I need some work on my Maxima and was wondering if there is any advice
regarding the following work:
a) replace front shock absorbers
b) new tires
c) new brake discs and pads
Is it best to have a dealer work on these things, what cost should I
expect, anything I should avoid or watch for etc.???
David Geesaman - 09 Jul 2004 18:48 GMT
All of these can be handled by any shop using aftermarket parts of equal
quality to OEM. Tokico makes great OEM replacement shocks. I dunno about
3rd gens, but on a 4th gen it's a perfect time to replace the strut tower
bearing (little plastic thrust bearing between the top of the shock and
chassis).
Buy decent aftermarket rotors (basic Brembo blank rotors are great), decent
pads, and get new brake hardware kits installed. Don't spend more for
'performance' versions - go for similar in kind of high quality. And
definitely buy good tires.
The dealer will scrape the cash off your burning flesh if you go there for
this kind of simple stuff. In fact, I could do the shocks and brakes in
just a few hours using my basic tools. At the very least, you can have
extra money to buy better tires.
Dave
> I need some work on my Maxima and was wondering if there is any advice
> regarding the following work:
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Is it best to have a dealer work on these things, what cost should I
> expect, anything I should avoid or watch for etc.???
Steve T - 10 Jul 2004 03:35 GMT
> I need some work on my Maxima and was wondering if there is any advice
> regarding the following work:
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Is it best to have a dealer work on these things, what cost should I
> expect, anything I should avoid or watch for etc.???
Do NOT use tire stores etc for this type of other work, they will be as much
as the dealer or more and use garbage parts. If you don't have a
independent shop around you that specializes in these types of cars, the
dealer is a safe place to get shocks and brakes done. Obviously get the
tires elsewhere but again do NOT even talk to the tire store about this
other work!

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Steve
http://www.atlantaracing.com
Bill G - 12 Jul 2004 07:29 GMT
> I need some work on my Maxima and was wondering if there is any advice
> regarding the following work:
>
> a) replace front shock absorbers
Why? Does your car bounce? My '91 SE with 167K miles has the original
struts, and they still work just fine.
> b) new tires
> c) new brake discs and pads
Easy to do yourself. Takes maybe 2-3 hours to do all 4.
> Is it best to have a dealer work on these things, what cost should I
> expect, anything I should avoid or watch for etc.???
Bill G
'91 SE Auto
167K Miles