5th Gen Suspension Thread - Page 5

djcallao · 10-16-2006, 12:51 PM

Im not big on suspension but i have a question. Shocks and Struts are the same thing right. Does my 2000 max se have struts or shocks. Can someone help me out? thanks

*DrKlop* · 10-16-2006, 07:17 PM

http://216.109.125.130/search/cache?...icp=1&.intl=us

You can also call a dampening part of a strut (damper) a shock IMO.

Succinct · 10-16-2006, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djcallao

Im not big on suspension but i have a question. Shocks and Struts are the same thing right. Does my 2000 max se have struts or shocks. Can someone help me out? thanks

A shock is a suspension motion damper. A strut is a shock that also serves a structural/locating function for your hub/tire, in most cases acting as an upper control arm.

djcallao · 10-17-2006, 12:40 PM

So my 2000 Max se has 4 struts? I'm trying to learn here gents. Thanks alot for you're help.

gfxhil · 10-20-2006, 10:43 PM

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but I bought my 2002 Maxima a few months ago and it came on Tokico Illuminas and Tein S-Techs. The Illuminas were set at 2 all around and the car was still driving very stiff [I even set it to 1 and not a big difference]. I live in Boston and some of the roads are harsh. I also hear some squeaking in the back once in a while. I have read around and saw that setting the Illuminas to 1 or 2 is comparable to the stock ride. My car is definately alot stiffer than a stock ride. How can I tell if I need new shocks or springs?

*DrKlop* · 10-22-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfxhil

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but I bought my 2002 Maxima a few months ago and it came on Tokico Illuminas and Tein S-Techs. The Illuminas were set at 2 all around and the car was still driving very stiff [I even set it to 1 and not a big difference]. I live in Boston and some of the roads are harsh. I also hear some squeaking in the back once in a while. I have read around and saw that setting the Illuminas to 1 or 2 is comparable to the stock ride. My car is definately alot stiffer than a stock ride. How can I tell if I need new shocks or springs?

Shocks need to be replaced if your car bounces a few times after going over the bumps when the shocks are set to the firmest setting, or if you see oil leaking out of the shocks.

Springs are most likely fine, springs last for a very long time and often live longer than the car.

The ride is supposed to be stiffer at any setting of illuminas, first, because of the stiffer springs, second, because with such a low drop as s-techs suspension does not have enough up and down travel, which results in bottoming out. (When the shock absorbers get completely compressed and suspension stops absorbing the energy.)

buffy · 10-24-2006, 04:12 PM

2000 Maxima;
After car sets for a week the battery is dead; took the battery to auto zone
said battery was bad..

Next time it set for a week new battery dead. Took alternator to auto zone and they tested it said it was bad. Installed new alternator.
Next time it set for a week battery dead again...

Any ideas of what else it could be??

Sorry I didnt know where else to post this since I only have 3 posts and couldnt post a new thread..

Or if someone could post this as a thread for me I would really appreciate it.

*crispykid717* · 10-26-2006, 11:19 PM

^^^ Please post this in the correct thread.

Ok. I have been on H-techs and Illuminas for more than a year now. The ride is very harsh to me. So much so that I am considering going back to a stock suspension. I have played with the settings on the Illuminas but can't find a setting that I like. I am looking for a comfortable ride and am not concerned with cornering ability. Would there be any problems switching to stock GLE springs, which I think would offer a comfortable ride, if I have an SE? Thanks.

*MaxBoost925* · 10-27-2006, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispykid717

^^^ Please post this in the correct thread.

Ok. I have been on H-techs and Illuminas for more than a year now. The ride is very harsh to me. So much so that I am considering going back to a stock suspension. I have played with the settings on the Illuminas but can't find a setting that I like. I am looking for a comfortable ride and am not concerned with cornering ability. Would there be any problems switching to stock GLE springs, which I think would offer a comfortable ride, if I have an SE? Thanks.

lol wow you are really picky, to me, the harsher it is the better it is

. The answer is no problems, GLE springs fit for sure.

wyche89 · 10-28-2006, 08:36 PM

Hey guys, this is kind of off topic, but i've been wanting to do some suspension mods to my 2001 max, and i was thinking about getting the tokico HP series struts on an otherwise stock setup (besides a FSTB). I was just wondering, like... what exactly do they do to improve the handling? Do they make the car feel tighter around turns, or do they lessen the effects of bumbs going around turns or what? Also what effects will the eibach springs have? Thanks very much

