Hi,
The 98 GLE A/T is at 231K Miles, yes miles, and I've got some questions.

1.) My ride is very harsh, bumps in road are more like jolts. I replaced the struts about 25-30K Miles ago, used Monroe instead of OEM or upscale aftermarket. I also replaced the strut insulators (again, not OEM) at the same time. I also replaced tires about 6K Miles ago w/ Continental Conti Trac Touring, 205/65H15. Now I'm getting lots of strut noise, on bumps and when turning. Is the issue my el cheapo struts, or should I have, based on mileage, also replaced the springs?

2.) If I do have to replace springs, I don't want to lower my car (I'm 42 and I don't want to "climb out" of it any more than I do now), so which brand should I use?

3.) If I'm already replacing springs, should I go ahead and dig down for new struts while i've got the suspension apart?

4.) What are some general suggestions for impoving ride quality? I don't want it to ride like a new one (don't think that's possible) but I don't want it to ride like a Trabant, either.


THanks,

 

Sounds like strut bearing/mount or not torqued correctly.

You don't need to replace them, at the MOST maybe you could inspect plastic wrap between the coils to limit noise.
Labor wise if you are having it done it MAKES sense but I am not under the impression that you need new springs at all.
Besides having the strut mounts in order, any and all *OEM NISSAN* bushings in the front end will do wonders. Check your ball-joints and wheel-bearings, also the lower control arms and inner/outer tie rods. For those parts as well it is beneficial to have any items taken care of while everything is apart.

Post up findings FIRST before you throw money at some dummy that just wants to rip your car apart on the clock.

 

Thanks for the detailed advice. I'll check the strut bearing torque this weekend. Also, I'll take a look at all linkage components, ball joints, tie rod ends, et al...

Again, thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

20 - 30K miles on a set of Monroe's and there gone, especially if they are Monroe matics. Their ride doesn't impress me either, even when new. Put a set of Tokico Blues in the car, make sure the front end is tight, replace any bushings/ball joints that are worn out. Put new front strut mounts in, they insulate the strut from the body of the car. Tokico Blues will come with new bushings for the rear mounts, you don't need to buy them. Springs don't go bad per say. What tire pressure are you running the Conti's at? 32-34psi cold should be the max up front, rear should be set about 4psi lower.

 

^^^ Listen to THIS man.

Didn't know you were around njmax

 

I'm still here, was away for a while.

 

Thanks for more info. I run 30-31 in my continentals. I retorqued my strut mounts and struts last night and still no improvement. Haven't had the chance to get it up in the air and look at bushings, yet.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

I did strut mounts a couple of years ago, OEM and got rid of an annoying noise in the car. Original struts are at 144,000 and time for them to go, Getting the jolts just like you are in the front