What the F*...front shocks

[CPJ LB]

ok...I know our cars are luxurious and we pay for what we like...but I'm not understanding how the dealer can charge over $1200. for the installation of 2 front struts on an 06 M35 (w/sport)...unbelievable...anyone have their shocks replaced lately??? I'm looking on-line to purchase a set myself and pay a professional to do the job -- I'm sure it'll be a LOT less....wow. I just have to vent after getting off the phone with Infiniti...

I mean, I redid my suspension on my CLK (eibachs springs and matching shocks) and it was less...also lowered my E class WITH sport shocks and it was more cost effective...

am I missing something here?? anyone know the part number to the front 2 struts (w/ sport)

[EniGmA1987]

I dont know the cost of the shocks, but a decent set of coilovers, which are shocks and springs, will cost you quite a bit more than that without the installation cost even. So that price from a dealer for two doesnt surprise me that much.


What dealership quoted you that much? Did you try Riverside Infiniti? They can be a bit better than other dealerships some times.

[relentless1]

How many miles do you have on your 2006?

Last I checked they were $190 each (front) from infinitipartsonline.

[a.blanco0905]

That's way too much money, relentless1 says $190 each from that website plus I'd say about $200 to put them in... half of what infiniti is asking. Eff them man.

I keep telling people that unless you're filthly rich to the point that you dont care about going to infiniti and paying those crazy prices for a loaner and cookies, to get to a local ASE certified mechanic; especially when your car doesnt have any computer related stuff wrong with it, in that case, def go to infiniti. Good luck man!!!

[zerg711]

Don't expect Riverside Infiniti to be any cheaper.

During my busy season last year, my FX radiator decided to fail. Riverside Infiniti charged me just under $1k to replace this. I had no choice but to get it done since I just didn't have time to do it myself... I thought the quote was insane considering it's just a radiator.

[antzrus]

I believe I paid about $1300 US for struts and install (at a local 3rd party shop) all around for my '06 M35x after about 58k miles. They were the original OEM parts. I don't remember exactly the prices for them-but they were not cheap. It was a bit too soon for such a replacement in my perception. But then luxury doesn't come cheap...

[szh]

Shocks start deteriorating the instant you put them on the car. The process is slow and gradual, so most people do not notice the change over time.

Generally speaking, most shocks are done between 60k to 75k miles, although you can stretch this to near 100k if you are not worrying about it too much. This makes them way down from original handling, but most people keep using them till they start leaking or break.

I am, unfortunately, in that camp. I know I need to replace the shocks on my car - for some time now - and just have been putting it off due to the cost. But, I will have to take a deep breath and get it done soon ...

On my Y34 M45's, the only shocks available are the OEM ones - no third party other than coil-overs (which are seriously expensive!). The link in my sig (goes to an Infiniti dealer) is to the cheapest source for them, and getting them replaced should run under $75 per strut. So, it should be possible to get it done for about $800 for all four - which is higher than I would like right now, but so be it!

By the way, my wife's Acura 1997 CL struts (not exactly a luxury car - just a Honda Accord EX with a different body) ran about $70 each, and installation was about $200 for all four from a local shop (as I vaguely recall). So, the total cost was just under $500 ... not particularly cheap either.

Z

[CPJ LB]

Thanks guys!!! The car has reached 80K and runs like a champ but noticed the shocks need to be replaced (cupping on old tires--just slapped on new wheels and tires) so need to do preventative maint. I will order from inifinti parts for the great price of 190.....just crazy the "stealership" can monopolize

[CPJ LB]

I called Cerritos Infin....

[maguzma]

My car had 5K miles on it and I was told my struts were leaking and had to be replaced. I asked what caused it and they could not provide an answer. Good thing it my car is still under warranty.

[papaupa212]

i just replaced the front ones for D2 coilovers, about $780 with a local store. it rides good
im going to do the back ones next saturday. i did it myself.

[mexillis]

seems to be an M35 problem. Keep us posted about the D2 Coilovers and how they handle.

[finfinM45S]

I believe I paid about $1300 US for struts and install (at a local 3rd party shop) all around for my '06 M35x after about 58k miles. They were the original OEM parts. I don't remember exactly the prices for them-but they were not cheap. It was a bit too soon for such a replacement in my perception. But then luxury doesn't come cheap...

Was there much difference after you had them replaced? I have abot 96k on my 06 and it still absorbs bumps , but im most likely just used to the degredation over time.

