1995 Pathfinder needs new springs, any idea on the cost?

rbaxley · May 13th, 2005, 10:51 AM

My 1995 pathfinder bottoms out over bumps when i have even 1 person in the back. I took it to a shop and they told me that it needs new springs, and probably isn't worth fixing. I only have 70k miles on this car, and it's in great condition. Anyone know how much it would cost to get the springs put in? From what this mechanic says the parts are very cheap, it's the labor that costs a lot of money...

Thanks for any insight you may have.

blitZ · May 13th, 2005, 11:05 AM

Sounds like it's time for a new mechanic.

I think you have leaf springs on the rear, which are fairly simple to replace. If you can change a tire you should be able to replace the springs, easy bolt on replacement. Look around for some stiffer aftermarket springs.

rbaxley · May 13th, 2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitZ

Sounds like it's time for a new mechanic.

I think you have leaf springs on the rear, which are fairly simple to replace. If you can change a tire you should be able to replace the springs, easy bolt on replacement. Look around for some stiffer aftermarket springs.

I am pretty sure that they are coil springs...I have trusted this mechanic up tot his point, and why would he tell me NOT to fix it? I would tihnk they would want the work!

Jarek · May 13th, 2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbaxley

I am pretty sure that they are coil springs...I have trusted this mechanic up tot his point, and why would he tell me NOT to fix it? I would tihnk they would want the work!

you mean the money? and i have doubts that its the springs... sounds more like its the dampers. If you dont do any offroading... skip the springs, springs should be ok on a 70k vehcile, the dampers (shocks or struts) could be worn so replace those instead. Do you do anything other than street driving?

rbaxley · May 13th, 2005, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarek

you mean the money? and i have doubts that its the springs... sounds more like its the dampers. If you dont do any offroading... skip the springs, springs should be ok on a 70k vehcile, the dampers (shocks or struts) could be worn so replace those instead. Do you do anything other than street driving?

99% street driving. I think I have taken it offroad 3-4 times, but certainly nothing serious. I have used it to tow a trailer several times, but I hardly think that would make much of a difference either...

The mechanic INSISTS that shocks won't help (I specifically asked about stiffer shocks...i wonder if they are just too busy to bother...)

Jarek · May 13th, 2005, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbaxley

99% street driving. I think I have taken it offroad 3-4 times, but certainly nothing serious. I have used it to tow a trailer several times, but I hardly think that would make much of a difference either...

The mechanic INSISTS that shocks won't help (I specifically asked about stiffer shocks...i wonder if they are just too busy to bother...)

If a budget isnt holding you back, you can do both.. just for the hell of it springs and dampers. it will improved ride quality, you'll really notice the difference, it wont sway as much on turns. Plus you wont have to deal with this again for a long time. On my 94 pathfinder, ill be doing the same.

I offroad every now and then so ill be going for a more rigid offroad setup

Ranchero 9000's shocks
Probably NISMO springs if not ill try out Calmini springs
and their HD Steering System << since pathfinders are cursed with a piece of crap steering linkage

just my bits on that ...

NPath · May 13th, 2005, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbaxley

99% street driving. I think I have taken it offroad 3-4 times, but certainly nothing serious. I have used it to tow a trailer several times, but I hardly think that would make much of a difference either...

The mechanic INSISTS that shocks won't help (I specifically asked about stiffer shocks...i wonder if they are just too busy to bother...)

Have you pushed on your bumper several times and stand back quickly to see if it keeps bouncing? If it keeps bouncing, I think the shocks are worn. Very sure they have coils in the back too. I can't see how the springs are gone since it has low mileage.

**88pathoffroad** · May 14th, 2005, 12:23 AM

They have coils in the rear, yes. They do tend to sag over time, but not as bad as you're describing. Check the shocks by doing a push-test, like NPath says. Push down with all your weight on one corner of the bumper and let go. It should bounce once, then settle down. If it bounces more than two times, you need new shock absorbers.

By the way, those things are dang near simplicity itself to install. You can do the rear springs yourself. After unbolting the shocks, panhard rod and jacking it up, the stock springs will fall right out and new ones can be easily put in. Here, read this page on how to swap out rear springs.

http://www.damagedreality.com/fordcoil.html

rbaxley · May 14th, 2005, 09:53 AM

Thanks for all the help. I think i'll start with the shocks b/c that sounds like the problem. If that doesn't fix it i'll move on to replacing the springs.

Thanks again!
Rent

Jarek · May 15th, 2005, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbaxley

Thanks for all the help. I think i'll start with the shocks b/c that sounds like the problem. If that doesn't fix it i'll move on to replacing the springs.

Thanks again!
Rent

Let us know how it turns out.. we always like to hear feedback