Encore Automotive’s Genuine OE Struts Fixed My Infiniti QX56 Suspension Problems
If you own a 2013 Infiniti QX56, you already know it’s a beast of an SUV – massive (read heavy) presence, comfortable, powerful, and built to last. But when the front suspension nears its end of life, starting to feel loose or wobbly, things can go downhill fast.
That’s exactly what happened to me when my QX56’s ride started feeling floaty, and every bump on the road felt like a pothole. It didn’t take long to realize that the front struts had finally worn out.
The Aftermarket Strut Mistake
Like a lot of people, I wanted to save a few bucks. So, I went to AutoZone and picked up a pair of aftermarket struts for under $200 each – a bargain compared to the dealer’s steep prices for the factory part.
My local shop installed them for just a tad over $500, and I thought I was all set. But within two weeks, things went sideways.
First, I started hearing clunking noises from the front end – noises I’d never heard before, not even with my old, worn-out factory struts. The ride also didn’t feel right. There was a weird wobbliness at highway speeds, like the suspension was too soft and couldn’t keep up with the truck’s weight.
What I Learned About Aftermarket Struts for the Infiniti QX56
After some online digging, I quickly discovered I wasn’t alone. On several Infiniti QX56 and QX80 owner forums, everyone warned that most aftermarket struts just don’t hold up on these heavy luxury SUVs, regardless of what you pay for them.
The common advice? Stick with genuine OE (Original Equipment) parts.
They’re designed for the vehicle’s exact suspension geometry and weight, ensuring the perfect fit and the smooth, stable ride Infiniti intended.
Finding Genuine OE Struts from Encore Automotive
Now, I wasn’t about to pay dealership prices for a set of OE struts — not when the quote was well over $1,000 per pair. So, I went back to searching and stumbled across something interesting: Genuine OE struts sold by Encore Automotive.
I was intrigued. I quickly jumped on Encore’s website, and surely they supply genuine OE parts to retail stores across the U.S. – Factory original components made by the same manufacturers that build the parts for automakers. After a bit more digging, I learned that I should be looking for part number SHK-J50001.
Googling that part number rendered a pleasant surprise! I found out that AutoZone carried the Encore Automotive Genuine OE struts for my 2013 Infiniti QX56, seemingly in stock, not just for online next-day delivery, but also available in three stores near me.
At $422 each, they weren’t cheap, but they claimed to be genuine OE and cost less than the dealer’s price. The next day, I headed to the closest AutoZone that had the part in stock to check things out myself. I had the clerk open one of the boxes to verify if the strut was the real thing, and sure enough, it was! My next move – Bought two of those on the spot!
Installation and the Encore Difference
I brought the new Encore Automotive struts to my mechanic, and his reaction said it all.
“These are what you should have bought in the first place,” he said as soon as he opened the box. “You can tell these are factory OE – perfect welds, exact fitment, even the same markings as the original ones.”
He charged me a reduced $300 for labor to swap out the aftermarket struts and install the Encore ones, and gave me back the junk aftermarket, telling me good luck trying to return them!
When I got the QX56 back that afternoon, the difference was immediate.
- No more clunking noises
- Smooth, stable ride – just like new
- Better handling in corners and when braking
Conclusion: Front suspension back to factory performance!
Why Genuine OE Struts from Encore Automotive Are Worth It
Here’s what I learned from this whole experience:
- Exact Fitment: The Encore struts fit perfectly with zero modifications.
- Factory Performance: Designed specifically for the Infiniti QX56’s suspension and weight.
- In-Stock Availability: Found them right at AutoZone – no waiting or special ordering.
- OEM-Grade Warranty: Genuine OE quality backed by a trusted brand.
Encore Automotive has partnerships with major national retailers like AutoZone, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts, so finding OE-quality parts is easier (and cheaper) than going to the dealer.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Cheap Out on Suspension Parts
If there’s one thing I took away from this, it’s that suspension components are not the place to cut corners. Those $200 aftermarket struts might seem like a good deal – until you’re back in the shop two weeks later paying for another round of labor and parts.
With Encore Automotive Genuine OE struts from AutoZone, my 2013 Infiniti QX56 finally drives like it’s supposed to – solid, stable, and smooth.
So if you’re replacing suspension parts on your Infiniti or any heavy SUV, skip the budget brands and ask for Encore Automotive Genuine OE parts. Your ride (and wallet) will thank you in the long run.
