Y33 Suspension - 2019 edition

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Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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Hey I get it. I had to replace the knock sensors and did the suspension overhaul. I just hope it stays reliable but I'm happy how its sitting currently.


BadQ45t
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Hey glad the B/Cs working out. I am 6 months out of my Infiniti and miss the car...the B/C's are for sure stiff but they have a great result.

Sapofeo
Posts: 54
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Car: 00 Infiniti Q45 AE
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I forgot to post the final result

Image

BadQ45t
Posts: 3249
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Location: Half Moon Bay, CA

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Sweet came out great, I think your a little higher up then mine sat. I love the air effect in the Benz i bought where you an raise the car up to get over big driveways.

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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Sapofeo wrote:
Thu Jun 11, 2020 1:31 pm
I forgot to post the final result

Image
Looks nice! Also looks like you have a nice rake going?

DId you get swifts? How do you feel about the ride?

Sapofeo
Posts: 54
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:38 pm
Car: 00 Infiniti Q45 AE
93 Toyota MR2 Turbo
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BC. Should be a 3 inch total drop, slightly lower in front. The ride is stiff but honestly there aren't any other options anymore.

That said, I LOVE the look and gets lots of compliments just driving around.

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Hey everyone,

I have a related question as it looks like my '99 Touring will be getting the same transplant soon as my driver's front strut is leaking brake fluid quickly after a hard impact that I'm guessing blew out one of the seals.... The car still has all its original suspension with 255k miles so it's long overdue.

My question is though how does this retrofit address the hydraulic system from the stock adjustable struts? Where do the lines get connected/disconnected/capped off? I can't find any details about this on any of the write-ups.

Thank you!

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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MotoMan81 wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 8:38 am


My question is though how does this retrofit address the hydraulic system from the stock adjustable struts? Where do the lines get connected/disconnected/capped off? I can't find any details about this on any of the write-ups.

Thank you!
It's not hydraulic, its electronic so literally all you do is disconnect the plugs and twist the sensor on top of the strut to remove.

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Ludeaem wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:11 am
MotoMan81 wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 8:38 am


My question is though how does this retrofit address the hydraulic system from the stock adjustable struts? Where do the lines get connected/disconnected/capped off? I can't find any details about this on any of the write-ups.

Thank you!
It's not hydraulic, its electronic so literally all you do is disconnect the plugs and twist the sensor on top of the strut to remove.
So the fluid leak is NOT brake fluid? It's just the oil from the strut? I guess that explains why the brake fluid level seems to be staying full while I've been scratching my head.

So then why are there like 3 hydraulic brake fluid lines going in and out around the spindle area of these things? I don't understand...I never really paid attention, I just assumed the adjustable suspension was hydraulic. I'm so confused. LoL

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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haha yes, you are confused.

Brake lines are not in any way connected to the suspension (hydraulically speaking). What you are referencing is the ABS sensor wire that attaches to the strut. The brake line also attaches to the strut housing.Shocks/struts can be oil filled or gas generally speaking. Both leak with oil ones making it messy. You will probably not want to tackle this job solo to ensure its done right. Its not hard, but you need patience and tools to do it right. I had issues getting the lower ball joint separated since its a 20 year old car with original struts. I ended up tearing them and replacing them.

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Thanks for the info..I was wondering about replacing the front lower ball joints anyway but I'll be damned if I can't seem to find any that at not OEM. Are there any aftermarket options that are reasonably priced that you know of? I can't find any..

Ludeaem wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:34 am
haha yes, you are confused.

Brake lines are not in any way connected to the suspension (hydraulically speaking). What you are referencing is the ABS sensor wire that attaches to the strut. The brake line also attaches to the strut housing.Shocks/struts can be oil filled or gas generally speaking. Both leak with oil ones making it messy. You will probably not want to tackle this job solo to ensure its done right. Its not hard, but you need patience and tools to do it right. I had issues getting the lower ball joint separated since its a 20 year old car with original struts. I ended up tearing them and replacing them.

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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Nope. I mean, I hear of some people doing strut inserts (which keeps the housing the same but new seals and oil is filled in) but cannot confirm. I wanted to lower it and put wheels on it so it made more sense to do coilovers. I think rear shocks can be had on rock auto for cheap

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Sorry I think you mistook what I was asking... I'm not talking about the struts....I mean the front lower ball joints. I can't find any aftermarket listing anywhere for them

Ludeaem wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 10:10 am
Nope. I mean, I hear of some people doing strut inserts (which keeps the housing the same but new seals and oil is filled in) but cannot confirm. I wanted to lower it and put wheels on it so it made more sense to do coilovers. I think rear shocks can be had on rock auto for cheap

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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AWESOME SAUCE!! Thank you! :mike :dblthumb: :bowrofl:

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Last question....
Any thoughts on the difference between the Megan Racing vs. BC Racing coilovers?

