| framan |
| Has anyone changed the struts to ones a little softer? If so how did it work out? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by framan
Has anyone changed the struts to ones a little softer? If so how did it work out?
framan -
I do not believe softer struts are available for the MO.
-njjoe |
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| Eric L. |
The S and SL owners will shoot me for saying this, but if you have an SE, you can swap to S or SL suspension parts (springs/struts) for a softer ride. Might be pricey unless you can find an S/SL owner willing to swap.
Keep in mind that as your vehicle ages, the struts will weaken and the ride will become softer. |
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| WrenchGremlin |
| I'm at 106K miles and the struts need to be replaced. I have an '03 SL AWD and I looked into OEM replacement parts. For the springs, there are 2 different spring part no, one for FWD and another for AWD, SE and SL share the same springs. The struts is where there is a differentiation between SL and SE, at least both are the same price. Since my driving is rather aggressive, I'm going with the SE struts. The rear shocks are the same for all models, I'll probably replace those too and while I'm at it put some new tie-rod ends on for good measure. That should tighten up the MO to like new. |
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| Eric L. |
Interesting. Nissan claims firmer springs/struts/shocks all around for SE, so I wonder if thats really true now. I do know from the 03 parts list page I picked up off ebay, they show different parts numbers for SE springs/struts/shocks, but the differences are probably minor.
The FSM shows the SE riding 1mm lower than the SL, so the springs (which determine ride height) are definitely different.
I would not be surprised by differences in suspension pieces for FWD vs AWD either, since Nissan often does the same thing for automatic vs manual (I found this out for my Maxima). |
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| TopazM3 |
I replaced my struts and shocks with KYB GR2 units. Car had 54K on it. KYB is the OEM. They may have the same valving as SL or some compromise between the two. They feel fine. When I went to get it aligned, there was a RX300 getting new struts.... same GR2s. Valving can be different, but the outside looks the same.
As to 100K miles, shocks are generally significantly compromised in 15- 25K miles. That doesn't necessarily mean nonfunctional; but noticeably less effective. This is not a WAG, it is determined on shock dynos. Lack of adequate damping of the movement of the unsprung wheel/ tire/suspension mass degrades ride, also.
BTW, I posted about getting Avon ST tires a coupla weeks ago. They seem like excellent tires thus far. |
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| mgthe3 |
quote:
[i] and while I'm at it put some new tie-rod ends on for good measure. That should tighten up the MO to like new. [/B]
Excellent, something most folks don't think about. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by TopazM3
I replaced my struts and shocks with KYB GR2 units. Car had 54K on it. KYB is the OEM. They may have the same valving as SL or some compromise between the two. They feel fine. When I went to get it aligned, there was a RX300 getting new struts.... same GR2s. Valving can be different, but the outside looks the same.
As to 100K miles, shocks are generally significantly compromised in 15- 25K miles. That doesn't necessarily mean nonfunctional; but noticeably less effective. This is not a WAG, it is determined on shock dynos. Lack of adequate damping of the movement of the unsprung wheel/ tire/suspension mass degrades ride, also.
BTW, I posted about getting Avon ST tires a coupla weeks ago. They seem like excellent tires thus far.
Where did you get them from? I checked various sites and there is nothing for Murano... |
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| hfelknor |
"Where did you get them from? I checked various sites and there is nothing for Murano..."
I think that's a good question, Kris.
I only checked one site, but they oughta know.
http://www.kyb.com/catalog/2006_passenger_car.pdf
Nothing, nada, zilch for the Murano.
Homer |
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| Kris |
Why I asked – I have been having strange vibrations problems with my Murano lately. I think it started after the new tires were installed. A road force balancing did helped for a few thousands of miles but I can feel it now again. It is the “body” vibration, not so much steering wheel. My suspicions are rear wheels out of balance or shocks/struts. Murano is 3.4 years old with 65k miles and I have to say I am very sensitive to any “abnormality”. I can feel almost minute changes in car behavior. Reading some of the posts I thought that changing struts/shocks would be a good idea. I do feel car is “loose” now and suspension is not as “dumped” as it used to.
Any suggestions? |
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| mgthe3 |
Cupping on tires is usually caused by dead shocks. The tire tends to bounce a few times rapidly after encountering a bump. I have actually seen this many times on cars in front of me. The cups tend to make the tire even bounce more in a rythmic cycle causing a sensation of a tire or wheel out of balance. It is self feeding and pretty obvious if you look at the tire close enough.
