J30 front shocks or struts need replacement?

[Jasong]

My '93 J30 has never had the shocks or struts replaced and it has 105K miles. There is a "clunking" sound in the right front when I go over bumps or rough roads, otherwise it handles and drives great. I want to fix this and then sell the car. Could anyone please tell me what I need to replace on the front suspension, shocks or struts? Is this something a typical shade tree mechanic like me can replace? And if so what is the best source for parts besides the Infiniti dealer?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[ashleywat]

just found ur post, wondering if you ever fixed your suspension clunk? my J is doing the same thing, if not, the J front has struts, you need to isolate where the clunk is coming from, push down on it and see if u can figure out exactly where its coming from. if u fixed it let me know what it was, thanks

[31rx7]

Mine with 105k does the same thing. I believe it is the tension rods that go from the front control arms to the front of the car and assist with the fore / aft location of the suspension. Visual inspection on mine shows the front bushing in the passenger side control arm is deteriorated. I have not replaced it yet as it is tolerable.

On shocks / struts, I believe the only source is the dealer. My mechanic and I have looked forever and not found aftermarket. The dealer is expensive - $275 each or so for the fronts and $200 each for the rears. Installation is another $550 or so.

Good luck!

[Speedy_1234]

Well have you try autozone or hi/low

[31rx7]

Autozone can not get them and does not have them. Who is Hi/Low? Do they have a web site?

Originally Posted by Speedy_1234

Well have you try autozone or hi/low

[Speedy_1234]

well it oreliy it used to be hi/low but the name change sorry cause i cant remember it orely or oreily

[samuelcv]

I believe it is called O'Rielys.....Hope it helps.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by Jasong

My '93 J30 has never had the shocks or struts replaced and it has 105K miles. There is a "clunking" sound in the right front when I go over bumps or rough roads, otherwise it handles and drives great. I want to fix this and then sell the car. Could anyone please tell me what I need to replace on the front suspension, shocks or struts? Is this something a typical shade tree mechanic like me can replace? And if so what is the best source for parts besides the Infiniti dealer?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

60k is well enough for shocks. How about then 100?

Seek/Find in the net all struts/shocks for 30-80$ (four times) and replace u self. Do not go to stealership! Rear ones are quite universal in nissans, need shims though if use shocks from cheaper other models, like Stanza, Bluebird etc...

Stanza rear shocks are shorter when compressed, longer when extruded out than bluebird or maximas own: might fit 'any' nissan... Diameters are the same, end part the same. Only has to get extra shims to lock in place: price 30$

[infinman]

May or may not be your problem.Just above the front swaybar there is a strip of metal that is part of the rad support.This strip tends to creat a bow in the middle and it interferes with the swaybar during heavy bumps.I've seen quite a few like this.If so , simply bend back in shape.If not the tension rods as previously mentioned can cause a clunk.But they usually leak first.The end that bolts to the frame {front} is a silicone filled joint.If the tension rod is faulty you should see some gooey substance at this joint.

[31rx7]

Originally Posted by infinman

May or may not be your problem.Just above the front swaybar there is a strip of metal that is part of the rad support.This strip tends to creat a bow in the middle and it interferes with the swaybar during heavy bumps.I've seen quite a few like this.If so , simply bend back in shape.If not the tension rods as previously mentioned can cause a clunk.But they usually leak first.The end that bolts to the frame {front} is a silicone filled joint.If the tension rod is faulty you should see some gooey substance at this joint.

It is definitely the tension rod. The right had one is leaking aroudn the bushing and has play in it.