How to Replace Infiniti QX56 2004-2010 Rear AIR RIDE Suspension | Nissan Armada 2003-2016 Shocks
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- In this how-to I replace the rear air shocks on a 2007 Infiniti QX56 with the factory tokico replacements from the dealer. These are the same air shocks that are in 2004-2010 QX56 as well as Nissan Armada 2003-2016 SUV with rear air shocks. These are also known as auto leveling shocks or air ride.
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After watching this video I decided to cancel my appointment with the mechanic and do it myself. You saved me over $800. Thank you for the video. You have no idea how much money you are saving people.
Also, I was able to change both sides within 35 minutes. LEGIT! Thanks again
Awesome man glad to hear.
There is nothing like knowing what you’re getting into before you get into it. Much appreciated!
Sure thing
Thank you so much bro got mine done today in about an hour thanks to you.
Only took about a week for the shocks to arrive from your link.
Thanks again!
My pleasure thanks for using my link
This looks much easier than I expected it to be, minus the possibility of cutting a bolt out. Thanks for taking he time to share!
For sure. Yeah it's not too difficult at all changing rear shocks. If you had a good impact and a lot of pb blaster you probably won't need to cut it. However cutting was much quicker and easier than fighting that thing for so long
@@g3mccotter Yeah, I can definitely see that. Did you ever end up doing the front suspension as well?
@@ColeTowsley I didn't see this. No I didn't although it probably needed it pretty bad.
@@g3mccotter I ended up doing both and lucked out. All the bolts came out clean, and if you order struts and springs together for the fronts, it's a pretty easy job (though I was lucky enough to have access to a lift).
I’m glad you were able to take those bottom bolts out! Mine were fused to the sleeve and were absolutely not coming off (driven in snow). I had to saw off the bolts on both sides.
Yeah I had to buy a saw to do the other side.
Green bay wi.
Mee too. Fkn salt. Lol
Thanks for the video. Those bottom bolts were gnarly
Yeah total pain. If I had the reciprocating saw in the beginning I would have used it much sooner on the stubborn side that I didn't film.
Great Vid. I did both airbags on my 2013 QX56. Same procedure except the the shock top is threaded and requires a 18mm wrench. Unfortunately, I'm still sagging 1-2 hours after engine restart with no load in the back. I guess on to the compressor swap for me. I should have went with strutmasters. I would be done now.
Haha probably. I heard there's some modifications needed done for those, also quite spendy right? Yeah if you don't hear your compressor ever running I would start with looking at that. My compressor was obnoxiously loud so I knew it was working still.
@@g3mccotter My compressor definitely runs. I achieve normal ride height after 1-2 minutes post engine start. I'm hoping it's leaking, so replacement may resolve. Strutmasters Rear end is $469 (I've already spent that on the Gen 2 air shocks), and they claim "no mod needed", so should be the SAME repair I just did (plus spring replacement).
www.strutmasters.com/products/2012-2018-infiniti-qx80-qx56-rear-conversion-kit-awd-qx1rb/
Gosh....
I replaced the compressor, and the system appears to be holding air. I haven't heard the compressor run in a week. I don't regret swapping the air struts, because the new ones felt noticeably better (not as bad as the OP presented) and mine were between 50-100k miles old. Hopefully, this will be the next owner's problem next time around. Thanks community and OP! I would recommend anyone with sagging that has not been able to find a leak to start with the compressor. I wish I had. It's super easy to do, and is probably the only part in the system that can leak without showing bubbles. If someone more talented/patient than I can comment, perhaps there's a way to get the Gen1 compressor connected to the Gen 2 hanger assuming the compressor specs are the same. I couldn't find a cheap Gen2 compressor, so I bought a dealer part ($400). There will by increasing numbers of Gen2 DIYers with warranties expiring and prices declining. Interestingly, the Gen 2 hanger actually has a notch that makes installation a breeze. Even the struts are more expensive at $200/corner.
Restart your truck more than one time... with the back... down a hill.?
Really good job on the video.
Thank you greatly.
Anybody with difficulty... read below for more helpful hints.
A follow up for others as i did. I jumped in head first... i recommend assuming that if you live ina rust belt section of the country... assume that the top bolt will release and the bottom bolt will rust and corrode to the point where it amalgumates/sticks into the metal bushing.
I had to grind mine out. If i did it again... i would buy 2 new bolts and cut them out.
Also... spray the air hose connection with sprY lube before trying to take it out. If it doesnt come out.... be patient... work it back and forth... my little orange plastic collar broke and the hose was able to be worked out carefully. Still press the brass colored collar under the orange plastic collar to release the hose.
Best wishes.