It's a thought, that's all. |
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| Eric L. |
| Kris - properly functioning struts/shocks should rebound any up and down motion in just one damped movement (no bouncing). Bouncing is a sure sign you've got worn out struts/shocks. If thats what you are feeling in the rear axle, check the shocks back there to see if they are leaking oil. |
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| Kris |
Just checked the tires – left rear seem to have some cupping! Just slight but is there. Only this one tire. Tried to “push” the car down and see how it rebounces. I cannot really see the difference between left and right side. The dumping seems similar on both sides. Is this adequate? Not sure. Do not have anything to compare to. Oh, and there is no leaks…
Anyway, found this site: KYB The price for rear shock absorbers is reasonable. I can have them both for less than $100. Is it worth trying? As I said car has 65k miles and I do feel it bounces more than when it was new. |
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| TopazM3 |
I can't find my paperwork just now, but I believe it was shox.com. I'll look for it, but it's not in the MO's folder. Kris, Although your shocks are likely gone, your vibration is likely wheel/tire related. Poor Shocks and alignment sure can accelerate the tire wear. Shocks can be totally worthless and not leak a drop. the internal seals and valving wears, and the shock oil loses viscosity and nothing leaks out. You test shocks by functional testing or with race cars, a shock dyno-- impractical for street cars. My car was vibrating from worn tires and improved only after replacing the tires, even though they had a few thousand left in them.
just read your most recent post-- I paid about $280 or so for the GR2 struts and rear shocks. I'd replace 'em all if I were you. These prices are reasonable. I tried to also replace the strut bearings but I waited forever and they sent me the wrong ones. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
Just checked the tires – left rear seem to have some cupping! Just slight but is there. Only this one tire. Tried to “push” the car down and see how it rebounces. I cannot really see the difference between left and right side. The dumping seems similar on both sides. Is this adequate? Not sure. Do not have anything to compare to. Oh, and there is no leaks…
Anyway, found this site: KYB The price for rear shock absorbers is reasonable. I can have them both for less than $100. Is it worth trying? As I said car has 65k miles and I do feel it bounces more than when it was new.
Its not the price of the suspension parts that gives you sticker shock (pun intended), its the installation price. Fortunately the shocks and springs are separate in the MO, and not a strut setup like on other cars, so maybe the labor will not be so much. |
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| TopazM3 |
| The fronts ARE struts.... rears are regular shocks. There have been over two dozen full suspension changes or tear downs done in my garage, so fortunately the labor cost is a non- issue for me. Just the parts and alignment costs. |
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| Kris |
I am not wory about the labour......in fact I think I am looking for something to do to take mine mind off my daily job....;)
I will definitely get the wheels balanced soon. However, I might still get the struts and shocks......I intend to keep Murano for additional 35k miles and almost two years. If it does make a difference I will be happy... |
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| TopazM3 |
| Got them at importrp.com..... Struts were $78 each, shocks were $33 each. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by TopazM3
Got them at importrp.com..... Struts were $78 each, shocks were $33 each.
Wow great price! |
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| hfelknor |
They are a little more now, $39+ and $81+ but still a great price.
What I don't get is..........
Why Doesn't KYB show these in their online catalog and why don't they answer their Emails? (You don't suppose they are owned by Nissan do you? They seem to have the same approach to customer satisfaction. NNA ignored me for weeks back in 03. ;))
Anyway, Now I wonder what the performance characteristics are?
I note that they do not differentiate between the SL or SE........
It IS possible you know, that these ARE the OEM..... But how could we know if they won't talk.............
Maybe I'll call them.....but that is usually fruitless these days........several layers of telephone jungle sometimes leading back to the entry point and, if you are persistent, finally finding a human........who knows nothing.
Oh well, it's worthwhile, so I'll try if I have the time.
Homer |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
They are a little more now, $39+ and $81+ but still a great price.
What I don't get is..........
Why Doesn't KYB show these in their online catalog and why don't they answer their Emails? (You don't suppose they are owned by Nissan do you? They seem to have the same approach to customer satisfaction. NNA ignored me for weeks back in 03. ;))
Anyway, Now I wonder what the performance characteristics are?
I note that they do not differentiate between the SL or SE........
It IS possible you know, that these ARE the OEM..... But how could we know if they won't talk.............
Maybe I'll call them.....but that is usually fruitless these days........several layers of telephone jungle sometimes leading back to the entry point and, if you are persistent, finally finding a human........who knows nothing.
Oh well, it's worthwhile, so I'll try if I have the time.
Homer
There was a thread on this forum way back in the day, about some member taking his MO to KYB in the Chicago area for them to evaluate suspension options. Whoever at KYB checked out the MO in that situation might be your best route towards getting some real answers. Good luck Homer, I'd be very interested to know what the differences are too. |
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| Kris |
I am really tempted to get both struts and shocks. The price is right if only the quality was there.....How would I know I am buying the right parts? :(
Em, maybe I just become a guinea pig? ;) |
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| TopazM3 |
| I already got them and they work fine... much better than the worn out ones on the car. I'd change all 4 corners, not just the rears, Kris. Homer, I obviously don't know the valving specs or whether thy're closer to an SE or SL, but they work fine. |
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| hfelknor |
I understand.
And if my shocks were shot I would buy them too.
I'm looking at them from the perspective of a possible upgrade.
Homer |
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| TopazM3 |
| Start running over more alligators and use those suckers up!! |
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