NT 2011 Leaking front shocks

[tiger99]

Hi All,

My front OEM shocks are leaking and no doubt need replacing. Most of my driving is a 20 klm round trip to work, with trips up bribie beach about 6 times a year. I don't do any towing. Car has only done 75k, I'm 2nd owner at 47k. I don't drive it hard and baby it when on the beach. 75k seems very low for a set of shocks. I'm after any advice on what I should replace them with based on the aforementioned driving pattern. Rears look fine. Should I replace all 4? Can anyone provide a ballpark figure and estimated labour hours.

thanks

Pete

[old Jack]

Hi Pete,


Front suspension are struts inside coils so there is a bit of messing around to remove the strut/coil assemblies, firstly the removal of battery/s and air box then the strut assemblies off the car. Remove coils from struts and fit to new struts and refit everything so 3-4 hours labour for an experience suspension mechanic with all the correct tools and equipment.

Rear shockers take about 1/2 hour each side and if you can afford it, do them at the same time.

Plenty of brands to choose from to replace factory shockers, since you are not changing coils or doing any really hard work so Monroe or KYB would be fine. OzTec would be my recommendation from GSA Suspension in Qld. The big brand ABC XYZ names are not that much better if at all but you pay a premium for the "name and marketing hype" that goes with the tough 4wd image. You may even find a brand new suspension from a NX which someone has removed and will sell for $300-$400 complete with struts, shockers and coils!


OJ.

[tiger99]

Thanks Jack. is there any benefit in getting a suspension shop to fit or just a regular mechanic?

[old Jack]

Thanks Jack. is there any benefit in getting a suspension shop to fit or just a regular mechanic?

Most regular mechanics do not have a Coilover strut/coil compression tool so they outsource this job to suspension shop. Also you will require a front wheel alignment, rear will be ok as the suspension arms will not be disassembled.
Many suspension shops make their profit on the markup on parts so if you buy parts and supply them yourself you can expect a slightly higher labour cost.

OJ.

[aussieintas]

Agree with KYB or Monroe's and I'd do the 4 shocks if it was me bud.

[Far East Gippy]

Hi Pete,



Plenty of brands to choose from to replace factory shockers, since you are not changing coils or doing any really hard work so Monroe or KYB would be fine.


OJ.

I have just completed the Anne Beadell, Gunbarrel & CSR and spoke to a couple of old school mechanics along the way and both recommended Monroe even for those tracks.

[tiger99]

Thanks everyone. Will look into all options given. Appreciate the advice

Pete