VaporHead · 10-28-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyche89

Hey guys, this is kind of off topic, but i've been wanting to do some suspension mods to my 2001 max, and i was thinking about getting the tokico HP series struts on an otherwise stock setup (besides a FSTB). I was just wondering, like... what exactly do they do to improve the handling? Do they make the car feel tighter around turns, or do they lessen the effects of bumbs going around turns or what? Also what effects will the eibach springs have? Thanks very much

Get the Tokico Illuminas and Eibach Pro Sports. Springs will lower you to a perfect height and dramically improve your handling. The shocks are adjustable to suit your needs, close to stock - stiff. Shocks dampen the tire rebound. If you get the Illuminas and Eibachs, you will be lovin it.

*DrKlop* · 10-28-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyche89

Hey guys, this is kind of off topic, but i've been wanting to do some suspension mods to my 2001 max, and i was thinking about getting the tokico HP series struts on an otherwise stock setup (besides a FSTB). I was just wondering, like... what exactly do they do to improve the handling? Do they make the car feel tighter around turns, or do they lessen the effects of bumbs going around turns or what? Also what effects will the eibach springs have? Thanks very much

Springs lower the center of gravity which (if not dropped too low) results in a better weight distribution between all four tires, resulting in a better grip. Stiffer springs decrease body roll which helps controlling the car. (again there's a limit to everything and locomotive springs will not do you any good)

The main purpose of the shocks is to control spring oscillations. (without shocks springs will cause the car to bounce up and down like a pogo stick) You need stiffer shocks to control stiffer springs. However, shocks that are too stiff decrease both grip and handling.

There is a small range in shock stiffness (in both compression and rebound damping) that will suit a given spring, so shock manufacturers can valve their shocks a little differently for the same exact spring. As a result shocks of one brand feel different from the shocks of the other brand. In general, softer shocks (within a limit or the car will be bouncing up and down) result in a better grip while stiffer shocks (again within a limit) result in a better control and responsiveness.

Hope this helps. BTW, this is just basic info, if you want to know a little more details (I think you should) read the external links I've posted in the first post of this thread.

wyche89 · 10-29-2006, 12:28 PM

Cool. Thanx alot guys, that really helps. I think I might go with the HP series though, only because I'm on a limited budget. One thing im concerned about is the car staying firmly planted on the ground when hitting a bump while going around a fast turn. Will either the shocks or springs do anything for that? I also just want a better feel to the handling of the car all together.

*DrKlop* · 10-29-2006, 12:47 PM

Well, theoretically, vehicle with stiffer suspension is more likely to start skidding when you hit a bump in the corner, but from my experience suspension has to be MUCH stiffer for you to, actually, feel the difference. I currany have springs that are approximately 3 times as stiff as OEM springs and the shocks to match them, and I can't think of a single case when a bump on the road would cause a serous loss of traction. And I take corners fast quite often.

BTW, are you planning to keep your stock springs and install HP shocks? If so, I wouldn't recommend that setup. From what I found out, back in the day, HPs are too stiff for our stock springs.

wyche89 · 10-29-2006, 01:09 PM

Well, I was thinking about that setup before, but then from what I've learned in the past couple days, I think I'll just get both at the same time. The thing is, I don't want my car to be TOO low, u know? I don't have a body kit or anything, and I definitely don't want my car to scrape speed bumbs or parking lot entrances. I don't even want it to be that noticable of a drop... I'm mainly looking for performace instead of that really low appearance, and I figure that the 1" and 1.3" drop with the eibach springs shouldn't be too bad

*DrKlop* · 10-29-2006, 01:31 PM

Yap, good choice, though I would go with Illuminas. You just can't imagine how good it is to be able to adjust (fine tune) your shocks.

Also, try finding someone local with a setup similar to what what you are planning to do, and ask to take you for a spin. (maybe at a local meet or something) It will make you alot more confident in making your decisions.

VaporHead · 10-29-2006, 08:46 PM

I just finally bought me some Eibach springs and now wondering if it's worth getting that camber alignment kit? Has anyone put these on? Where do they install at? Will a ordinary alignment type shop know how to adjust these if I have them install them?

I currently have 235x40x18's on, any rubbing issues with Eibachs?

