I've got an 87 maxima, runs well, but suspension is dead. Every time i hit a bump, it bouces up and down. So i don't wanna get new strust, cuz that's kinda expensive. I'm wondering if maybe i can get some from a junk yard from a 3rd gen or something newer? Anyone know what would fit? Or any other recomendations for cheap suspension fix?

 

The only way its gonna be fixed is to replace the struts with new ones. Taking struts from a junkyard will not neccessarily fix it.

S

 

No offense, but if you can't afford to do maintenance to your vehicle, maybe you should consider another mode of transportation. The struts are critical to allow you to handle the car safely, to keep the tires from wearing excessively, and they also protect your front end components from damage.

That being said, I don't think you could use struts from a third gen. Also, I would never consider buying used struts, more than likely they're going to be rusted out and even if they're not, they probably wouldn't last very long.

I replaced all four of my struts with KYB's for around $400 for parts and installation. I didn't have the electronically adjustable suspension, so I didn't have to worry about doing the conversion. If you have the adjustable suspension and they haven't been converted to standard struts yet, expect to pay a bit more than that.

I know that it can be expensive to maintain a car and the repairs can get expensive. I've already sunk a good $3000 in the past three years that I've had my car (timing belt, alternator, struts, tires, brakes, battery, tune up, inspections, fluids & filters, ball joints, CV joints... it adds up). Nevertheless, it's still a lot cheaper than buying a brand new car. Try and get someone in your family to loan you the money or go to a bank and get a loan. Also, some states' welfare programs give assistance for car repairs, so you might want to check that avenue out as well.

Good luck in getting it repaired and please get brand new struts, you don't have to get performance ones (though they really aren't that much more expensive). Also, I'd plan on spending at least $1000 a year on an older car for repairs and basic maintenance. And that doesn't include fuel, insurance, and registration.

-C-

 

Yeah, i see what ur saying. This is acually my family's old unused car, and my dad has been fixing it up by himself in the spare time, so repairs didn't cost that much. I think my family is planning on donating the car, so there really is no point in dumping money into it now. I was just looking for cheap solutions though suspension isn't that bad, so i guess i'll have to keep the old struts. Forgive my n00byness.