[szh]

Thanks guys!!! The car has reached 80K and runs like a champ but noticed the shocks need to be replaced (cupping on old tires--just slapped on new wheels and tires) so need to do preventative maint. I will order from inifinti parts for the great price of 190.....just crazy the "stealership" can monopolize

Hmmm ... I am not sure of this entirely (getting old and memory is fading fast), but I think you can find non-OEM shocks for your M35 ... it is my 2003 M45 that I have no choice with (have to get them from Infiniti!).

Z

[szh]

im most likely just used to the degredation over time.

Probably true! It has been my experience that it comes as a complete surprise how well the car handles again after the shocks are replaced.

Z

[szh]

My car had 5K miles on it and I was told my struts were leaking and had to be replaced. I asked what caused it and they could not provide an answer. Good thing it my car is still under warranty.

That is definitely a defective parts issue ... leaks at 5k miles is not to be expected!

Good that the warranty took care of it.

Z

[MaxBolus]

On my Y34 M45's, the only shocks available are the OEM ones - no third party other than coil-overs (which are seriously expensive!). The link in my sig (goes to an Infiniti dealer) is to the cheapest source for them, and getting them replaced should run under $75 per strut. So, it should be possible to get it done for about $800 for all four - which is higher than I would like right now, but so be it!

wow, for some reason, I thought the total cost for the Y34 was over $3K..maybe I was quoted for TOTAL changeout (springs/struts/seats etc.) Mine are seriously hurting, and the link you supplied showed replacement struts for 178 Front/175 Rear, not too awful.

But would it make sense to replace the springs as well while the assemlbly is out, or is that unneccessary?
I also have an annoying rattle that seems to be coming from the top of the rear shock mount and would like to have the correct replacement part on hand..anyone know what that might be?

[mcrews]

I have the Sport on my 02 Q45 (230k miles)and have to get the factory stuff.
I order them from Scottsdale infiniti - Joe, the Parts Mgr gives NICO 25% off of list. He ships quick and cheap.
I take them in to my local tire store, THE RADIAL TIRE STORE, and the install them for me. charge about 1/2 hr a corner. I have gotten 4 sets of tires there and just had my second set of shocks and struts (and springs this time)

[relentless1]

Hmmm ... I am not sure of this entirely (getting old and memory is fading fast), but I think you can find non-OEM shocks for your M35 ... it is my 2003 M45 that I have no choice with (have to get them from Infiniti!).

Z

I know there's aftermarket shocks available for Non-Sport.

When the time comes, I was actually thinking of changing over to non-sport suspension to go softer but I should ride in one first before I do it.

[antzrus]

I searched far & wide and was unable to find non OEM shocks/struts for my model. Upon changing all four out, yes indeed the machine felt firmer in its "intentions (don't know any other word to use)."

[m-licious]

if any of you sport guys want a softer ride, I'll split the costs of swapping shocks from my nonsport with yours.

[mgokool]

If you think that's ridiculous, then wait until you have to replace the shock that holds the hood up! They're $146 ea.!!! P/N: 66825-EH100

[szh]

On my Y34 M45's, the only shocks available are the OEM ones - no third party other than coil-overs (which are seriously expensive!). The link in my sig (goes to an Infiniti dealer) is to the cheapest source for them, and getting them replaced should run under $75 per strut. So, it should be possible to get it done for about $800 for all four - which is higher than I would like right now, but so be it!

wow, for some reason, I thought the total cost for the Y34 was over $3K..maybe I was quoted for TOTAL changeout (springs/struts/seats etc.) Mine are seriously hurting, and the link you supplied showed replacement struts for 178 Front/175 Rear, not too awful.

Hmmm ... that means that I was wrong in my estimates - probably closer to $1k rather than $800 that I thought.

Regardless of which, this is generally cheaper than the dealer. I got a quote yesterday of over $2k for all four shocks from them.

Also, check your dust boots (covers) thoroughly too. If they are torn or ripped, they should also be replaced when you change the shocks - that web site shows them in the diagrams pretty clearly, and they are not too expensive.

But would it make sense to replace the springs as well while the assemlbly is out, or is that unneccessary?

Springs should normally last the life of the car - short of breaking due to some impact or something.

Other than replacing them because you want to lower the car or something, I would not worry about them.

I also have an annoying rattle that seems to be coming from the top of the rear shock mount and would like to have the correct replacement part on hand..anyone know what that might be?

Hmmm ... no idea from me. Could be that you have a broken strut that is rattling ... or a loose bolt or something ... might be worth having it looked at and diagnosed.

