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[texasq45]

Hey guys ive been searching around the forum and have found some good things. however not exactly what i have been looking for. if i could get some help that would be great!

i am looking at getting a 91 q45, i can pick it up for about 2000. looks real clean. however ive been trying to figure out what this whole "active suspension" thing is about. is it only on Q45a? or the T models? and how do i know if have it? if there is another page this is covered on point me in that direction. this car is really clean. but the suspension needs work and the guy told me one of the rear struts is leaking. he is the second owner and only has had it for 6months he doesnt know it very well.

any help would be great!-Trevor

[knowspinzone]

Welcome Trevor! The active suspension is only on the "a" models and not the "T". The easiest way to tell is look on the center console. If it is active suspension there will be a two position switch labelled "N" & "H" between the two seat heater switches and immediately to the left of the TCS switch.

If there's a blank there, its regular suspension.

[texasq45]

awesome! well thank you.

the switch is there. and i remember that there was a light on the dashboard indicating the active suspension. what does that light mean? i know there are kits to convert to normal suspension. is that a common solution? it appeared to me that that is a cheaper route, but perhaps there is something you guys know that i dont? is it more difficult to convert it than to just replace the struts normally?

thanks again guys!

[knowspinzone]

Based on your opening post about a "leak", you may have the same problem that I encountered a month ago. You may have a leak in one of the AS lines. A couple members (Goody and Elwesso) here may be able to help you with the parts. My mechanic ended up having hydraulic lines being fabricated. The funny thing is it was cheaper than what an Infiniti dealer would charge IF they could have located them!

[grunze]

Check out TexasOil(Keith) in this forum and his site at http://www.activesuspensionsystems.com. He is the expert from Houston.

Welcome and good luck with the new Q.

[Q45tech]

Congradulations your $2,000 was just the basic entry ticket to the Q Active World Theme Park where you get to rehabilitate 17 years of previous owner abuse.

Unlike many parks, admission is just that, every step you take costs extra.

Study the systems and repair costs and decide if a car with a exotic suspension suits you and you finanacial situation.

Are you willing to spend $3,000 now and $3,000 every year in perpetuity to restore and maintain. Can you, will you, do you have the time to learn to substitute your time for a expert technicans labor to reduce your costs?

[Rex]

... Are you willing to spend $3,000 now and $3,000 every year in perpetuity to restore and maintain. Can you, will you, do you have the time to learn to substitute your time for a expert technicians labor to reduce your costs?

That statement is a "splash in the face" wake up call. If you're looking at a 91 active, you have to make sure the chain guides have been done before you start "adding up" the active rehab costs.

Put simply, $2k is just the down payment, you'll be making monthly payments in (deferred/neglected repairs and maintenance) an effort to keep in running "good" for the months/years you want to drive it.