| Doombringer |
I noticed something last night. I may have missed it all along, but...
Has anyone noticed that the ride of their MO gets more harsh as the miles add on? I'm up to 12,500 miles and I swear it seems the ride is more stiff than ever before.
What factors influence ride quality other than the obvious ones? My tires are at 33 PSI cold, around 36 PSI when hot. They've always been that way. |
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| Tyler_Canada |
| I've noticed the cold weather makes the suspension stiffer. |
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| Kris |
I am getting quite opposite feeling..............I think the suspension is getting softer now (11K miles).............but that again I just might to compare it to FX...........
anyway, sometime I wish I got SE...............I think we are just getting used to certain things......... |
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| Doombringer |
| It might be the cold weather. I think it also has to do with the road I was on. It was nice and smooth a few months ago and now it is much more bumpy and pothole-y. |
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| Tyler_Canada |
| Yeah, with all the switching between really warm and really cold this winter, the roads around here are cracked and heaved really badly. |
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| urbanias |
| Cold weather is definately a factor. -7 F. degrees this morning. The ride was so harsh that I could barely hang on to my coffee cup without it sloshing all over the place. Should have had a cover on it. And this was on relatively smooth roads. When it's that cold, the whole car responds to minor imperfections and tar cracks in the roadway. |
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| stonemaster |
I've thought of several factors that make for a harsher ride in cold weather here in Chicago. This comes from my experience with my other cars, but I have just started noticing the same effects in the MO, too.
1- Tires - Unless you're running snow tires, the rubber in the tires gets harder in colder temperatures so they lose some shock absorbing ability.
2- Shocks get stiffer - The juice that runs in the shocks gets more viscous in the cold and as a result, the shocks do not do their job as well. The liquid does get warmed by use (during driving if you go over a lot of bumps) but the shocks still may not ride like they do in warmer temps.
3- Springs get stiffer - Cold can increase the spring rate in the coils to some extent which may result in a harder ride.
4- Seat padding - Cold weather also makes the seat padding (which contains viscoelastic foam of some type) somewhat harder until it warms up. I notice that I ride higher in the seat when I initially get into the vehicle (I can tell by the aim of the rear view mirror). Then as the seat warms up, things get back to normal height. A harder seat will make the ride feel harder.
So you can see that the whole contact path - from the road (tires), through the suspension, through the seat itself, to your butt - gets stiffer as the temps get colder (hopefully not your butt, of course).
Just some personal observations. Wish I could drive to Florida to check them out for sure. :) |
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| CVeeT |
I feel the same, and I thought I'm imagining things.
Instead of driving to Florida, some flMOridians could confirm if their rides have stayed the same over time. That should eliminate this temp factor out of the equation. |
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| XOC |
| It would be a lot more fun to have a MO Jamboree in Florida! :roadtrip: |
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| stonemaster |
It's a whole SIX FREAKIN' DEGREES (F) outside :13: !! And that's the high for today! I think a stiff butt IS part of the problems* I'm all for a Florida Bash!!
(*see last message) |
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| jaak |
Glad I don't live in Chicagoland.... OH no... We get your weather a day later! Ahhhhh..
One solution for a cold Murano, is a garage. I notice a big difference in the ride if I'm coming out of my garage vs. parking it outside in this weather....
:9: :17: |
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| hfelknor |
Have not noticed any change in the ride down here in Sunny Fla.
You wouldn't have liked it down here today. It was a brisk 70 degrees.
It's supposed to warm up next week. I can hardly wait.
The other thing that changes the ride characteristics are the Bushings. I have no idea what Nissan uses these days.
But my 77 Z car used soft rubber bushings and those got harder with age and temperature.
I went to Urethane.
Homer |
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| jpburk |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
You wouldn't have liked it down here today. It was a brisk 70 degrees.
It's supposed to warm up next week.
I'd rather be in Homer's end of the state. Here in North Central Florida, we were in the 50s today and are expected to get down to 25 or so tonight. Waaaaayyyyyy too cold for me!
I haven't noticed any difference in the ride of the Murano with the cold temps (relatively speaking) that we've been having. I usually keep my tires inflated to 33 and find that they're down to 29 when I first start the car in the morning.
