cpuguy06

iTrader: (3)

I had this posted in the advanced suspension thread and I realized it was in the wrong place...

I have been noticing my rear suspension bottoming out more and more and with fewer and fewer people sitting back there. I recently upgraded my subs with some newer heavier 10" subs and a little bit bigger box. Now I notice that with only one person back there the rear end seems to bottom out really easily and on small bumps that it never used to before. Is there a test or something that I can do to see if I need to replace the rear struts? I have 106k on these struts...is it time to replace em? Or is this normal behavior because of the extra weight with the subs and the box? Thanks in advance!

RLW001

iTrader: (11)

106K? I would say your struts probably need replacement, but your springs have more to do with the bottoming out.

ghostrider17

iTrader: (6)

Assume it's still OEM struts and Springs??

106k would likely mean it's time to stop spending $$$ on Subs & Amps, and put some back into the ride, cochise.

Either that, or get skinnier friends.

gr

Unklejoe

iTrader: (6)

Does the car feel like it's bouncing excessively?

byrdman164

iTrader: (4)

Classification:
RA02-004

Reference:
NTB02-056

Date:
May 7, 2002

2001-2002 MAXIMA REAR SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT
APPLIED VEHICLES:
2001-2002 Maxima (A33) - GXE and GLE Trim Levels ONLY

SERVICE INFORMATION
If, while driving an applied model under the following conditions:
^over bumps or dips in the road and
^with the vehicle loaded (4-5 occupants and/or heavy load in the cargo area) the rear suspension compresses fully, or "bottoms out";

See the Service Procedure in this bulletin to install replacement rear springs which are now available to minimize this symptom, if it should occur.
NOTE :This repair may not eliminate such incidents under all driving circumstances or loads which might occur. Refer to the F.M.V.S.S. (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) certification label, located on the driver's side lock pillar, for Gross (maximum) Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR).

SERVICE PROCEDURE
1.Test drive the vehicle under the conditions described above to confirm symptom.
2.Install replacement rear springs to the rear right and left sides of the vehicle. See the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin for detail.
See the vehicle appropriate Electronic Service Manual (ESM) - SECTION SU/FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION/COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER/Removal and Installation - for details on spring removal and installation procedures.
3.Repeat step 1 to confirm the symptom has been reduced.


PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION


See if maybe that helps ya? I pulled it up for my car, 2002 GLE. I'm not sure what car you have, but maybe that'll give you some insight on your situation (btw, i pulled that from alldata)

phatboislim

iTrader: (27)

my oem struts were still good and i had more than 106k on them

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

Since the bottoming out has gotten worse over time, that says your struts have worn out. The TSB about the springs is good information, because springs normally take a long, long time to wear out. Definitely replace the struts and maybe do the springs too as they aren't terribly expensive.

Col Ronson

i have this bouncing problem, but i dont have enough money yet. im saving up for some tokico illuminas struts and shocks. but im thinking of saving up for some new springs too because they look a little crusty if you know what i mean.

does anyone else recommend anything else besides OEM??

cpuguy06

iTrader: (3)

Yea, I've recently come across some money to do something with the suspension, hence the creation of the thread. Thinking about H&R with Tokico Blues, but I don't really want a crappy ride. Anyone have that setup? Are Tokico Blues are a good OEM replacement strut? Anyone know of a good replacement spring?

EDIT: Still OEM struts and springs all around. Struts up front were replaced about 6k ago. Its an 02 GLE so the TSB mentioned would apply to my vehicle.

knight_yyz

iTrader: (40)

If you walk to the back or your car, put your weight on the bumper and push down hard, does it bounce a few times or just come up to ride height and settle? If it's bouncy it's your shocks. If not then you need stronger springs. BTY blues or gr2's are OEM equivalent

cpuguy06

iTrader: (3)

I realize that blues are OEM strut replacement. Does anyone know of OEM replacement springs? Or are they cheap enough from Dave Burnette that it doesn't matter?

d-schist

I have 107K on my 2002 I35 and if i put even one person in the back seat it bottoms out very often. When i bought the car 30K miles and a little over one year ago, I could haul 4 other people around no problem. Fixing to buy some blues and maxspeeds and be done with it.

cpuguy06

iTrader: (3)

Sounds good except I heard maxspeeds have pretty nasty ride. Dunno if anyone can attest to this. Or how H&R with Tokico Blues ride compared to stock...

d-schist

i have heard that about maxspeeds too but ive also heard many good reviews as well, so i don't know what to believe lol

byrdman164

iTrader: (4)

I'm running H&R's in the front with Tokico Illumina struts set on 2 for now. The ride quality isn't bad at all and feels almost like it's not even lowered. But then again, any ride is better than two blown struts...still waiting on the rear struts to put my springs in the rear...they've been on backorder for who knows how long.

cpuguy06

iTrader: (3)

Just called Dave B yesterday and ordered OEM rear springs and struts. According to Dave there is a TSB on the rear springs as mentioned earlier in this thread and there is a new part number on the rear OEM struts.

PTNR

iTrader: (2)

how much did that run you?

maximadave

iTrader: (10)

your Max is probably exception to the rule

edgar5453

iTrader: (1)

I have Eibach springs(1 inch drop) and Illuminas which are adjustable struts. I have a SE so i lean on to more the sporty side of things, and i was looking for something with more control. Although i sacraficed a little comfort, compared to OEM it's a little more rough, i gained a lot of control and confidence in handling. The struts, springs, and strut boots(mine shredded after only 85000 miles) it totaled about $800. FYI The only time i bottom out is after having 3 people in the back and hitting a fairly big bump.

cpuguy06

iTrader: (3)

About $420 bucks.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Springs don't wear out.