davy vain

The struts are shot on my 99 and the dealer has quoted me a installed price to replace them which I thought was a bit high. I then priced them at another shop and they are quoting close to 40% less to install Monroe Sensa-Trac Struts.

Is there a major difference between the OEMs and the Aftermarket struts? I generally expect the dealer to be 10%-15% higher but this is insane.

sky jumper

I've been asking the same questions. Ride quality on replacement struts seems to be a huge wildcard unless you know someone with the exact set up you are looking to install. I'm also thinking about sensatracs - so if you get 'em, please post your results!!

by the way - is an ES the same as an american SE model (same stiffer springs in back?).

njmodi

iTrader: (4)

If you want to maintain the OEM-like ride, get Tokico Blues. It will be MUCH cheaper than getting original Nissan struts.

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

i got the kyb's they are like stock se struts

blackmaxx96

iTrader: (23)

Why would you take it to the dealership( or any shop) to swap out struts?????? Just do it yourself, buy some aftermarket struts, and save yourself alot of money.......

davy vain

Thanks for the responses. To answer a couple of questions:

The ES is a Canadian version that is a bit like a stripped down SE - it does not have leather seats, a sun roof, spoiler or a Bose system. It does have the sport suspension, same rims, limited slip differential, power seat, foglights, traction control, etc.

I would consider doing it myself if I wasn't totally mechanically inept.

mtrai760

iTrader: (19)

Do you have any other members that live nearby, or any friends who are mechanically inclined? Its so easy to do that it is really a waste to have a shop do it.

86maxima96

iTrader: (10)

it's really just a couple of bolts. nothing tricky. the only tools you need are some good socket set, a couple of deep sockets, torque wrench and that's about it. I was intimidated too when I first ordered my suspension, but then I just got down there and did it. Spring, struts, and all. It was my first big install unless consider a y-pipe anything. Is there anyone around you who can give you a hand?

EDIT: ^^^yeah, he beat me to it. someone else can help you. do you know any mechanics?

BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

As mentioned above, its not that hard to do, if you have the proper tools.
Here a linky to MaxRb8's cardomain site where I helped him out one day:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/560141/4

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

go with the Tokico Blues since the stock struts are made by Tokico.

ghost1

You will regret the day you replaced your OEMs with sensa-tracs. Had em on my old 90SE and hated them. If you can afford it upgrade to sport struts and springs. You'll not only notice an improvement in the way your Max handles but it'll look good after the drop.

ThisMaxIsTight

iTrader: (23)

how much did they quote you for new struts at the dealer ??????????

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

there is no better deal than the blues.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Especially on the stock springs, they ride great.

scrhale

I forgot which way it goes BUT

If you upgrade Struts, do you have to upgrade Springs
or
If you upgrade Springs you have to upgrade struts???

mtrai760

iTrader: (19)

Springs don't wear out, struts do.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

well generally springs last, but in either rare circumstances or long/abusive use then the springs can wear out. its like 1 out of 2350612306 but it happens.

struts need to be valved (matched) to the springs other wise the ride suffers generally becoming bouncy or harsh.

Mayhem King

iTrader: (1)

Made tha mistake on my '93. IMO, it's the quickest way to hate your Maxima. It was an expensive lesson for me that I corrected fairly quickly.

FishyMan

wow love this thread.. :P..
but if ur gonna do suspension, will changing the springs along w/ the tokiko blues be any thing better?

i'm not looking to drop my car. but what's a good OEM spring replacement? that is, somethign that dips it just a tad?

Jim Sundin

I put the sensatracs on my 99 Max this past winter so they are not a year old yet. I would say they are not as good as OEM struts. Ride is a little harsher and they do not corner as well.

I changed them myself. The rears are a piece of cake. However, make sure you have the correct spring compressor tool for struts. I had the tool for regular springs and could not get it to compress the springs far enough to reinstall the spring on the new strut.

If you can aford performance struts then I would go that route.

davy vain

Keeping in mind that these prices are Canadian, the dealership quoted $813.24 + tax installed ($217.18 per strut + installation.)

The quote for the Monroe struts was $497 + tax installed.

A huge difference which is why I asked the question. However, based on feedback I will also look into a higher performance shocks.

ThisMaxIsTight

iTrader: (23)

H+R springs drop just a tad and its a really nice drop...the ride is really comfortable....never heard a complaint from H+R springs comfort wise

Caracicatriz

iTrader: (3)

I got my Tokico Illumina's + H&R springs for about the same price they are charging you for the Monroe's. It was a fairly simple install.

86maxima96

iTrader: (10)

are there any springs other than OEM that work well with Blues (HP)?

Caracicatriz

iTrader: (3)

I'm sure a spring like H&R wouldn't be too bad; but i'de play it safe and get good adjustable struts if you are going to drop it any.

kev1031

Just got KYB struts, feels a little stiff, should've went with Tokico blues...

Haibert88

I have the KYB GR2s and they are stiff but not bad at all...The originals had worn out and were becoming springy so I noticed a big difference in ride quality and handling.