...plus 75,000 mile service: $1900?

This is crazy expensive! How difficult are these things to do myself?

The fuel pump on my car has been getting noisy lately so I mentioned it when I took it in for service. Of course, they suggest I replace it.

 

Do this yourself. Not to difficult if you got some tools, time, and beer.

 

Fuel pump is easy. Removing the fuel pump is part of the process to replace the fuel filter. Search for some write ups to replace the fuel filter.

 

Strut boots are easy. But while you're in there you should definitely take a look at the mounts in the front too.

Where are you located?

 

Pepboys wanted $650 just to swap out struts and springs with the new ones i provide. Said no thanks, and did it myself. Max one hour per side.

 

Pep boys sucks!!! they messed up my cavalier on an oil change! A freakin oil change! And even selling parts to them sucks, cause they never want to pay! Not a pep boys fan.

 

I'm in San Diego. I could do it myself, I have the tools and the garage.

What's a good aftermarket strut/shock that offers similar performance to the OEM without giving me a harsh ride? I figure I might as well replace the struts/shocks if I'm taking them off to replace the boots. They are all original so they could probably use replacing.

 

If you're not lowering, I'd go with Tokico Blues. Other members are also partial to the KYB's.

 

Yeah, I'm not interested in lowering. Just want to improve the handling as much as possible yet keep the ride qualities or improve it.

 

Fuel pump is definitely a DYI if your a handyman and good at taking parts out. I got the Denso one for $100.

 

I'm definitely handy at wrenching. I've removed the forks on my motorcycle and reworked them myself along with numerous other auto repair projects over the years (replacing shocks, brake jobs, exhaust systems-including headers) so this would be no trouble as long as it doesn't involve dropping the tank. Is the Denso one a direct replacement for the OEM pump? No modifications? I've looked online and I see various pumps that say they are the same as OEM but they all look VASTLY different.

 

Okay, I checked out my strut boots and they are falling apart. So, I'm thinking at 75,000 miles I should probably replace them and I was toying with the idea of replacing the struts with KYB GR-2 struts. I was thinking of Tokico Illuminas but they are quite a bit more expensive and honestly I just want to keep the ride as comfortable as possible and have decent handling. It's a 4 door sedan and I'm not looking to make it into a race car nor do I have any desire to dial in my suspension.

 

Good plan. You can also look into Tokico Blues. I believe theres a group deal going on for both.

Honestly, if you're going to be doing the job, get a pair of front strut mounts as well.

 

Most performance shops will do that for $200-$300!Why not just man-up, and DIY?

 

While replacing the struts you should probably replace the strut mounts also. All I hear is stories about noise coming from those.

Moog would be my choice. Usually better quality than OEM. They have strut boots also.

And if you are going to do the fuel pump I would also do the fuel filter. I know that they are considered lifetime units, but everyone on the Forum that has changed theirs have been happy with the results.

 

I need to pick up a repair manual. How hard is it to replace the fuel pump?

Freaking dealership wanted $700 for that...

 

There's definitely a DIY floating around here, I've seen it before.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...up-thread.html

 

Do u know a place that will replace struts and strut mount in san diego for reasonable price? I m not good with repairs and dont have any tools either.

Jules, How much did it cost to get GR-2s and strut mounts?

 

Wow. No one mentioned the seasonal fuel pump noise? Perfectly normal for them to start growling once ambient air temps heat up.