mwbres

Well, I didn't see anything on shocks in any of the sticky posts or FAQs. I'm a little intimidated by the threats to delete posts, so I hope this one doesn't get deleted.

Here's my situation: Bought my 2004 I35 last December because it had a killer close-out price and I really liked my old 99 Maxima. From day one, the rear suspension has bounced around and literally bottomed on highway undulations. It's OK with 1-2 people in the car, but gets bad as you add back seat passengers, and TERRIBLE with backseat passengers and luggage. Even at >100K miles, my old Maxima didn't do this. Infiniti has shrugged their shoulders and said, "Oh well, that's the way they all are."

Anyway, I'm hoping the problem can be corrected by better shocks, like adjustable Tokicos or Konis. Any suggestions here? And will I get into trouble if I change only the rears?

Thanks.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

Adjustable Tokico Illuminas would probably be your best bet. That way you can tune them to your liking. You won't have any trouble if you change just the rears.

Additionally, there is a TSB for the '02 on the rear suspension bottoming out:
http://www.infinitihelp.com/Ownershi.../ITB02-032.htm

I looked under 2004 and it's not listed though. However, perhaps ordering the springs mentioned in the TSB and changing them at the same time as the struts might help (As well as there's no extra labor involved at the time).

mwbres

John,

Thanks for the info. That's the exact problem I'm having. I wonder if mine already has the replacement springs? I will print the bulletin and take it with me next time I go to the dealer.

How is your Sport model different from other I30s? Is it similar to the T model? In 2004, I beleive they only made one I35 model.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

Yeah, I think the sport package was dropped for '04. It was available in '02-03.

Differences...VDC, 8 spoke wheels, firmer rear suspension, sideskirts, sport floormats, and maybe (can't remember for sure on this) leather shift **** and leather steering wheel (no wood trim).

Also, since the TSB isn't listed for '04, they may have switched to the improved springs already. A sure way to check would be to call up a dealer and ask for the part #s on your OEM '04 springs and compare them to the part # for the replacement springs in the TSB.

mwbres

I'll do that. One more question: Tokico doesn't list an Illumina rear shock for the 2000-2004 I30/I35, but they do list the BU2943 for 2000-2003 Maxima. These should fit my car, right?

n3985

iTrader: (36)

The 2002-2003 Maxima is mechanically same as the I35.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

If you want a stock-like ride but slightly better performance, you could try to find a set of the sport/touring springs to swap in while you are replacing the struts. If you do not plan to lower the car, you could save some money and just get Tokico HP struts.

Also, look around in the regional forum for your area and see if anyopne is willing to help you do the install. It will run you $100+ for 30-45 minutes of labor. The shop will charge an arm and a leg for what can be done in the garage in less than an hour.

Safedriver

I had a strut problem with my 01 I30. I replaced the stock leaking struts with Tokico Illuminas. They are usually very expensive, about $550 on line. Professional installation is even more expensive. The earlier suggestion to find someone in your area from Maxima.org is a good one. The dealer may charge $600 to $900.
The advantage of the Illuminas is that you can adjust the struts to your liking with no futher labor charge. If you buy the HPs you are stuck with what you get the first time.
In my case the car was wallowing at high speed undulations on Nevada highways. The rear does bottom too easily. The latest Iluminas have a spring wrap on the rear to help with the bottoming.

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

Do you mean that the rear tokico springs have a wrap, or that the rear illumina struts have a spring isloator pad?

mwbres

I spoke with Infiniti customer service yesterday about my problem. She said even though there is no TSB on my 04 model, the dealer service dept should contact Infiniti's tech support people for help. She said no way they should have told me there was nothing they could do.

I have an appt with the dealer Monday, so we'll see what happens. I'm taking that 01/02 TSB with me, because it described my problem exactly. Maybe I won't have to spend anything, and can add some aftermarket shocks at a later date.

mwbres

The service advisor just called to say my rear springs are the same P/N as the replacement springs specified in the TSB for the 2001/2002 models. Because they have nothing left to try, they will replace the springs anyway. The only way this will work is if my current springs are bad or mis-marked. (Or maybe they're not being entirely truthful, although I don't know what that would gain them.) We'll see what happens when I pick it up tomorrow.

At least they gave me a G35 loaner, which is like my I35 on steroids! That thing is a rocket ship and the handling is sports car-like. However, the rear seat works only for children and small adults, so it wouldn't be very good for taking business clients to lunch.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

Glad to hear they're taking some action regardless. Be sure to post back and let us know what if anything happened.

As for the G35, I have to agree. Though I will add that from a stop my I "feels" faster than the G. I think it has to do with having one less gear though. I also really can't stand the interior in the G.

mwbres

I don't know what year the loaner is, but I like it better than the one I had earlier this year. Maybe it's an 06 and they made some interior changes?

I think it's faster than my I35 because of the lower first gear, not to mention more HP. Its real hallmark, however, is handling. I've read where its body structure is stiffer than just about any sedan on the market. If it were just 5% larger, I think I'd love it!

Hmmm, maybe an M35 is the way to go. Since my wife likes my car, maybe I can get an M35 when they start to hit the used car market, especially if they have Q45-like resale value.

MetaOrbit

iTrader: (19)

The M35 is VERY nice. My dad just got one literally, a week ago. Handles remarkably well for a car of its size and weight and feels as though it has plenty of power. I love driving it. And the interior and amenities...well I could go on forever about those.

Doogy

great thread! thanks for the info. I found this site while doing a Google search on how to change my 2002 I35 shocks. It seems like a wealth of info, and when i hit 15 posts, plan on going on the regional sub-forum to solicit help in changing them out. thanks all!

jglaw

Ugh, brought back a 6 year old thread...

Doogy

yup, but the information in it is priceless to those of us needing it.

jglaw

Yes and you had no useful information to add so you should've read it, used it, and left it. Just general forum courtesies.