Do i need new struts/shocks or both???

[ptc1625]

Hi i purchased a 95 maxima not too long ago, i read that shocks are only good for around 60k so im sure mine need to be changed (120k on the car now).The car is all over the road when i go over a bump(if its around a turn), the car seems like it jumps. when i go over the speed bumps where i live the back end bounces up and down several times. now my question is do the springs last forever (the life of the car) or do they need to get replaced? and if so, how do i test them. i know autzone has gabriel struts for around $75 each, i plan on doing all 4, can i reuse the old springs with them? (im not interested in dropping the car or anything)

i am pretty decent working on cars, and have either a haynes or chiltons so that shouldnt be too hard. cant remember which one. any tips/ pointers/ stuff not covered in the repair manual?

thanks for the help in advance

patrick

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by ptc1625

... i read that shocks are only good for around 60k ...

Swap just shocks... 'Every besserwisser' & salesman will say they must be changed. Still, if you stay in stock parts, I bet you cannot find a guy who can differentiate (via tstdrive) after your job has been done, IF the springs are new or old... Note: I am not saying new springs would not be better, just not worth it.

With cheap aftermarket springs you might be even worse off; theres no way to test driveability until they are installed...

I have never changed durin my 3million km's, but then I am just ordinary folks. Go racing, things look different...

[ptc1625]

i forget where i was readin it, either this forum or another one, but some said to make your life easier while doing struts, to get new bearings??? or new seats??? bushings??? or something similar that the struts sits into with the spring??

anyone know what they are talking about?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by ptc1625

...anyone know what they are talking about?

Depending on mileage, there are various things which may be worn out. I tend to swap only the necessary. Thats because if/when I do rebuild the car perfect, next corner comes a snowplow flattens all... One experience is enough

Check dust shields, bushings, check/clean/add grease to front bearings...

Smbdy made a shoc-king writeup; check out detailed info via these links: http://www.cardomain.com/id/pohjola#links

[BP2K2Max]

the strut/shock is all one assembly on the maxima's. by changing the shocks you change the strut as well. the bearing she was talking about is the strut bearing and is what allows the suspension to turn with the steering. it's a small plastic ring maybe 2" in diameter. i didn't replace mine when i changed my shocks, i just opened the bearing and coated the inner ring with white lithium grease and reused it. it's still good some 12,000 miles later.

[ptc1625]

thanks for the help, is that bearing hard to open up???

[BP2K2Max]

nope. i just popped it open with a small flathead.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by ptc1625

thanks for the help, is that bearing hard to open up???

It opens as the assy is dismantled.

If u clic the links, you'll get Manual, via shock link this pic
http://www.4dsc.com/articles/suspens...lton_Front.gif

[BP2K2Max]

Originally Posted by Nahkapohjola

It opens as the assy is dismantled.

If u clic the links, you'll get Manual, via shock link this pic
http://www.4dsc.com/articles/suspens...lton_Front.gif

it didn't when i did my springs/struts. maybe they changed it on the 5th gens, but for my car it comes out as one piece and you have to pry it open to get to the inner ring. it has a grey top that seperates from a black bottom.