Infiniti: Shocks on a Q45

rlking wrote: 

I haven't done it (mine is not a 94) but if you are not the type to do it
yourself, I'd suggest getting other estimates from Midas or whoever is in
your area. On my 91, it's a relatively simple job. It's not as simple as
it was on cars back in the early 80's or before when there were no springs
around a typical shock, but on mine, you unbolt three nuts (not the piston
rod lock nut!) and then put the whole thing (shock and spring assembly) in a
vice. Use a spring compressor until the mounting insulator can be turned by
hand, and then remove the piston lock nut.

You didn't say how much was parts and how much was labor. Aftermarket
performance shocks are about $170/pair. Spring compressors are typically
under $30, but are as cheap as $11 at Harbor Freight. If you don't have air
tools, you can expect to spend a few minutes or more twisting with a socket
set. But even cheap air tools are cheaper than a second mortgage, and it's
still not that bad a job to do.

Unfortunately, the 93 and 94 use different front shocks (same rear) so I
can't say what changed between yours and mine. I'd suggest checking your
service manual if you have it. The bottom line is that I don't think it
would be any worse than any other car of that year, although the parts might
be a bit more. Since it's not active, I can't see what would be so special
about it.

Hagrinas,

Thanks for the input and encouragement. I am going to do this myself being
my system is Non Active. It looks pretty simple. There is 1 nut at the
bottom and 2 at the top on the front shocks. The rears look the same accept
I don't know how to access the top nuts. Do I gain access through the trunk
or what?

Bob King
com

"Hagrinas Mivali" <net> wrote in message
news:com... 

rlking wrote: 

I don't know off the top of my head, but if you can see it from the bottom,
you should be able to figure it out. Again, keep in mind that mine is not
the same year as yours so it might not be identical. But the rear (which I
think is the same part number as for your year) should have the piston lock
nut loosened BUT NOT REMOVED before the spring compressor is used, according
to my service manual.

My post was to give you an idea of what's involved, not to outline the
actual procedure, so make sure that you find out what has to be done for
your model. It might be the same, or the same level of difficulty, but you
should check a manual to be sure.