Sensen struts & shocks
07-03-2013, 11:31 AM
#1
Sensen struts & shocks
As soon as I make enough side money I am going to order the APX Sensen package off eBay for $118.00 w/free shipping. They are made in China, as are Monroe, Gabriel, etc. for many applications. Sensen is an OE supplier for Chinese market VW, Audi, and Volvo and has been in business for 28 years.
Japanese NOK seals are used with high quality polished carbon steel shafts, so leaks should not be an issue. I will post reviews as times goes by.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1200-SHOCKS-STRUTS-for-Nissan-Infiniti-Full-Set-4-Pcs-NEW-Warranty-/321110807544?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3AMaxima&hash=item4ac3b213f8&vxp=mtr
I have looked in the FSM and searched the net, and have yet to see how to access the top mounts on the rear shocks. I assume I remove the rear seat, but does the deck need to be removed as well? Or am I wrong and this is done from the trunk?
Japanese NOK seals are used with high quality polished carbon steel shafts, so leaks should not be an issue. I will post reviews as times goes by.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1200-SHOCKS-STRUTS-for-Nissan-Infiniti-Full-Set-4-Pcs-NEW-Warranty-/321110807544?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3AMaxima&hash=item4ac3b213f8&vxp=mtr
I have looked in the FSM and searched the net, and have yet to see how to access the top mounts on the rear shocks. I assume I remove the rear seat, but does the deck need to be removed as well? Or am I wrong and this is done from the trunk?
07-03-2013, 11:38 AM
#3
done fom the trunk. Remove trunk liner, two nuts to undo and that's it. Undo the big nut on the bottom and slide down. Install is, of course, the reverse of removal. Rears are a piece of cake.
What springs you pairing these with, and if stock...why not go with the monroe quick-struts? Complete strut/shock and spring assembly.
What springs you pairing these with, and if stock...why not go with the monroe quick-struts? Complete strut/shock and spring assembly.
07-03-2013, 11:48 AM
#4
What I'm not paying for is marketing. I've seen enough reveiws with only positive feedback, that I am satisfied these are better than most economy and some OE quality replacements. In the internet world, if there was negative feedback, we would see it all over the place. The only negatives I've seen are from doomsdayers who have not tried them and keep parroting "you get what you pay for".
Last edited by asand1; 07-03-2013 at 11:52 AM.
07-03-2013, 11:50 AM
#5
What springs you pairing these with, and if stock...why not go with the monroe quick-struts? Complete strut/shock and spring assembly.
07-03-2013, 12:03 PM
#7
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 123
What I'm not paying for is marketing. I've seen enough reveiws with only positive feedback, that I am satisfied these are better than most economy and some OE quality replacements. In the internet world, if there was negative feedback, we would see it all over the place. The only negatives I've seen are from doomsdayers who have not tried them and keep parroting "you get what you pay for".
07-03-2013, 01:55 PM
#9
Like stated above, when you remove the trunk liner you will see the two bolts on each side holding the strut/spring combo. The rears are a b*tch compared to the fronts. I have Sensen front struts with Monroe dust boots on the front of my 01 and they have been great. They will probably not hold as long, but the car feels great so far.
07-03-2013, 01:59 PM
#10
I got Sensen rears awhile back since my illuminas blew. They rode comfortable. Do not pair these with lowering springs because they will not last. They lasted about 6-8 months on Intrax springs but are blown now, but these are good replacements for the money.
07-03-2013, 02:00 PM
#11
I disagree. Three total bolts and you're good on the rears. Perhaps if you've got a ton of rust and shiit from the NE maybe I could see issues, but the fronts would be equally bad. OP is from Oregon, rust isn't as big an issue at all.
07-03-2013, 03:08 PM
#13
well, the factory mounts may not neccesarily be compatible with the sensen struts. Also, the mounts have the same mileage as teh struts, why NOT replace them? You've gotta take 'em off anyhow, and they ARE a "wear part". Don't half-ass it.
07-03-2013, 06:41 PM
#14
If a replacement strut doesn't fit an OEM mount then what's to say it will fit a moog mount. Replacement parts have to to be identical in fit, it would be laughable to think they wouldn't fit together.
You may spend money "just in case" or "while you're in there", but I would rather spend my money wisely on necessities as they arise.
07-03-2013, 10:26 PM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Salem, OR
Posts: 26
I have been using sensens with H&Rs for about 2 years and around 20k miles. Seem just as good as when I put them on and I really like the ride. I liked them so much I put them on my wife's camry with a pretty soft stock suspension but they made the ride too hard. I should have known that they would be stiffer but when you are talking almost 4 for the price of one I couldn't resist. I would pair them with a little stiffer of a spring and I imagine most people would be impressed with the value for money.
Bottom line, I would recommend them for anyone with a slight drop and I'm interested on how you like it on stock springs. (assuming you are on stock springs)
Bottom line, I would recommend them for anyone with a slight drop and I'm interested on how you like it on stock springs. (assuming you are on stock springs)
07-03-2013, 10:56 PM
#17
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 298
I have been using sensens with H&Rs for about 2 years and around 20k miles. Seem just as good as when I put them on and I really like the ride. I liked them so much I put them on my wife's camry with a pretty soft stock suspension but they made the ride too hard. I should have known that they would be stiffer but when you are talking almost 4 for the price of one I couldn't resist. I would pair them with a little stiffer of a spring and I imagine most people would be impressed with the value for money.
