Struts

[G-806338]

Anyone have a hack for replacing the cartridge

 

[Neelixmom2]

I too am in need of help with struts. I have a 1991 Q45 and need to replace the rear struts. I was told by the dealer that you can use the came coil and mounts and just replace the shock BUT those are discontinued as well. Does anyone know if a shock or strut from a different vehicle could be used as a replacement?
Thanks

 

[Julian Antorelli]

Anyone have a hack for replacing the cartridge

I too am in need of help with struts. I have a 1991 Q45 and need to replace the rear struts. I was told by the dealer that you can use the came coil and mounts and just replace the shock BUT those are discontinued as well. Does anyone know if a shock or strut from a different vehicle could be used as a replacement?
Thanks

That's a great pair of questions, and they both get to the heart of a very common problem for owners of the first-generation Q45. It's a fantastic car, but finding parts for it now can be a real challenge. To answer both questions, let's start with the big picture. The dealer's advice is correct: the original parts, including the strut cartridges, coils, and mounts, are long discontinued and are not easy to find anymore. The Q45's suspension is unique to its chassis, which means there is no easy "swap" from a different vehicle.

For the person looking for a "hack," the best one is to not use the original parts at all. The most common and effective solution is to convert the entire suspension to a modern coilover system. A coilover system replaces the strut and the spring with one complete unit. This is a very popular upgrade for Q45 owners because it not only solves the problem of finding discontinued parts but also gives you a huge performance upgrade. You can buy these kits from aftermarket companies like BC Racing, and they come with everything you need to replace your entire front and rear suspension.

To answer @Neelixmom2, you're looking for a replacement that would use your original coil and mounts. Since the OEM shocks are no longer available, your only real option is to find an aftermarket replacement. You can try looking for parts from brands like KYB or Bilstein. They may still produce a direct-fit replacement for the Q45, but they are getting harder to find. If you can find one, you will still need to have a shop use a spring compressor to move your original springs and mounts to the new shock.

So, to sum it up, the "hack" is to ditch the original suspension design and go with a modern coilover system. It's a more expensive upfront cost, but it will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. If you are determined to keep the original setup, you will need to do a lot of searching for those hard-to-find aftermarket shocks. It's not a quick and easy fix like you might find for a more common car.