Jeff |
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| rugiles |
| Way out here in frozen so. cal. It was cold sitting out in the patio of a favorite Santa Barbara restaurant, in a short sleeve shirt. I had to ask the waiter to move the umbrella so the sun could warm us up. I have not noticed the suspension stiffing up. maybe I can check tonight I think it is supposed to get down into the low 50's high 40's. I forgot to mention it was at a beautiful golf course. Sorry I mentioned that. |
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| Sassafras |
| I've noticed a difference but thought it was just me imagining things. I do need to check the tire pressure though with the freezing weather we've been having. Will do that tomorrow. |
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| Eric L. |
| Has anyone noticed that in very cold temperatures, when the engine is still cold, there is a noticeable growl when you accelerate? It goes away when the engine warms up to operating temperature. I kind of blame it on the cold weather, but I wonder why the growl is present! Not that I don't like it, it reminds me of how a VQ with a cone intake sounds like. |
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| Tyler_Canada |
| I've noticed it. Hear it every day, these days. I don't particularily like it, but I don't mind it. I wonder if it is caused by the exhaust being cold, or something else. |
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| stonemaster |
I hear it, too. Can only speculate that the engine fluids (oils) are very viscous from being cold and you're hearing/feeling the noise from rotating and reciprocating engine parts moving (slapping, churning, winding, etc.) through the thick fluid. And who knows how the lubrication flows through the CVT? Just a theory.
I've also noticed a LOT of steam coming from the exhaust, too. It's enough to steam up the rear and side windows sometimes. I know it's supposed to go away after the engine and exhaust system warm up, but that's not happening with this vehicle. It happens even in the 30's. Do you think this engine/catalytic/muffler system generates that much moisture? I don't smell any anti-freeze in the steam which might indicate a head leak. |
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| jaak |
You guys have no idea how sad I am for you...
It's going to be 17 tomorrow!!! Oh, wait, that's -17 C... Never mind...:D |
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| Kris |
I feel sorry for you jaak! -17 C.............nop, i really prefer palm trees:D
but then again next week it is off to Toronto.........brrrrrrrrr............hope that somebody ordered the right (southern!) weather!:) |
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| senza |
The CVT operates fine in very cold weather...high -20's / low -40's last few weeks...until it warms up, the CVT won't allow the torque converter to lock up so revs stay up for a while....runs smooth/quiet .
...the exhaust fog build up in back window area extreme....a problem caused by the nice styling, exhaust outlets come straight out the back, and that "2nd muffler" seems to load up with condensation pretty bad....I think I'll try drilling a few small holes at the low point of the muffler to try and drain off some condensation.. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by senza
The CVT operates fine in very cold weather...high -20's / low -40's last few weeks...until it warms up, the CVT won't allow the torque converter to lock up so revs stay up for a while....runs smooth/quiet .
...the exhaust fog build up in back window area extreme....a problem caused by the nice styling, exhaust outlets come straight out the back, and that "2nd muffler" seems to load up with condensation pretty bad....I think I'll try drilling a few small holes at the low point of the muffler to try and drain off some condensation..
Drilling a hole in your muffler will make your exhaust louder, and it probably won't be a good loud. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by stonemaster
I hear it, too. Can only speculate that the engine fluids (oils) are very viscous from being cold and you're hearing/feeling the noise from rotating and reciprocating engine parts moving (slapping, churning, winding, etc.) through the thick fluid. And who knows how the lubrication flows through the CVT? Just a theory.
I've also noticed a LOT of steam coming from the exhaust, too. It's enough to steam up the rear and side windows sometimes. I know it's supposed to go away after the engine and exhaust system warm up, but that's not happening with this vehicle. It happens even in the 30's. Do you think this engine/catalytic/muffler system generates that much moisture? I don't smell any anti-freeze in the steam which might indicate a head leak.
I use Mobil One synthetic, and it flows very well when cold, so I do not think thick oil is the source of the noise. It is most likely parts that are cold have contracted and rubbing against each other (by that I mean like exhaust components). Perhaps the engine mounts (which are liquid filled and electronically controlled I believe) do not work as well when its cold. |
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| rugiles |
| Does anyone have info. if KYB AGX is available for our beloved Murano's yet? |
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| rugiles |
When I have a heavy load (A few Mt bikes on the hitch, gear and fellow riders) the back ends seems to bottom out easly and if I don't slow down over moderate dips it can be harsh. I traded in a Pathfinder with Rancho 5000's and tehy never botttomed but they were too stiff. What is the best way to eliminate or reduce this? stiffer springs? Upgrade shocks? or Both?
