sbushnak

iTrader: (11)

Hey all,

I am starting this post about my suspension rebuild in hopes it will help people in the future to decide which brand of parts to buy for their suspension rebuild. Currently my car has 236,000 miles and almost satisfied with the new ride. I know I might get flamed for it but please read this post and then fire away!

Let us start:

1996 Infiniti I30 AT (Parts are the same for 95-99 Maxima)
235,000 miles on all original OEM suspension parts
I wanted something cheap and good to do my suspension rebuild since I will keep it for another 2-3 years from now. I have read numerous threads here about suspension and on other forums as well to get the best recommendation about parts.

These are the parts I replaced and their reviews:

Sensen set of 4 shocks = $160 shipped w/ life time warranty
These are Chinese made shocks which are considerably cheap for a set. They are mentioned here before and on a number of other forums and people are recommending them. So far they have a little stiffer ride than the OEMs granted the originals had about 235K miles on them. I like them and would recommend them.

4 Nissan OEM boots (dust covers)
Nothing to review except I was recommended to get the OEMs instead of aftermarket since the aftermarket might have some fitment issues like the KYBs

2 Sway bar end links Mevotech # MK9824
My originals were rusted out and making a clunking noise when turning left. No problems installing them.

2 Nissan OEM rack and pinion boots
Like the OEM boots above, fitment issues with aftermarket not to mention that they are better made compared to the Beck/Arnely.


2 front strut mounts Mevotech # MP903910 (includes 3 new nuts and strut bearing)
Well with these I would NOT recommended them. The strut bearings make noises when making slow left or right turns but not all the time. I would recommend OEM parts for this.

2 front spring seats Raybestos Part # 5251286
So far so good. Nothing wrong with them.

2 rear struts mounts Mevotech # MP903911
So far so good as well. The big improvement for the rear were the new shocks

1 Inner tie rod Mevotech # MEV352
I replaced the passenger side only. The tire had some play. I will NOT RECOMMEND them since they were a completely different design than the OEM ones. They will fit but the different design makes me wonder. Right now the wheel is nice and tight.


I choose Mevotech since they had some good reviews on the net but universally everyone on the internet says to get OEM or Moog parts.

I will also update this thread in 5K or 10K to tell everyone how the new setup is doing. Maybe in the near future I will replace the front mounts and struts bearings but it’s not on my priority list for now.

Besides the strut bearings, I am happy about the car’s new handling.
Sorry for the long post.

surban1

iTrader: (17)

skweaky in his thread started on 3-16-12 noted that he "Had to bend the abs line bracket to make the passenger side line up". did you run into the same thing? just wondering.

sbushnak

iTrader: (11)

Yes my friend had to bend the ABS line bracket but I forgot if it was for both sides or only the passenger.

surban1

iTrader: (17)

that was a quick response! was it a big deal to bend the bracket (ie can you see it causing problems with anything) or is it nothing to worry about?

sbushnak

iTrader: (11)

No I don't think so. Though I don't like to bend parts to make them work. So far my ABS is working fine with no problem.

sbushnak

iTrader: (11)

UPDATE:

The Sensens are doing great. But both mounts are broken! I posted some pictures. It is better to get some OEM mounts and bearings.

Ferrari

iTrader: (1)

How many miles have you put on the Sensens now?
Also, did you change the springs or are you using the old springs?

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

I've heard some bad things about Mevotech stuff.

How are your sway bar end links holding up?

sbushnak

iTrader: (11)

About 10,000 miles since January and I have used my old OEM springs.


They were OK but I have replaced them with Moogs.

sanford7575

Dude, stay away from Mevotech. I too rebuilt my front end ('97 I30 140K) with Mevotech control arms, sway bar links, and inner and outer tie rods. They've all had, or need to be replaced within 3 months of installing. Mevotech is absolute junk! I'm so pi**ed off at them right now as I hate redoing work and wasting money.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

Your suspension is not a place to cheap out on. Its been said time and time again. OEM strut mounts are the only ones to buy. All others have failed, miserably.

Do it once, do it right.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

I've got some OEM Maxima SE springs if anyone's interested;

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...50k-miles.html