.
Re: Looking for 98 QX4 Front Strut Install Walk Thru (hospitalbuilder)
awesome. thanks HB. i had found your post from 4/3 and printed out for reference. I think i've got this thing figured out between your post and a few others i found. I appreciate the time for reposting.