New struts for a 99" Q45t

[ZMARKUS]

I'm do to replace my struts and I sure as hell don't want to go to dealer, so I wanted to know what kind of struts I have on the Q. Are they a dealer only part or can I get them from and installed at a shop like Meineke. Expensive or not expensive?

[maxnix]

Cheapest from Joe. Call him. You realize I am sure that you have a special shock with automatic valving adjustment? Too keep this function, you must go OEM. Don't forget rubber, maybe spring mounts, but definitely front strut bearing.

Monroe or somebody makes a generic replacement. I would avoid them.

Then there are the KYB SR Specials from onetongarage and one importer if you want to pay more. A little more than OEM, but good for stiffer springs.


Modified by maxnix at 2:14 PM 1/5/2008

[oldmako]

Totaljett,

I am a few weeks ahead of you on this so I'll share my (limited) knowledge.

Aftermarket struts for a 99 are harder to find than warts on a supermodel. There are a FEW struts marketed in Japan which can be found in the US. Hold on to your wallet if you want some of those. I found nothing beyond the rare Japanese parts.

My dealer wanted an insane amount of $$$ for two struts and hardware. I know this is a high end car and all....but $1000 bucks for two struts and some mounts?GMAFB.

I ended up buying two strut cartridges, along with mounts, bearings and all rubber from Scottsdale Infiniti for just over 400 bucks delivered to my door. Now, my car is NOT a touring model. You may be in for a rude awakening when they quote you the prices for a T model.

Good luck with the refit.

[maxnix]

Always best to replace all four at once. Adjustable valve struts add about $200 more than non-adjustable, plus a tad more labor.

[BadQ45t]

If you like the adjustable option (I have not played with this it myself) than get OEM parts from Scotsdale. If you think the "Sport Mode" is still too wimpy, e-mail me [email protected] and I'll connect you with someone that can get you the KYB SR Specials, those are the rare Japanese struts you mention. I have a set on my 97', they will run you about $800 to $900 bucks but they are VERY VERY high quality.

[ZMARKUS]

Cheapest from Joe. Call him. You realize I am sure that you have a special shock with automatic valving adjustment? Too keep this function, you must go OEM. Don't forget rubber, maybe spring mounts, but definitely front strut bearing.

Monroe or somebody makes a generic replacement. I would avoid them.

Then there are the KYB SR Specials from onetongarage and one importer if you want to pay more. A little more than OEM, but good for stiffer springs.

Modified by maxnix at 2:14 PM 1/5/2008

Yeah, I knew the adjustable option would cost more to replace but to tell you the truth I keep mine in sport mode only. I have no problem in giving up this adjustable feature for the sake of a one only function strut. Is this possible and who should I look to for this strut and dare I ask, who possibly makes a generic replacement for this car. By the way, does the "Joe" guy you mentioned have a web site or whats the number, thanks.

[maxnix]

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

Number in Wes' signature.

onetongarage (Van Pham) on NiCO is the source for the KYB SR Specials. Takes time as they come from Japan.

[ZMARKUS]

I've never been the type to expect parts to last forever on a car. As a matter of fact, I can recall myself telling others that often. Now although struts don't last forever, I don't think I should have two of mine showing evidence of leaking at this point in the game. Considering the cost and seemingly no universal replacement available, these motherf***ers should almost be bullet proof .

[maxnix]

On my 1995 Q45t, they leaked at about 42K and 8 years.

[Q45tech]

"but $1000 bucks for two struts and some mounts"

You should price a single active strut on a Q45a or just a single air lift strut on LS400 > $950 each

The Tokico HP at $80 each on 90-96Q are quiite a bargain.

A small part of the $3,000 annual mainteance and repair budget is for shocks since they last 4-5 years about $200 per year prorated much less than the $500-$300 per year prorated for transmission or tires

[maxnix]

Once again an owner is reminded he is driving a $45K - $60K car.

No further discounts available after dicounted purchase price paid for non-performed or deferred maintenance.

[NY94J30]

Another option, I believe, as I haven't crossed this bridge just yet, is to use the front cartridge inserts from the standard and to lose the valving. Someone chime in if this isn't correct.

[maxnix]

I believe that is possible, and from an utility standpoint, it is probably servicable.

But what do you do with all that extra hardware? If you have it, you might as well use it. Another conundrum faced by owners who didn't do their research.

[ZMARKUS]

You see, it's not like I'm not familiar with having to deal with dealer only sometimes. I owned a 1993 Mazda 929 ( timeless beauty ) that used only OEM dealer struts ( $220 each ). That vehicle also only performed correctly with other OEM dealer parts although universal was available like alternator, plug wires, etc.. It disliked universal parts and would behave like it. But anyway, I only prefer a sport ride thats why I would prefer to bypass and do away with the adjustable feature because it's not needed.

[ZMARKUS]

Another option, I believe, as I haven't crossed this bridge just yet, is to use the front cartridge inserts from the standard and to lose the valving. Someone chime in if this isn't correct.

So this is possible huh. You see, it's my passenger side front and rear that are leaking. Can I perform such a feat in these areas without having to replace the other two struts in that fashion at this point.

[bullittandy]

You have to replace struts in pairs unless the struts are very close to new.

I can't see why you couldn't use the standard strut insert. I seem to remember that the new strut insert is completely self-contained and simply dropped into the old strut housing. The only variable would be the inside diameter of the stock strut housing between the touring and non-touring. I wonder are they the same? What is the inside diameter? I'll be so dissapointed if Tech doesn't know this off the top of his head.

[oldmako]

Chances are fairly good that if one is leaking, the other is probably long in the tooth as well so it would make sense to knock em both out. Not to mention the possible diffs in handling having a tight / loose front end.

In my instance, only the pax side strut mount / bearing is busted. But the struts are getting old and I'd like to reman the front end to near new and have some peace of mind to go along with the nice ride and handling.

Plus the car will need an alignment afterward, may as well whack em both out and enjoy the ride for a while. The guy who is going to do mine charges one and a half hours per side, and another hour to do the alignment.