Sapofeo
Posts: 54
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A little late but... the actuators for the dynamic suspension remain plugged in (so they don't throw a code) but I've got them just zip tied and out of the way. No issue at all with that.
The BC is stiff, moreso than ideal, but since OEM isn't an option, so be it. Don't know anything about the Megans.

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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I never had codes thrown when I removed them. Hmm

Sapofeo
Posts: 54
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:38 pm
Car: 00 Infiniti Q45 AE
93 Toyota MR2 Turbo
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Admittedly I never tried to take them off. I just assumed it would throw a code. I'll need to give that a shot.

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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With coilovers, never go cheap. Its almost always a scenario where you pay for what you get.

BadQ45t
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they are very similar but if you have the Touring Q45 you cannot use the Meghan's I learned that the hard way. I would go with B/C's made in USA and rebuildable.

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Ordered the BC's with spindles today. Thanks for everyone's input and advice

Sapofeo
Posts: 54
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:38 pm
Car: 00 Infiniti Q45 AE
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Excellent. Show us the finished product if time permits.

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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https://imgur.com/gallery/qazKdfzHey everyone... Finally got around to taking some photos after the BC Racing coilovers installed. I really like how it turned out. I just went with the standard springs and I have them at the halfway firm setting. They are definitely firm but not too bouncy or jarring.

Sapofeo
Posts: 54
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Car: 00 Infiniti Q45 AE
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Looks awesome. Mine is at as soft as it will go and it's still plenty tight. Ride height looks good too. Surprising how well the big girl turns now right?

MotoMan81
Posts: 16
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Car: 1999 Infiniti Q45t (Y33)

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Unbelievably how well she handles. Of course my only point of reference for comparison is my car before which had 260k miles on all original suspension. I also replaced all the ball joints, bushings, and links with the coilovers. I couldn't believe the first time I jacked up one corner as I was adjusting the ride height and the whole side of the car came up because he is so much stronger and stiffer now. Crazy for a 22 yo big heavy girl with a quarter million miles

BadQ45t
Posts: 3249
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Location: Half Moon Bay, CA

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Yes I was amazed how well mine handled after the upgrade, I even had Tein springs and KYB SR Specials I had put in, never would have replaced those but one of the KYB"s blew out and no way to get warranty or replacement

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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Its true, it handles pretty well for a 4000 lb car, though I would say the numb, light steering doesn't add to the sportiness haha. Still love the car though. Oh, and i've put the stock wheels back on and lowered the perssure to 30 psi. Rides really nicely and makes me want to keep it with those and ditch the G37 wheels. I won't, but it gets me thinking either way

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TheDeadKing
Posts: 43
Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:31 am
Car: 1994 Nissan 300ZX & 2001 Infiniti Q45t
Location: NoVA, VA

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Like the OP, I too am looking to replace the stock Active Suspension on my 2001 Q45t. I do not want to greatly diminish the ride quality and characteristics of the car, so coilovers have never been an option for me. I see no reason to make my daily driver land yacht feel like a track car.

I purchased a full set of standard RS*R springs and KYB SR Special shocks. I sourced them from Yahoo Auction Japan and used From-Japan as the auction & shipping proxy service. Stiffer RS*R and Espilar springs were also available specifically for the FGY33.

KYB SR Special shocks (NSC6004 & NSG9069)
https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/en/auction/ ... _aucid_auc

RS*R Ti2000 front & rear springs (N183TD)
https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/en/auction/ ... _aucid_auc

RS*R front & rear springs (N183D)
https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/en/auction/ ... _aucid_auc

Espelir front & rear springs (ESN-149)
https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/en/auction/ ... _aucid_auc

For OEM parts I ordered from Infiniti Parts Deal:

https://www.infinitipartsdeal.com/parts ... m=401_A004

Here are some helpful links I found with information regarding shock and spring replacements for the Q45:

https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/q45-t ... truts.html

kyb-sr-special-installation-question-t529670.html

y33-suspension-dillema-please-help-t564 ... l#p6386812

If you have installed shocks and springs on your Q45 with Touring/Active Suspension, please chime in with any further details that may be helpful.

Ludeaem
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:46 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti Q45 AE
Location: Greenville, SC

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Very cool. I almost went that directionI but decided against it for whatever reason. Looks like even with shipping to the US it'll be about the same as my setup with Swift springs (1500)?


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