Ps. Anti seize top and bottom bolts before finishing.
It was a easy replacement job but for some reason it still didn’t raise up in the back as it should be equal with the front someone told me check the leveling sensor oh and I changed the rear springs as well and still kinda of a hard ride on bumps maybe the front struts gotta be replaced
Thanks, agreed. Yeah I cut my bolts and got new ones.
@@mrmartin7131 Could be your compressor, if the back is lower than front and car is on if you put your ear by back driver side bumper you should hear compressor running.
@@g3mccotter yeah I hear it but it still doesn’t sit level with the front 😬😬
@@g3mccotter man that sh@t is annoying after putting on new shocks and springs 😖😖😖
Hey, your video was very helpful. I wanted to make sure there were no surprises for me. I just changed out mine on my 2005 Armada SE offroad. Fortunately my bolts were not hard at all and they were very clean with no corrosion. I think the factory may have stripped yours. To the readers I suggest you also buy plastic rivets. The plastic rivets are 13 years old so they kinda crumbled. *You can put the guard on with the tire on if you forget*. You still have to jack the car up but you do not need to take the tire off. Again, supremely helpful sir.
Sure thing. The threads we're good I actually re used the one side, other side I had to cut. From the heat it melts the rubber bushing and seizes onto the bolt.
Awesome just did coil springs that bottom bolt is shitty,this video will help me get that S.O.B Out tomorrow 😊
Sounds good. Just cut it most likely
@@g3mccotter A tight spot but that works to,I risk my neck only so Much but thank you
I just ordered mine. Replacing both because I have 220,000 miles on them. Only one blew. I guess I'll ebay the good one for like 20 bucks to help someone get by for a little while at least.
I would replace both at the same time.
Love the video watched it a couple times and did my front and rear. Unfortunately on the passenger side I’m not able to break it free. I’ve already snapped my good deep socket. I bought a heavier duty one. I’m praying tomorrow when I wake up it will break free. If it doesn’t, how hard is it to cut the bolt out? U have a video on that?
Not hard. Use a reciprocating saw with a good metal blade on it.
Did you cut on the nut side or the head side? Mine is rounded and seized on the bottom passenger. Tomorrow is the day. Also doing rear upper control arm at the same time.
Absolutely helpful, was done successfully. Thank you!
Good to hear
Awesome video. Here's something I learned. Next time take the handle of your Jack, it's probably like 4ft long and STRONG. Slide it down over the end of your wrench then lean on it and that but will bust with a lot more ease 👍
Yeah that works awesome. I didn't need more leverage and with the angle my jack handle would slide off and I would hit myself in the face. But yeah using the jack handle is good trick
@@g3mccotter You note you cut the one on the other side. I'm in the middle of this job...my driver's side is seized. Broke a 6pt socket trying to get it off. How did you cut it? It's threaded...
Also, having a lot of trouble getting the air hose out of that one too. First side was easy...
Good job* . now i need to do same think plus air compressors
Nice dude thanks. Nice to know what you are getting into before hand. Good video
For sure. You're welcome
This video schooled me forsure. Curious though, do the rear shocks have to be replaced with the same ones even if the rear leveling system is dead?
No you can put whatever in there. You can change to static but need some coil springs then also.
Thanks for the video. I am having hard time finding a replacement. Thank you for sharing.
I have an link to it in description
g3mccotter Thanks bro. It is going to take several days to get the parts. Do you think I should take the fuse off for the compressor so that it wont burn out?
@@josephpiezasb8770 just unplug the battery before working on it
Ebay
Best part of this was the commentary, in the face, lol
Haha not sure anyone got that reference
So the good news I see here is that these things dont have air RIDE they have air SHOCKS. HUGE difference! Air RIDE means it needs the air for the spring/lift and damper function, so when it fails the suspension collapses and you are stuck in BFE with your truck dragging on the pavement (like in the Jeep Overland/Quandralift, Sequoia Platinum , Navigator, or BMW X5/Range Rover). On the other hand when air SHOCKS fail you just lose the damping function but the lift is maintained by the coils spring so that you are NOT but not stranded in BFE. So the air SHOCKs in this system just make up for say lot of tongue weight from a trailer, and keep your truck level. So as someone who takes their SUVs out into the country alot I am sold on the Nissan system now. Plus if you dont want the air SHOCK function there are conversion kits that are only a couple hundred bucks to go to normal shocks (Strutmaster etc). Great video!
Thanks. Yeah that's correct. A lot of the GM use air shocks also actually. The tokico they use on these Nissan's suck.
This is when milwaukee fuel is king of power tools. The Dewalt was brutal to watch that.