Bottom line, I would recommend them for anyone with a slight drop and I'm interested on how you like it on stock springs. (assuming you are on stock springs)
Bottom line, I would recommend them for anyone with a slight drop and I'm interested on how you like it on stock springs. (assuming you are on stock springs)
07-04-2013, 04:37 AM
#18
They will not be good on anything that drops more than 1.4". These are pretty much stock replacements but they ride good and are worth the money.
07-11-2013, 05:48 PM
#19
They're here.
I found a big ugly box on the porch when I got home from work today.
The strut on the right looks like it got some paint wiped off and then clear-coated over. It is not actually bare metal, and looks better in person.
The strut on the right looks like it got some paint wiped off and then clear-coated over. It is not actually bare metal, and looks better in person.
Last edited by asand1; 07-11-2013 at 06:09 PM.
07-11-2013, 06:00 PM
#20
Dont have to clear coat it since they will never be visible to you, but if you must go ahead lol
07-11-2013, 08:28 PM
#21
Well, that was my experience with it. The front ones are easily accessible, but the rear ones are in the trunk, which is harder to reach to. Let's hope that the OP will throw all 4 in real easy!
07-13-2013, 01:44 PM
#22
It's 1:38 and I just finished installing my front struts, and taking a lunch break now.
here are some pics of trimming the bump stops and attaching the shock boots. I used 3M black weatherstripping adhesive because it was the best option in my toolbox.
Compressed with the weight of the car on the tires. I would prefer the boots being larger diameter inside, but it is what it is.
here are some pics of trimming the bump stops and attaching the shock boots. I used 3M black weatherstripping adhesive because it was the best option in my toolbox.
Compressed with the weight of the car on the tires. I would prefer the boots being larger diameter inside, but it is what it is.
Last edited by asand1; 07-13-2013 at 01:58 PM.
07-13-2013, 05:56 PM
#23
Just finished the rear coilover shocks and went for a test drive. A major improvement over the OE Nissan stamped (17yo?) pieces I replaced.
A shot over the top of the tire.
Through the spokes of the rim.
A shot over the top of the tire.
Through the spokes of the rim.
11-03-2013, 09:11 PM
#25
4 months later and about 4,000 miles, still very happy with the struts and shocks. Firm, but not jarring.
Mileage 16 days before install; 289,000.
Mileage 16 days before install; 289,000.
Last edited by asand1; 03-15-2015 at 05:29 PM.
11-04-2013, 02:19 PM
#27
I installed a set of Sensen struts on Custom Engineering springs about 18 months ago. The ride is still good with no issues from springs or struts. These Sensen's seem to be a good product.
11-06-2013, 06:52 PM
#29
11-08-2013, 05:28 AM
#30
The funny thing is the guy that blew his Illuminas also blew his Sensen's!!!! More than likely he's not running with bumpstops or he's too low!....Standard practice for those who don't know is....1/3" to 1/2" cut from the OEM bumpstop should be sufficient to maintain a reliable and quality ride w/lowered springs!
11-08-2013, 12:12 PM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Worcester, MA
Posts: 4,011
When i did my struts I replaced the mounts cuz i wanted to do it "while i was in there" lol.
I bought Autozone mounts. They junk. Should have just stuck with oem.
08-26-2014, 05:20 PM
#35
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Miami
Posts: 238
Vouching for these
Put a set on a 95 running for 2 days now. No complaints at all and seeing as though the car rode like a boat before and they were only $104 shipped, I DEF cant complain..lol
Put a set on a 95 running for 2 days now. No complaints at all and seeing as though the car rode like a boat before and they were only $104 shipped, I DEF cant complain..lol
Last edited by smplyamzng; 08-26-2014 at 05:25 PM.
03-14-2015, 11:28 PM
#38
03-14-2015, 11:43 PM
#39
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Owasso,OK
Posts: 82
Guess you got what you paid for.
I really hate that term. Usually people who deal with DSM cars say that because their car is always broke and they blame the part instead of the car or their driving habit. People think that just because something is more expensive that it automatically makes it better. I've seen B&M shifters BREAK and no name ebay ones last a while. Ive seen a 1000 dollar intercooler get busted at the welds from 15psi. Twice.
Hell. I bought some KYB GR2 struts. Full set 100 shipped to my door. Brand new from rock auto. Got some eibach springs too for 70 shipped. Brand new. If I never found those I probably would have gone the cheaper strut route.
If it's quality **** its quality ****. Regardless of price.
I really hate that term. Usually people who deal with DSM cars say that because their car is always broke and they blame the part instead of the car or their driving habit. People think that just because something is more expensive that it automatically makes it better. I've seen B&M shifters BREAK and no name ebay ones last a while. Ive seen a 1000 dollar intercooler get busted at the welds from 15psi. Twice.
Hell. I bought some KYB GR2 struts. Full set 100 shipped to my door. Brand new from rock auto. Got some eibach springs too for 70 shipped. Brand new. If I never found those I probably would have gone the cheaper strut route.
If it's quality **** its quality ****. Regardless of price.
03-15-2015, 06:29 AM
#40
I actually think I might give these a try as well.
I'm currently running a set of a brand named FCS from Rock Auto. They were quite inexpensive as well and in this case I really did get what paid for cuz they're kinda crappy IMO.
Although they're OE replacements and I've mixed them with a set H&R springs, which is likely the issue, if the Sensens mated to Eibachs works well, I'd think an H&R matchup would work fine too.
I'm currently running a set of a brand named FCS from Rock Auto. They were quite inexpensive as well and in this case I really did get what paid for cuz they're kinda crappy IMO.
Although they're OE replacements and I've mixed them with a set H&R springs, which is likely the issue, if the Sensens mated to Eibachs works well, I'd think an H&R matchup would work fine too.