Tokicos

[Qgrappler]

As an fyi, I know there is now available at least one set, and I think more of Tokico blues for 94-96 (i believe thats the right range of years ) Q45............ since I had previously spoken with Rob of Group A but then got impatient and went elsewhere so I could do all the work at one time when I put on the tension rods and upper links. See the original post from AZhitman in January for the phone number, etc.

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....okico

ps the q is terrific with tokico blues all the way around. I had 70,000 on it, and along with the other parts, it handles like a new car, or maybe better. Installation was not too bad at all, using a spring compressor I got from Harbor Freight (took two weeks, but works ok).

[Q45tech]

All lux cars are undershocked to give a smooth undilating ride....the rebound is less than that required to stop the shock in one cycle.

Tokico blues tend to be about 15% stiffer so they may over match the stock springs when new but wear enough to feel good by 10,000 miles where they start the decline.With Eibach lowering springs [15% stiffer] the process just get accelerated to the point where they are really soft and sloppy by 40,000 miles vs maybe 60,000 miles with stock springs.Really depends on temperature and the roads [bumps] you drove on.

I just don't understand how and when owners began to think shocks last a long time...........using the visual leak test is about worthless on a Nitrogen pressurized shock but that is the warranty replacement criterion...........the manufacturers never publish specs because some one might measure them and demand free replacements..........duh.

Not changing the shocks makes for some really interesting emergency lane changes.

[reggiegsd]

I have had the Tokico Blues for about 16000 miles so far and they are noticeably looser. Especially rebound. I would hate to have to replace these thing each year.

[Q45tech]

The shortest time interval I used on the rears was 55,000 miles in 3 year ..........2 sets have been removed at that interval and both had no self extension they just sat in what ever state you left them. The presurrized Nitrogen had leaked out.

If you are sensitive you begin to feel or see the lack of rebound control on familiar roads.

You can imagine the typical owners car where they get replaced rarely.

I have to replace my fronts now.........will be 3 years end of July and 53-54k.The problem comes all of a sudden usually worst in Summer heat when the shock fluid is thinnest.

Of all the suspension components they cost the least to buy ~~$75-$100 each.

Try to change the dust boots every other exchange -120k.

[BadQ45t]

How many people really do them that often. I have to say at 70k my 97' Qt is still quite nice and I wouldn't think I'm anywhere near needing to replace the shocks. Plus, all I can buy right now is Tokiko blacks which are the stockers anyways, I'm waiting for blues...while we're on the subject, do you know if the shocks on the touring model are differnt than the non-touring. The touring car at least in the 97 is noticebily stiffer in driving than a non-touring. Is it a differnt part number for touring shocks vs. standard?

[Jberger]

I replace mine about every 40-45K now that T3 and Dennis turned me onto the Blues. I had been going 60 on the stock shocks, but after T3 did the last suspension rehab, I was hooked.

Dennis, Are you replacing only the fronts?I've always replaced all four at the same time thinking it was best for handling and stablity, was it overkill?

[Q45tech]

The stock rears wear faster than the stock fronts or at least it feels that way on the type of roads I drive on.........helps to spread the costs out a little.

The problem is a driver cannot feel the slow progressive changes till they become gross or he drives a newly reshocked identical car for comparison.Just like tires, how many can feel the changes as the tires go from 8,000 to 10,000 miles [not counting vibrations or out of balances].

Race drivers say they can feel a 1.0 psi change in tire pressure typical owners can't tell 5.0 psi differences.

Owners don't realize that the shocks reduce sway in that the opposite shocks rebound control is almost twice as stiff as the spring in compression............at least for a fraction of a second till the shock has stroked the 2-3 " and tops out.

http://www.insideracingtechnol...a.htmhttp://www.insideracingtechnology.com/shockbks.htm

http://www.insideracingtechnol...s.htm

[BadQ45t]

So when do you think that something better than stock replacements will appear for 2nd gen cars? Are touring shocks "stiffer" and can we order those as replacements?

[Q45Viper]

Excellent thread Q45 tech, now a very confusing question, as you may have noted I'm a guy always looking for something to uprade or replace. Why do two different dealers keep telling me my shocks don't need replacing, they never hesitate to tell me about links and tension rods which I've done more than once. 92Q, federal model, traction, 130k original owner. My seat feel has been telling me that I need them since 60k miles, my dealer printout tells me that too. why would they keep saying you don't need them? And another question I've never seen asked, why not go with original equipment shocks?

[Qgrappler]

Q45Viper

I'm glad that has happened to you also. My original dealer and a new one where I moved both seemed reluctant or uninterested to do anything with the shocks, and for the life of me I don't know why. But there was defintely something unusual about the reluctance to do the shock work.. Your comments just confirm what I thought might have been me imagining.

{Obviously, in the final analysis, it was my call to let it go to 70k before it got done. Would have done it earlier if I'd realized how doable it was.}

[Q45tech]

Who ever said dealers knew what they are doing as far as cars are concerned.

How many people other than engineers understand shocks and the fine details about suspensions. We discuss things [on this forum] that even Infiniti regional engineers don't have a clue about.Believe me I had a serious effort to reeducate the T3 techs who only knew what the factory reps told them.

For the first 3 years they never changed a transmission mount till I showed them the difference....same with kingpin bearings, hub replacements, motor mounts, a hundred other things that were never done at their previous dealers or in factory schools.

As a test ask the service manager or the master tech at your favorite dealer something simple like the max fuel injector duration at 4,000 rpm on a 90-95 Q.............[~~11.0 millisecs].The appprox Q spring rates: 146 front/123 rear........etc etc they will look at you strangely.

[Q45tech]

You gotta remember that all the systems were ONLY designed to assure low warranty cost till the warranty was over.......luckily many engineers don't know how to design to fail.

When you are selecting parts you tell the supplier what the warranty period is so they have some idea what to build to be competitive........yet not incur your wrath by costing you too many failures prior to 60k.

http://support.adams.com/userc...u.htmh ... rc...d.htm

http://support.adams.com/userc.....pdf