dansmax2003

iTrader: (7)

Here is the story....

My 2003 Maxima SE is approaching the 100k miles mark. I've always wanted to upgrade the stock shocks and put the adjustable Illuminas WITHOUT replacing the stock springs. I have read MANY posting on this forum where people said that Illuminas + stock SE springs is a fine combination. No issues were mentioned in the discussions i read. Please, correct me if i got this wrong.

Anyway...i got a new set of Illuminas for a good price (less than $500) and i decided that it may be worth it if i pay a good mechanic to install them for me. I know i can do it myself but given how busy i am, it may be worth it to pay $200-300 to someone who has the tools to do it for me.
A friend of mine recommended this local shop that works on newer Japanese cars. I went and met with them and here is what i got from the mechanic/service advisor:

1. 6 hours labor required which will cost me $500+

2. No warranty for the work since i am bringing my own parts

3. In "his opinion", the Tokico Illuminas shocks will NOT be a direct fit on my car if i keep the factory/OEM springs. He suggests that i should install "some" after market springs if i want these Illumina shocks to fit/work correctly. Otherwise, some cutting and modifications may be required. ?!?!?! Does this make any sense?? I thought that Illuminas are DIRECT fit on 2003 Maxima SE.

4. He recommended that i should replace another $300+ worth of parts while i am doing the shocks.....new strut/shock bearings, rubber stops, etc . Does this make sense and what exactly do i need to get for my 100k miles old Maxima??
I have no suspension issues (except rough & bouncy ride) with the car as it is.

What do you think about this list of items i have above? I am especially concerned with items 3 and 4. Let me know....

Thank you!

pbn85

iTrader: (8)

1- 2-3 hours MAX..eventhough 3 may be pushing it

2- I guess

3- Bullsh1t...its a perfect fit if you get the right application...and it looks like you did

4- not sure about 4

But I am sure when I say to take it to another mechanic

jeff5347

Agree totally,
1. I replaced my springs and reused the shocks and struts and took me 2 hours total. I do my own work and did it at my Dads garage so i had use of a lift and power tools. So 6 hours maybe if he is on Crack.
2. Warranty thing BS also. No warranty on if the shocks and struts work but on his workmanship hell yea. What if he forgets to put a bolt or nut in somewhere to hold the strut to the lower control arm and you get in an accident because of this. The lawyer would have a fun time making the mechanic responsible.
3. Dont know have stocks
4. Just looking to make money. Reuse what u have unless it is visably damaged. You said that there are no noises or issues so why fix what isnt broken?

Go to a couple places and get quotes and talk to them. My father is a mechanic and would not replace stuff if there was nothing wrong just to make a buck. There are good trustworthy mechanics and then the shady suckers. shop just like you were buying a car or a tv.

Bufflomike

1. 3 hours max.
2. Illumina will warranty them. Your mechanic is an ***.
3. If you bought the correct year they are OEM replacements. Many do buy springs for the lower stance and sport handling, but stock springs are fine.
4. The bump staops would come with a spring kit, but the stock ones should be fine. Many do replace the strut bearings, but it is not $300.


GO TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC!!! NOW

jeff5347

Buffalomike,
Damn with the Avatar. Holy ta ta's. LOL More pics

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

find a local orger...that guy is a fraud.

jeff5347

Id do it for ya if ya lived in Mass.

dansmax2003

iTrader: (7)

Thank you for all your replies. Just like i thought....this guy is worthless.
I think that i will do the job myself. I'm sure that i'll find half a day on a weekend to do it all and save some $$ on the labor.

Btw....do i absolutely need to do an alligment after i'm done with the strut/shock replacement??? The "mechanic" highly recommended it.

Thank you!

SilverGLE

iTrader: (21)

You will need an alignment after you change them out... Allow a good solid day (took me over 12 hours changing struts on my Camry with hand tools and PITA bolts, going extra slow).

Yeah, and your "mechanic" needs to go to a new line of work, like everyone else said!

Stardust

iTrader: (10)

You may want to consider replacing the strut mounts (~$50ea. from Dave Burnette) when replacing the struts with that many miles on them. The BS plastic bearing will either be broken or break during disassembly.

Lontar1

iTrader: (5)

drive to Florida... and I'll do them for FREE... then you can go and meet Mickey

SilverGLE

iTrader: (21)

If nothing else, replace the bellows/bumpstops. Advance Auto Parts sells universal ones for about $15/each.

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

yes your mechanic is a dumb ***. trying to take advantage of you. at the most it will cost 300 bucks for a all 4 strut replacement. you might need new strut mounts, but you dont have to. just get new strut bearings.

and yes it is a direct OEM placement. its performance struts, but they are factory fit. no modifications needed.
other than that try to do your own work, its not hard, it just takes alot of time. or take it to some where else.

Jess

iTrader: (33)

I paid $300 for all struts/springs installed along with an alignment. So what you were quoted is just WAY too much.

Now I'd rather have a friend help out. It's not too hard just a few hours with help. Just need to rent a few tools if you don't have em

Save that $$$ and use it on better things!

SilverGLE

iTrader: (21)

Eibachs: $230
Illuminas: $450
Random Replacement Parts: $100
Alignment: $50
Experience: Priceless

Stardust

iTrader: (10)

Replacing bumpstops is pointless with stock springs

Gle03Max

You guys are correct on just about everything, but as far as warrenty goes.....just about any shop you bring your own parts to will not offer any kind of warrenty.

Way too over priced tho.