strut replacement

[captainluigi]

having difficulty communicating w/I.O.S.to replace strut related rubber parts. the upper rubber seats are a given, as well as boots. the questions i have are; should the upper mounting insulator be a replacement item? that is what its called in FSM page FA-13. IOS has it as the INSULATOR-STRUT M J30 PART #5-54320-60U05. parts rep wasnt sure if said part is rubber. have read in previous posts of "strut bearing''. perhaps the word "bearing" has a different meaning than the one i know. are the boots and bump stops a unit? where o where can i obtain a parts manual? O what a help that would be.

[maxnix]

On a G50, when replacing the shock absorbers (or dampers - not struts), it is a good idea to have all the parts on hand as IoS will let you return upopened packages.

[captainluigi]

couldn't agree more, however, is that an answer to any of my questions? if one chooses to be so technical (read anal) FSM says shock absorber assembly.NOT DAMPNER. braian, why does it give you so damn much pleasure in correcting so often? you obviously knew what the thread was refering to. try to be more positive, life will pay you in kind.

[maxnix]

Well, the FSM doesn't say "strut", does it? That was the point, besiedes having parts on hand for unforseen wear that becomes visible when the suspension is disassembled. Loosely (and incorrectly) used words engender confusion.

Chill and you will enjoy more.

[captainluigi]

obvious obfuscation brian, you should be in politics. i.e. ''loose (and incorrectly) used words engender confusion.'' dampner, strut, shock-whatever. do you have anything helpful or not? perhaps some one will read begining of thead and be what this forum is all about. give positive and life will pay in kind

[mxr662]

I replaced struts, bump stops, and boots on my 90. The top strut mount parts seemed ok. Also replaced a bad upperlink on PS and bad rack boots.

Andy

[TBrack]

they call em dampers in j-land :P

[96Qowner]

Swell. Two days and still no direct answer.

Brian's point about terminology IS pertinent. I've had the same trouble asking about suspension parts on this forum re the third link and what Infiniti actually calls the parts assemblies (kingpin extensions or something odd like that).

Cap'n, I think you're referring to the rubber bushings for the, ahem, "dampers" (rolleyes). They're variously referred to as bearings, bushings, insulators, etc. The bump stops come with the boots, from IOS. In addition, you want the rubber bushings that the shocks mount to, which I believe are the "insulators" from Infiniti. Are your "upper rubber seats" the shock mounts? If so, yeah, replace 'em - not that expensive.

Frankly, if the guy you talked to didn't know if they were rubber or not, or couldn't translate common terminology to Infiniti's part names, you're probably better off asking for Joe next time. I've never had any trouble making my wishes known when I've talked to Joe.

So, boots&bumps, shock mounts, and the bushings/bearings/insulators should do it. That's what I ordered.

[bullittandy]

[QUOTE=96Qowner]Swell. Two days and still no direct answer.

Brian's point about terminology IS pertinent. I've had the same trouble asking about suspension parts on this forum re the third link and what Infiniti actually calls the parts assemblies (kingpin extensions or something odd like that).

QUOTE]

It only pertinent if there is also an answer to poster's question-otherwise its just being jerky and know-it-ally.

Does the the front shock turn with the wheels on a 96 and earlier? I couldn't tell from the parts diagram. Struts have "bearings" because the entire strut turns with the wheel and the bearing makes this possible. My 97 has spring seats and bearings that got replaced with the entire front strut so that's why I ask.

[captainluigi]

thanx to all. i finnally got it all sorted out. seems the strut bearing is actually the tension rod bushing. the insulator & spring seat are two different items. the seat is 100% rubber & the insulator is rubber bonded to metal. of course rubber bushings are exactly as named. if i am still ignorant of specifics then i welcome CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. once again thanx to all. some time it takes a whole country to raise a Q.