Indeed
I really appreciate you putting this up on here!!! I've been trying to find someone doing it the last 2 years and nothing....until now lol. Question, did you ever have to replace your air compressor, if so where did you get it? I'll probably grab a couple of those shocks soon. Thanks again
Sure thing. Yeah I looked for a bit and couldn't find a video of it. I haven't replaced my pump. It still turns on and makes tons of noise, don't think it's all working right though.
Amazon sell air compressors around $160
I need to buy it for my 2012 gx 56 it’s stop working cuz air leak in air suspension
Now I should change shocks and air compressors.
Is the humming sound when I start the truck in the rear the air compressor? I want to know if my compressor works before replacing if not just replacing w. Regular shocks kit.
Most likely yes. If it stops at some point especially
Thanks for the video. Recently bought a 2008 armada with the same suspension. I have noticed that when I first turn on the vehicle, I hear the compressor by the rear driver side wheel kick on and I can feel something banging around the floor on the driver side. It seems it kicks on a lot while driving. Could this mean there is a leak somewhere in the suspension? Vehicle doesn’t seem to sag or anything but I maybe wrong. Any helps would be appreciate! Thanks!
Seems like a leak somewhere in the air system. Shouldn't be really needing to turn on while driving at all unless you're loading the back with weight. If you let it sit for a few days it doesn't sag?
@@g3mccotter doesn’t seem to sag. Checked last night and it seems maybe a little lower at the rear than the front. Granted, the vehicle has 194k miles. I would be surprised if it needs new bags.
I have a 2012 Nissan armada that I tried to replace the rear air struts with no success, the bottom bolt put me out of service for 2 days not good, I was wondering in the lower bolts are threaded to the frame? I would like to get a sawzall and cut them off?
They're not. I used a saw to cut the one side. Should have just cut both to save time. Didn't have a reciprocating saw or I would have just done both
Hi, my rear suspension suddenly got very springy so when I got home and shut off the engine I checked and noticed that the rear driver side shock was empty.
So I started the engine back up and waited a few seconds until the compressor came on, then I checked and found the shocks both took the air and inflated and levelled the vehicle, both shocks were full of air.
I had my kid stand on the rear bumper to bounce the qx56 body up and down and I heard a hissing sound, so I checked where the hiss was coming from and I found it was caused by air coming out from only one of the shocks, so I put my hand under the rubber fold between the shock lower metal tube and the rubber, and felt air come out from in between the rubber and the metal every time the vehicle was bouncing downwards.
Can I assume it's NOT normal for the air to come out of there when the vehicle is bouncing downwards and that the shock has a leak and needs to be replaced?
Thank you lots, much appreciated
That is correct. Other side shock will probably go soon as well.
Just wanna say great video! I have a 2nd generation armada and your video helped out tremendously! I don’t understand the other comments of people complaining. A lot of material for this kind of task is missing and would normally have to be taken to a service center. I had a question about the air compressor. Do you know if there is a way to test operation? I haven’t really heard it other than a few times when putting the kids in the car. It’s really quiet sounding too. It’s a 2018 but I drive a lot! I already have 115k miles on it hence my replacement of the air shocks and front suspension parts.
I would say if it's coming on it's most likely working. If your rear isn't sagging when you load it up then it's working
Thank you
The air ride stuff is to expensive i bought the trq shocks and struts front and rear for the regular 4x4 armada le and new coil springs .. the site says wont convert my air ride and not compatible for some reason but i cant understand why ?? All the measurements and mount locations and attachment types are the exact same ... im waiting on the delivery to do the installation but im confident it should work .. and the cost of front /rear shocks and struts and new coil springs was 350 dollars far cheaper than air ride ...
When I looked into swapping over to static it was more expensive than just replacing air shocks. Maybe there's more options now
Remove air hoses after tires in the air. Use spray lube first. Work the hose back and forth while depressing the brass or orange plastic collar.
With key off. Air compressor doesnt start up.
Expect the lower bolts to corrode to the steel bushings either grind or cut and replace.
This is the way
@@g3mccotter Do you live where they salt the road? Just curious. maybe I put some PB blaster on well in advance?
What rear air suspension would you recommend for towing. Recently I been towing a couple vehicles and I notice that the rear squats a lot. Any suggestions for rear air bags that are more durable or even a delete kit
You can swap over to static suspension. Few companies make that. These factory air shocks work great for towing as they're self leveling.
@@g3mccotter what air shocks do you recommend for towing applications? Go OEM?
I took mine out and put regular shocks and springs
Did that cost more to go static suspension?
Did it solve the problem or did you have to replace the sway bars as well?
