I own a 2003.5 G35 sedan with 116K on the car. I had my compression rod bushings replaced at 113K bc the dealership told me they were broken. After they were replaced my car felt a lot tighter and did not wander as much when driving. The dealership also told me that my car has a small leak in the power steering but it is common and does not need to be replaced just yet.

Currently, I am still running the original OEM shocks from the factory but I feel it may be getting close to the time to replace them. I feel the car tends to drive a little like a boat over dips and bad roads tend to be very harsh on the plastic paneling in the car. Also, big bumps and cracks in the road tend to turn my steering wheel in there direction.

SO, what I am wondering is when do you change out the shocks/struts on these cars or how do I know when these components are worn out?

Thanks for the help.

 

I would go ahead and refresh your whole suspension setup. Springs should technically be good, shocks may be ok as well, but nearing the end of their life. I'd go with some Bilstein factory replacement shocks, keep your springs. Make sure everything is tight as well. Check your endlink bushing, but they should be fine unless you are running an aftermarket sway bar.

If you are going to lower your car, now would be the time. If you want just springs, Tein H-Techs provide a great ride with a subtle drop. I'd also replace your compression rob bushings with SPL solids, but that's up to you.

 

Well I'm looking to keep the car in good working order at minimal expense. A small one inch would be nice but I rather not spend the money on it at this point. I really only want to spend money on repairs/maintenance. So I probably would just change out the shocks. Do you recommend the Bilstein over the tokico HP blues? Also, are you sure springs can be reused?

 

Yes, they can if the shock is a stock replacement part. Germans make the best shocks, IMO. Just find the correct replacement from Bilstein. If you want to save a bit, you can go Tokico, but I feel the valving is better on Bilsteins. Koni's are good as well, but might be a bit too stiff.

 

bilsteins are definately better, but they are twice the price..
most people are happy with the tokico hp's for a low cost option.. they are under 300 shipped in most cases

 

Yeah just replace the shocks. Had a friend run on the tokico's for years with no problems.

 

Does anyone know what the part numbers are for the 2003 G35 sedan OEM sport suspension springs?

 

Which part of the power steering is leaking?

Power steering line? The rack and pinion? Or the power steering pump???

Many high mileage G35 and 350Z out there. Haven't heard of leaky power steering components.

Dealers are full of crap because they want you to continue to use their services. Do not always believe them.

 

The dealer told me it is the power steering rack that is leaking. I have friends in the dealership so I trust what they tell me plus I have a long standing history with the dealership. The dealer is the one that told me that I should not fix it unless it gets worse. So I guess it is possible that they are lying to me but I do not think so.

 

I sense that I will be in the minority with this choice but I just installed the following:
KYB 341377 and 341378 GR-2 Shock Absorber Front
KYB 344491 GR-2 Shock Rear

From Amazon they are about $250 for the set. My 9 year old car doesn't need Bilsteins.

 

Did you reuse your factory springs? Also why did you change out your shocks?

 

Yep, reused the original springs.

There is a particular off camber corner with a lump that I take frequently. It had begun highlight the fact that the car has 115k miles on the original suspension. With the new shocks the car no longer floats like a barge.

 

if u want to go lower, you can always find a set of used 350z suspension for cheap with low miles. They lower the car about 1 inch.

 

There's nothing wrong with the GR-2.

It is a great temporary solution for any car that needs shock replacement. Note that I say temporary. Although I have no experience with the GR-2 for the G35, they are known to have extremely short life span according to owners of many different other vehicles.