ITB99001A

Classification:
Reference:
Date:
FA99-002a
ITB99-001a
March 19, 2013
STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
This bulletin has been amended. The Applied Vehicles section has been updated and revisions
have been made throughout. Please discard earlier versions.
APPLIED VEHICLES: All 1990-2013 Infiniti vehicles except those listed below
This bulletin does not apply to:
1990-1995 Q45 (G50)
QX56 (Z62) – vehicles equipped with rear-leveling air suspension
SERVICE INFORMATION
This bulletin provides information to identify:
•
A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
•
A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not
affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement.
•
A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues.
IMPORTANT:
•
If strut/shock absorber leakage is diagnosed in one strut/shock absorber, do NOT automatically replace
struts/shock absorbers on both sides. Replace the leaking strut/shock absorber only.
•
In cases where diagnosis of a strut indicates part replacement and the labor operation states that it
includes toe or alignment check/set, the alignment check/set must be supported with a printout from your
alignment machine (i.e., “alignment printout”).
Infiniti Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Infiniti dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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Inspect the Condition of Oil Leakage
If oil does NOT extend beyond the spring seat or upper 1/3 of
shock:
•
This is slight oil seepage. The strut/shock absorber
should NOT be replaced.
Figure 1
If oil does extend beyond the spring seat or upper 1/3 of
shock:
•
Use a finger to touch the oil that has extended
beyond the spring seat or upper 1/3 of shock.
Figure 2
•
If you confirm the oil layer is thick and contains
large pieces of dust and debris, the strut/shock
absorber should be replaced.
Thick oil layer,
large pieces
of dust and debris
Figure 3
•
If you confirm the oil layer is thin and
does NOT contain large pieces of dust and debris,
the strut/shock absorber should NOT be replaced.
Thin oil layer,
no large pieces of
dust and debris
Figure 4
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ITB99-001a
Inspect the Strut/Shock Absorber Rod
1. Compress and extend the strut rod or shock absorber rod more than four (4) times by hand.
2. Confirm the resistance and sound is normal when operating.
•
If atypical resistance or sound is noted, the strut/shock absorber should be replaced.
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ITB99-001a