Complete Guide to Infiniti G20 Suspension Parts: Replacement, Upgrades, and Buying Tips

Your Infiniti G20 is a compact luxury sedan that offered sharp handling and a comfortable ride when it was new. But time takes its toll on suspension components. Worn shocks, bushings, and joints affect ride quality, tire wear, and safety. This guide covers the key suspension parts, how to spot trouble, and how to choose replacements or upgrades.

Understanding Your Infiniti G20 Suspension System

The G20 uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension. Each part plays a role in steering response and wheel control.

Key Components

• Struts and Shocks: Front struts combine the spring and damper in one unit. Rear shocks are separate from springs. They control oscillation.
• Coil Springs: Support vehicle weight and absorb bumps. Sagging springs lower ride height and reduce travel.
• Control Arms: Front lower control arms connect the wheel hub to the subframe. Rear multi-link arms manage toe and camber. Bushings wear out over time.
• Sway Bar Links: Short links connect the sway bar to the suspension. They help reduce body roll. Clunking noises often come from worn links.
• Tie Rod Ends: Part of the steering system. Loose tie rods cause wandering and uneven tire wear.
• Ball Joints: Allow the steering knuckle to pivot. A worn ball joint can separate, causing loss of control.

Signs of Worn Suspension

• Noises: Clunks, squeaks, or rattles over bumps. Typical culprits: sway bar links, strut mounts, control arm bushings.
• Excessive Bounce: Push down on the hood or trunk. If the car bounces more than once or twice, shocks are weak.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Cupping or scalloped edges indicate poor damping or loose bushings.
• Vehicle Sagging: Lower ride height on one corner suggests a broken spring or bottomed-out strut.
• Poor Handling: Body roll in corners, nose dive under braking, or wandering on the highway.

Replacing vs. Upgrading Suspension Parts

Decide whether to restore factory performance or improve it.

OEM Replacement Parts

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts match the factory spec. They are reliable and fit perfectly. For many G20 owners, OEM-quality aftermarket parts from brands like KYB, Monroe, or Gabriel are cost-effective alternatives. Replacing worn parts with OEM equivalents restores original ride comfort and handling.

Performance Upgrades

If you want sharper handling or a sportier look, consider upgrading. Common options:

• Coilovers: Adjustable ride height and damping. Brands like BC Racing, Tein, and KW offer G20 applications. Ideal for enthusiasts.
• Lowering Springs: Drop the car 1–1.5 inches for a lower center of gravity. Eibach and H&R are popular. Use with performance shocks.
• Adjustable Dampers: Allows fine-tuning comfort vs. performance.
• Polyurethane Bushings: Replace rubber bushings for firmer response and longer lifespan. Trade-off: increased noise and vibration.

What to Consider

• Driving Style: Daily commuter? Stick with OEM. Autocross or track? Invest in coilovers.
• Budget: A full OEM replacement for all four corners costs $400–$800. Performance coilover sets run $800–$1,500.
• Ride Quality: Springs and dampers must work together. Mismatched parts cause a harsh or bouncy ride.

How to Choose the Right Suspension Parts

Focus on compatibility, material quality, and reputable brands.

Compatibility

Verify model year (1991–1996 for G20, 1999–2002 for G20t). Rear suspension differs between early and late models. Always check part numbers against your VIN or consult a dedicated supplier like RockAuto or local parts store.

Material Quality

• Steel vs. Aluminum control arms: Steel is standard; aluminum saves weight but costs more. For daily driving, steel is fine.
• Rubber vs. Polyurethane bushings: Rubber absorbs vibration but wears faster. Polyurethane lasts longer but transmits more road noise. Choose based on priority.

Brand Recommendations

• Shocks/Struts: KYB is OE supplier for many Japanese cars. Monroe Sensa-Trac provides good value. For performance, Bilstein or Koni.
• Springs: Moog for OEM height. Eibach and H&R for lowering.
• Control Arms/Bushings: Moog, Mevotech, or OEM from Nissan. Avoid no-name brands.
• Sway Bar Links: Moog or OEM. Replace in pairs.

Installation Tips and Common Pitfalls

DIY vs Professional Installation

Suspension work requires specific tools and experience. If you have a floor jack, jack stands, spring compressor, and torque wrench, you can save money. However, spring compressors are dangerous if used incorrectly. Many owners opt for professional installation to ensure safety and alignment.

Tools Needed

• Jack and jack stands
• Spring compressor (for strut assemblies)
• Socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench
• Ball joint separator (if replacing control arms)
• Alignment after replacement is mandatory.

Safety Precautions

• Always support the vehicle with jack stands – never rely on the jack alone.
• Use spring compressors with caution; follow instructions.
• Torque all fasteners to spec. Check Nissan service manual values.
• Replace alignment bolts if they are damaged.

Common Pitfalls

• Buying used parts: Not recommended for suspension due to hidden wear.
• Forgetting to replace strut mounts and bump stops: These should be done with struts.
• Overtightening bolts: Can damage bushings or strip threads.
• Skipping the post-installation alignment: Will cause tire wear and poor handling.

Final Recommendation

For most Infiniti G20 owners, a quality OEM replacement of worn struts, shocks, and bushings is the best balance of cost, comfort, and reliability. If you drive your G20 daily and want to restore its original feel, choose KYB Excel-G struts and shocks paired with Moog replacement springs and control arms.

For enthusiasts seeking sharper handling, a set of BC Racing coilovers or Eibach lowering springs with Koni Yellow shocks can transform the car without sacrificing too much comfort. Always replace parts in pairs (both fronts or both rears) and get a professional alignment afterward.

By investing in the right suspension parts, your Infiniti G20 will continue to deliver the engaging driving experience it was known for.