Z

[CPJ LB]

ok...it seems like us M35 sport guys have to come out of pocket a little more...

i was able to find a set from: https://www.dealerdirectparts.com/one-page-checkout.asp



Code Name Price Qty Total
INFINITI-3639831-M35-SPORT-4 2006 INFINITI M35 SPORT Front Left Suspension Strut Assembly $172.88 1 $172.88
INFINITI-3639835-M35-SPORT-4 2006 INFINITI M35 SPORT Front Right Suspension Strut Assembly $190.16 1 $190.16

Once I get the parts, I will take it to my local wheel/tire/suspension guy -- I was told it would be under $200. for labor....

since putting on my new set of wheels and tires, I want to get this done ASAP. I've been driving sparingly and using my other cars...I'm sure the ride quality will be 100% better once the new shocks are installed...

btw, not sure if I will keep my stock sport wheels and tires...also the H&R 15mm spacers...the wheel offsets don't require spacers....

[CPJ LB]

***update ... I forgot to give an update since getting the front shocks replaced.

well, I ordered from PartsTrain and ended up getting the KYB (GR-2 Excel) for the two fronts $99. each!!!! Fantastic price. My wheel/tire/suspension guy made the suggestion on the KYB's and advised to go with the non-sport, so I did. The difference between the non-sport and sport is the stiffness..and price.

The ride has been great and smooth. So for those of you that need to replace your shocks, I think this is a great way to go. Espescially compared to the Dealer prices....

Being that my car is lowered, going with the non-sport KYB's really adds more comfort to the already great handling...

[m-licious]

that's odd, as i'm lowered, i was looking for stiffer shocks (changing my luxury/stock shocks to sport shocks) so that i wouldn't bottom out and for better handling. do you still have your sport springs?

i'm curious if anyone ever put sport springs on the nonsport shocks. i think it should lower the static riding height but i'm not sure how much by. I think there is also a height/length difference on the shocks as well but can't confirm this. I know that the overall sport suspension rides a little lower, but can't remember which component was more responsible for this.

[a.blanco0905]

^I wanted to do a similar experiment with one of the forum members who own an Mx, I was going to sell him my sport springs for dirt cheap in order to do R&D. I think it would've been awesome. I think he opted for Tein springs tho.

[CPJ LB]

that's odd, as i'm lowered, i was looking for stiffer shocks (changing my luxury/stock shocks to sport shocks) so that i wouldn't bottom out and for better handling. do you still have your sport springs?

i'm curious if anyone ever put sport springs on the nonsport shocks. i think it should lower the static riding height but i'm not sure how much by. I think there is also a height/length difference on the shocks as well but can't confirm this. I know that the overall sport suspension rides a little lower, but can't remember which component was more responsible for this.

I thought of the same dynamics....since the KYB's are known for their 'sport-like' feel (even though I went with the M35 non-sport version) the shocks still provide a level of sport/comfort that I was aiming for. I think if I went with the KYB's for M35 Sport, the ride would have been more stiff -- especially since I'm lowered. being lowered on H-techs and non-sport shocks is definately a match for me...I duplicated the same dynamics when I had my E-class sport. I was lowered on H&R's 1.4 on the fronts and 1.3 in rear...drove the car with the stock sport shocks and the ride was definately stiffer...when my 2nd child was born I switched the stock sport shocks with a set of Bilsteins HD's and MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I felt I had the best of both worlds...better comfort and handling. oh, and no bottoming out. I drive carefully around pot holes, speed bumps, etc so I'm cautious...

Now with my M, I got the same set up...I have the stock sport springs in the garage and will prolly put em back on if I sell the car...???

[relentless1]

CPJ LB: Thanks for following up on this topic! I plan on sticking with the factory sport springs and replacing the shocks with KYB's so I hope the ride quality doesn't get any stiffer. It would be great if it actually went a tad softer... I'm at about 58K miles so I plan on changing the shocks between 65-70K miles.

[yosM45]

***update ... I forgot to give an update since getting the front shocks replaced.

well, I ordered from PartsTrain and ended up getting the KYB (GR-2 Excel) for the two fronts $99. each!!!! Fantastic price. My wheel/tire/suspension guy made the suggestion on the KYB's and advised to go with the non-sport, so I did. The difference between the non-sport and sport is the stiffness..and price.

The ride has been great and smooth. So for those of you that need to replace your shocks, I think this is a great way to go. Espescially compared to the Dealer prices....

Being that my car is lowered, going with the non-sport KYB's really adds more comfort to the already great handling...

CPJ LB,

I started a thread that asked these same questions that I think you may have addressed my concern.

Are you saying that you have a M35 SPORT and...
You have aftermarket springs, and....
You used the NON-SPORT KYB shocks/struts, and...

Your car rides perfect?

Could I ask what drop you have?

Thanks!