Solved the bouncing problem
How do you take the air out before remove that hose ?
Not sure. If there's a leak in your system then just do it in the morning or before you drive it while it's sagged when there's less pressure. I just popped it off, just be aware it will probably have pressure and be loud
Great video! Thank you for making the effort to share here! That lil boy is so cute!!
Do the shocks come in pairs or single??
I blew one wide open over the weekend while towing so I’ll try to replace it yet ..
thanks again
Yeah man. I can't remember have to look at the listing for the quantity.
Hi sir. Can you help me find where i can buy rear shock absorber for my 2004 infiniti qx56
Link for them in the description
Is it sure that the link you provide fit to my infiniti qx56 2004 model?
By the way. Excellent job.
That seems generous but thank you.
How did you release the air pressure?
I unhooked the hose
Definitely would have put anti seize on the bottom bolt
For sure
Hey do it come with 1 are 2 and the box?
You buy them individually I believe
After you sawed out the other side how did you get the remains of the bolt out of the threaded side?
Have to drill it out
@@g3mccotter did you need to use a tap to clean up the threads?
Excellent ….. it’s Uber theft for sure because of the number of drivers right …
What's this in context to?
Has anyone converted to coil springs ?
Yeah. There's kits to do it even. Kind of expensive
Should I disconnect the batter before taking these off ?
I didn't. It's good practice always though. You're not dealing with anything electrical just a plastic air hose.
Really good video... I can’t pull the air hose connector from the suspension. I have tried everything except cutting the hose... any suggestions? Thanks
The air hose come off like a quick disconnect on a compressor air hose fitting. So push the hose in towards the shock then push the little sleeve away from shock. I had a hard time for awhile figuring out how it released also but basically push hose in and pull out on plastic piece
Be patient.
Spray with lube and work the orange collar repeatedly... my orange collar broke. The brass collar was pushable via screwdriver.
@@deltabravo5719 Is there a need to release the pressure and if so how did you do it?
@@kmeloyelo74 when i did the job on my Armada, The one bag was cut from road debris. I dont know the method from the manual.. If me, I would remove the tire to gain access to the hose on the shock, with the ignition/ motor off, remove the air line..
My airlines were both "stuck"... spray them with PB blaster penetrating oil.. and expect the little plastic pressure release clip rings to break. Keep pushing and working the "release clip" that is brassy looking and under the plastic ring while wiggling(pressing) the hose in and out.. eventually you will start to feel movement in the hose. You are getting close to the release. spray and wipe the extra spray as many times as you need to flush the dust/ corrosion from the hose and release clip area.
You will get it , be patient. dont break it... just work it.. BEST REGARDS Delta
How did you release the air from the shocks prior to disconnecting the air line from the old shock? Or is it not required? Great video! Thank you!
I released the air from the system when I unplugged the air line from the shock. It's a bit.... shocking
g3mccotter Okay - I must have misunderstood what you said in the video, I thought you said something about releasing the air prior to disconnecting from shock. Thank for the video and info! Very helpful!
Yeah, I thought that's what you said also. Does jacking it up relieve pressure in the shock and line? I would thing the system normally maintains some pressure as long as the compressor is operational?
@@hampster4710 maybe a little bit. But yeah when you un hook the air line from the shock it's quite a bit of pressurized air and will startle you.
Is there a left and right or does one fit both sides?
I can't remember. I think either side will work though
Need some never seize on that bolt
Yeah antisieze going on threads back in
Nice video!
Am having same problem my car have been pack for some days now
If I use a impact wrench will it snap
those shock bolts if I use it instead of using a breaker bar?i have a 2008 armada le 4x4 hoping I don’t have to cut any bolts 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
I would try taking it out without either then move to impact. Since the rubber melts to the bolt it's not that it's tight it just binds up so the impact helps with that.
g3mccotter so try using a rachet and socket first?
g3mccotter I just replaced the air shocks last Saturday it was pretty easy ,now if it still not sitting level how do I trouble shot to see if the compressor is working properly
Plan on it being bonded inside. Unlikely the impact is strong enough to break the bond inside the barrel shPed bushing loose.
Buy 2 new bolts and cut them out if they dont impact out.
The rubber doesnt melt to the bolt. There is a big steel bushing inside the rubber that the bolts rusts to.
Mine have where they can fill oil inside and the shock have 2 nipple where I believe is for bleeding the vehicle name is Infiniti qx80 2013 model
Sorry I'm not familiar with that. If it's gas pressure shocks they're probably not refillable. If they're air maybe that's a pressure release
Do you have a air bag part number for Infiniti qx56 2012..I need both of them I looked on Amazon. Not sure what one to get plz help sir..