*DrKlop* · 10-30-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaporHead

I just finally bought me some Eibach springs and now wondering if it's worth getting that camber alignment kit? Has anyone put these on? Where do they install at? Will a ordinary alignment type shop know how to adjust these if I have them install them?

I currently have 235x40x18's on, any rubbing issues with Eibachs?

Sorry I can't answer all your questions, but there's one thing I wanted to say:

Those alignment kits do the same exact thing as camber plates, but for some reason camber plates are a lot more expensive...

(I don't have any personally experience, but I heard from many people that camber bolts are very weak and do not hold proper alignment for a long time)

VaporHead · 10-30-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKlop

Sorry I can't answer all your questions, but there's one thing I wanted to say:

Those alignment kits do the same exact thing as camber plates, but for some reason camber plates are a lot more expensive...

(I don't have any personally experience, but I heard from many people that camber bolts are very weak and do not hold proper alignment for a long time)

Thanks! After reading through some posts, I am going to hold off on getting the camber bolts for the following two reasons:

1. May not be lowered enough to really effect camber

2. I will get a wheel alignment and see if i need them after.

knightmelodic · 10-31-2006, 01:10 PM

2003 SE. Put coil over springs (Eilbach, I think) and KYB adjustable struts. Struts are done. Cattman is seemingly dead. I was going to order the kit he had (struts and springs) because I don't remember which springs fit which struts. So, my question(s): what kind of struts should I use and where should I get them? I have virtually no wheel well clearence because of the springs, so I guess I can't use just any strut; or can I? Thanx in advance.

*DrKlop* · 10-31-2006, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knightmelodic

2003 SE. Put coil over springs (Eilbach, I think) and KYB adjustable struts. Struts are done. Cattman is seemingly dead. I was going to order the kit he had (struts and springs) because I don't remember which springs fit which struts. So, my question(s): what kind of struts should I use and where should I get them? I have virtually no wheel well clearence because of the springs, so I guess I can't use just any strut; or can I? Thanx in advance.

I don't think I understand what setup you have...

Sleeve coilovers (Ground Control maybe?) with Eibach springs and KYB shocks? Or you have conventional springs and struts?

BTW, why do you think that Cattman is "dead?" Have you tried calling them?

knightmelodic · 11-01-2006, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKlop

I don't think I understand what setup you have...

Sleeve coilovers (Ground Control maybe?) with Eibach springs and KYB shocks? Or you have conventional springs and struts?

BTW, why do you think that Cattman is "dead?" Have you tried calling them?

I have conventional springs. They are called coil overs (maybe I have this wrong). The springs lower the car, so I don't know if I can use just any strut or if I need special struts. As far as Cattman, the website won't show me any catalog or other info. Haven't tried calling, but I will. Thanks for your help.

*DrKlop* · 11-01-2006, 03:40 PM

If it's conventional springs, you can choose any strut you like... This should help you make your decision: Speed Sensor Wire for Maxima 2000

BTW, "coilover" is a springs/shock kit that allows you to make many different adjustments to your suspension including ride height. If you have coilovers the only struts that you can use are the ones that are originally used in the kit. Here's one of those coilover kits (just to show you how it might look) : http://www.ksportusa.com/products/kontrolpro.html

VaporHead · 11-06-2006, 12:25 PM

Just installed my Eibachs, now I got what sounds like strut issues. I hear clanking alot along with alot of squeks. I can probably take care of the squeks be checking the spring isolators. Did anyone else notice that there stock struts were shot right after installing springs? The stock struts have 66k miles on them, so they are original.

*DrKlop* · 11-07-2006, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaporHead

Just installed my Eibachs, now I got what sounds like strut issues. I hear clanking alot along with alot of squeks. I can probably take care of the squeks be checking the spring isolators. Did anyone else notice that there stock struts were shot right after installing springs? The stock struts have 66k miles on them, so they are original.

Your shocks were probably on the way out already, so as soon as you put them under a little more stress they decided to give up...

BTW, you do know that it's not recommend to use OEM shocks with aftermarket springs?

VaporHead · 11-07-2006, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKlop

Your shocks were probably on the way out already, so as soon as you put them under a little more stress they decided to give up...

BTW, you do know that it's not recommend to use OEM shocks with aftermarket springs?

Yes, I know it's not recommended. I just ordered some KYB GR2's in the mean time. I don't have enough funds yet to get some Illuminas.

Also, do KYB's or most brands of shocks come with the boot/bumpstop?