03 MO SL Super Black, HID's, Leather. Sunroof w/deflector, |
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| Eric L. |
| The sagging is usually caused by weak springs, and the bottoming out by weak shocks. The Murano has a carryover suspension setup from the Altima, perhaps a bit stiffer to make up for the weight, but its not a truck setup. As such, it will sag if you load up the back too much. Personally I would wait until KYB AGXs are available for the Murano before looking at any other options. It might be a few years though. |
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| rugiles |
Thanks Eric.
I emailed KYB yesterday and said there are alot of people on our forum waiting for the AGX for our MO. I think if we get a good number of us to show there is demand they will make it. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by rugiles
Thanks Eric.
I emailed KYB yesterday and said there are alot of people on our forum waiting for the AGX for our MO. I think if we get a good number of us to show there is demand they will make it.
Well not burst your bubble, but I don't think this message board alone can create enough demand for KYB to make a Murano application. But, I guess you never know, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed as well! |
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| hfelknor |
I just think that a lot of people who are sick and tired of rattles will likely NOT go for a stiffer suspension.
I know I have no interest.
IMHO the MO would fall completely apart with stiffer suspension.
Homer |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
I just think that a lot of people who are sick and tired of rattles will likely NOT go for a stiffer suspension.
I know I have no interest.
IMHO the MO would fall completely apart with stiffer suspension.
Homer
I wish you were wrong........lost hope.........:( |
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| rugiles |
To all who are interested. I got a reply from a project manager at KYB. here is his email reply. He is asking for someone in either Chicago or Houston who can bring the MO by and have him look at it or test drive. It might not turn out into something but it is a start.
Russ,
If you have someone in the Chicago or Houston area, have them call me. I
haven't driven one yet. I have been watching vehicle registrations to see
when to look at testing. It is still probably awhile yet. AGX is
questionable, due to my current lack of study time for the application.
Tim Oldiges
KYB America LLC
Product Manager
630-620-5555
E-Mail timkyb@attglobal.net |
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| stonemaster |
I met with Tim from KYB, today to have him check out my MO. He took a look under the wheel wells at all four corners to check-out the strut set-up, then we went for a pretty extensive test drive. We hit bumpy roads, took some quick turns, and did some hard braking. He commented that the vehicle handled well (very little sway in turns and almost no nose-diving on braking). He liked the ride (I have an SL) and compared it to a Durango (not too soft nor too harsh).
He is going to bring his observations back to KYB's engineers and hopefully they will [eventually] begin development of a set of KYB shocks for the Murano. We may have to wait awhile since the carline is pretty new and the demand for new shocks may not realistically arise for a few years (but ya' never know!). He said he will keep me updated on any future developments. |
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| rugiles |
You the Man!!
It is the 1st step to at least one mod. Now if we can get others to check out our MO's.:2: |
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| rugiles |
| I emailed Tim at KYB last week. He replied that the project has shifted to their engineers in Japan. He said the Murano is selling well and that could be good for us. he didn't have any timelines as to when we might see something. |
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| dmako |
| Thanks for the update.... there's hope. |
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| Tyler_Canada |
| It would be good to have a set of aftermarket shocks available, as there are already 2 different aftermarket spring kits available. |
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| tech22 |
| Yeah figure out a way to soften up suspension which will increase body roll. Always a good idea for any SUV. Guess you all like roll overs. See you on the flip side(literally), morons. |
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| HwnMurano |
My MO SE's ride has been pretty much the same old stock sporty stiffness since I bought it a few weeks ago. The temp has been in the range of 80 to 89 degrees as we move into another Hawaiian Summer. Man, from reading some of these threads I must say that I'm real "sheltered" over here. I've never driven in temperatures that were less than 55 to 60 degrees, and have never driven in snow or icy roads.