No I don't. I've never messed with them on this car
Lol the little baby trying to help
Haha always
My friend I got the same shocks but I wanted to know how they compresor working before I buy the new shots
Hey, when you said you already released the air pressure out before removing the line, what did you do exactly?
I just took the air line off the shock and it released, under pressure so be prepared.
One of my air bags was cut. No pressure.
If pressure same actions. Spray lube and work the hose while pressing the orange ring. If the ring fails. Press the brass ring.
Nice video but you spent way to much time on your lug nuts.
I'll do better next time
What was the # if your shocks
Watch the video.
Pls can I send you the pic so you can help me in direction on how to fix it
How long do these rear shocks usually last?
I'm not sure. I haven't heard good things about them lasting long. Maybe 60k or so depending on use
Hey thanks I thought they would last alot longer than 60k
👍 gracias amigo
I replaced mine for regular shocks a few months ago but ever since then my vdc and slip light stays on. Plus, I think it's dropped a bit. I am considering putting the air ride back.
My mech have not been able to fix it
How did you release the air pressure in the lines? 🤔
I took the air line off the shock and it came out abruptly.
Hey on the link for the shocks is that the price bot both or Just one shock?
Pretty sure that's per shock. You could ask the seller though
I want to know how to fill the shock with oil
Doesn't sound like you have the air shocks. If yours are traditional fluid filled you need to just replace them the same way I show here except there's no air line.
Buy a new one.
No possible way.
Not maDe to be refilled. Its not a hydraulic jack. Its shock
Hi friend
I dont see the link
Where you bought this..
It's in the description. If you're on mobile just under the video there's an arrow pointing down on the right. Click that
@erick granados i bought mine a month ago for $2,000 with 240k miles. And its running very good. Outside is decent and inside is decent. Personally if i get a years worth out the car then i think it was worth it.
@erick granados the only mechanial issues im having is i had to replace the condensor fan, passenger window motor, front shocks, and valve cover.
That camera movement!
Hmm?
For the love of god spray that thing!
Did anybody see the screw in the tire at 1:12?!
I think another commenter pointed it out. If it's not leaking it's a good patch.
Nice video but you did not show how to release the air from the system. And this is the most difficult part of the job because of it is impossible to disconnect the air plastic hose from the shock under pressure. You just said: “I did before”. That’s it. And it is not that simple. Hopefully you add this very important part of the job.
I just unplugged the air line from the shock and the air came out then. It's like a quick release you push one way and pull the hose out the other.
Be patient and spray lube the fitting before attempting.
Looks like a screw in that front drivers side tire
Thanks
Was unplugging the battery post to keep compressor from coming on?
Yeah. It's good practice to unhook battery when working on the car also.
Thank you.
@@g3mccotter I think compressor only works when the car is running
@@syedhussain3810 probably true
@@syedhussain3810 agreed.
A few mistakes I noticed. But the proper way to remove and more easier way is:
Losing the bolts at the same time ,without removing fully out this way the shock absorber don't move. If needed spray wd40 first.
Always unbolt/ use leverage in a lower position so that your body weight work for you,instead of against you. Add extension to your B-bar, which will help release the bolt.... everything else is ok far as the installation process.
WD-40 is not a penetrant, rather a lubricant two different things.
A FEW MISTAKES?
MIND POSTING YOUR OWN 23 MINUTE HELPFUL VIDEO?
Model #
Watch the video
Can I get a...hooo yeahhhh 10:40
Haha
Is there any other way to quiet or lower that lifting sound?
Y
I'm not sure yet. I'm assumimg compressor is tired or there's rubber bushings that are worn.
Pls help me sir
Hey how is the ride now since you replaced them?
Back doesn't bounce at all feels really good. Front shocks need replacing. Also air pump in the back might need replacing, it turns on and makes lots of loud noises but I think the rear was still sagging when we had a lot of people back there. If the air pump is bad that could cause the shocks to have a much shorter lifespan.
what is the part number and where can i buy it
at a good price
@@g3mccotter what would resolve the sagging problem with alot of weight on bk
1
I feel bad for that little impact driver :(
Haha yeah it heated up pretty good.
omg have you screwed them 2 nuts with 40 ft pound drill? that takes 75 ft pound.take that wheel out and do it nice ,you will be on the other side the road one day ,,,lol
Not sure what you're talking about? If you're talking about lug nuts I tightened down with a torque wrench. On SUVs like this it's more like 125 ft lb.
👍🏻😷
Wtf
Thanks
why the hell you using that impact driver..omg do you think that is any impact wrench lol /..you make me laugh..but good job anyway
Talks way too much
🥲