2000 GLE suspension

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Feynmanfan - 24 Nov 2004 17:15 GMT

Well, after five years and almost 100K miles it seems that the ole
Max's suspension is getting a bit mushy. When driving on the highway
I'm starting to notice the side of the car dip more that usual when
cornering. Also, after going over bumps I can feel a slight rocking
that wasn't there before.

My question is: What type of struts/shocks would you recommend? Would
it improve handeling if I went with struts that are stiffer than the
originals? Any other advice?

Thanks,

Feynmanfan

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JimV - 24 Nov 2004 19:29 GMT

> Well, after five years and almost 100K miles it seems that the ole
> Max's suspension is getting a bit mushy. When driving on the highway
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Feynmanfan

The OEM ones are best. KYB would be my second choice. At 100K anything
you install will feel great in comparison.

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John Smith - 25 Nov 2004 04:35 GMT

Factory ones lasted 100K so that is always an option. I bought Ebach
springs for mine and it rides great. But, at 100K I am ready for struts
for the back and front... It is pretty easy to do yourself but you will
need an alignment afterwards.

> Well, after five years and almost 100K miles it seems that the ole
> Max's suspension is getting a bit mushy. When driving on the highway
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Feynmanfan

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Feynmanfan - 25 Nov 2004 17:20 GMT

Easy to do yourself? Wouldn't I need special tools? Would you
suggest replacing springs as well as struts? Anyone have an idea how
much it would cost to do the front and rear?

Finally, do the Ebach springs provide a different ride from OEM?

> Factory ones lasted 100K so that is always an option. I bought Ebach
> springs for mine and it rides great. But, at 100K I am ready for struts
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> >
> > Feynmanfan

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maxima1 - 29 Nov 2004 18:23 GMT

> Easy to do yourself? Wouldn't I need special tools? Would you
> suggest replacing springs as well as struts? Anyone have an idea how
> much it would cost to do the front and rear?
>
> Finally, do the Ebach springs provide a different ride from OEM?

Yes, you would need a spring compressor along with a handful of basic
sockets, but you could likely rent the compressor (I bought mine for
about $20 years ago).
The Eibach Pro-Kit (do NOT buy the Sport kit, as it rides way too
hard) will lower the car about 1-1/4", and rides about as stiff as the
SE suspension. If you are used to the GLE, you will find it stiffer
but better handling.

Matthew
2K1 Max SE

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John Smith - 30 Nov 2004 21:59 GMT

True,

I love my Ebach springs on my Y2K Maxima and it rides great. It took
less than a day for the complete install... Had to get it aligned
afterwards.

>>Easy to do yourself? Wouldn't I need special tools? Would you
>>suggest replacing springs as well as struts? Anyone have an idea how
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Matthew
> 2K1 Max SE

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Feynmanfan - 30 Nov 2004 22:55 GMT

Yipes!!!!

I hope that John was correct about this being an easy operation. I
just took a stroll over to my friendly Nissan dealer and spoke with
one of their eight "Assistant Service Managers" who quoted me the
following prices:

1) Front Struts -- $782

2) Rear Struts -- $495

3) Small Tube of KY jelly -- Priceless

I'm half-way kidding about item #3, but considering the first two
items it might not be a bad idea . . .

The prices do not include strut bearings, which he said they tend to
replace only if they are making noise. I don't know, since I'm
already way past a thousand bucks wouldn't it be prudent to put in new
bearings as a precaution? Also not included is the $70 alignment. Do
these prices seem reasonable?

> > Easy to do yourself? Wouldn't I need special tools? Would you
> > suggest replacing springs as well as struts? Anyone have an idea how
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Matthew
> 2K1 Max SE

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John Smith - 01 Dec 2004 05:31 GMT

If you have not beat the car to death the bearings sho9uld be fine.
Mine are and I have a 2000 with 101,000 miles. The struts are easy
except for getting the rear off. It helps to have air tools as the back
seat has to come out and then the black bulkhead has to come out to get
to the top of the struts. The front is easy...

> Yipes!!!!
>
[quoted text clipped - 34 lines]
>>Matthew
>>2K1 Max SE

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