As with a previous poster, I did notice that my tires' psi range from 33 psi when cold, to 36 psi when hot. |
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| rugiles |
I send an email to the Project Manager for KYB today and here is his response. We might actually get to upgrade our suspensions next year.
Russ,
I have asked our Japan engineering dept to plan the Murano for 2005, versus 2006. I have not seen anything come in lately to update our R&D road test schedule. Thanks for checking in.
Tim Oldiges
Product Manager
KYB America LLC
630-620-5555 X45
tim@kyb.com
:D |
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| Eric L. |
| This is great news! |
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| rugiles |
I emailed the product manager for KYB asking for a status update on getting upgraded shocks for the MO. Here is his answer. If anyone knows someone in Chicago with a Titan you can contact him directly.
Russ,
No prototype info yet on Murano. I do have the Titan units (2WD & 4WD)
arriving the end of this week. Know anyone in Chicago area. We provide the protos at no cost. I pay the labor, and will be present during install to photo.
Tim Oldiges
>Product Manager
>KYB America LLC
>630-620-5555 X45
>tim@kyb.com |
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| dmako |
| Why Titan before Murano? Dosn't make sense to me, would think KYB shocks are more for how do I say it, handling vehicles not trucks. |
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| mattsmurano |
Murano has much stiffer factory shocks than Titan. Titan is heavier and a "truck". Trucks have more demand for aftermarket parts and accessories.
The law of supply and demand takes control here.... |
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| dmako |
True, but on the other hand that market is saturated by manufactures such as Rancho, Rough country, SkyJacker, etc.
One would of hoped they would go for the nitch market, i.e. Murano. |
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| stonemaster |
When I met with Russ, he said the number one driving factor for aftermarket shock development and production is vehicle sales. So a vehicle like an F-150 will get more priority than our Murano (it's probably got the highest priority of all vehicles, for that matter).
KYB makes shocks for all sorts of vehicles: on-road/off-road, cars/trucks/vans/etc., normal/performance, heavy duty (commercial)/light duty (consumer), and on and on. They also OEM shocks to some manufacturers (as do most of the other shock absorber companies). So they don't only make performance shocks. However, the quality of their shocks, overall, is better than the competition no matter what the application.
As for the Titan vs. Murano, I can only speculate that the commercial sales of the Titan is what's driving the development and production. Plain and simple: Titans are outselling Muranos (see www.nissannews.com). Team that with [perhaps] the shorter life of their shocks in commercial or off-road usage, and/or the need for heavier duty shocks in those markets, and the Titan's priority goes way up.
The Murano is, after all, designed to be a street-only SUV. The frequency of shock replacement is going to be low since the vehicle isn't designed to be driven off-road or commericially. It is going to be awhile before a profitable number of the current Muranos on the road need new shocks.
Unfortunately, the demands of aficionados (like us folks in this forum) are not enough to drive up their priortity on Murano shock development.
He did say that they would eventually put our model into development when the time is right and we may be the first to know! |
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| mattsmurano |
Being a automotive parts retailer myself; I have noticed that things that I think will do well sometimes don't always. I have a fair amount of experience seeing which ones, and why aftermarket items are profitable.
Unfortunately, it seems that most Murano owners are like my mother. They are satisfied with the factory shock valving.
I am not, but I think they are a bit too stiff for an SUV; not needing to be firmer. If I was after a car for "handeling" I think I would shift over to a coupe; something low to the ground; that is designed to handeling.
My guess is that the customer demand for firmer shocks (for the Murano) is just not high enough for sales gross to overcome development and tooling cost. |
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| mattsmurano |
| I would be THRILLED if someone would come out with a driver adjustable shock that would go from softer-than-factory to firmer-than-factory. I would be the first customer if it happened. There definately are times that I want a smoother ride, and DEFINATELY times that I want that "go-cart" handeling. Hince my 295/45R20 tires.... |
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| dmako |
| Too bad parts arn't more interchangable in the sense of say the Altama and the Murano. Bet KYB has shocks for the Altama. |
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| jaycen29 |
| what about adjustable air ride suspension. That would be cool. |
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| mattsmurano |
Adjustable air ride? Did he say?
Allready in the works on mine. Custom... |
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| GripperDon |
| How is the adjustable Air Ride comming along? Grip :D |
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