I first heard about Cruven from the NissanBayan forums. There’s a long running thread there about a shop called Zee Carplus and its sister company, Cruven, which are reputed to be very good with suspension and underchassis maintenance and repair.
I finally went there a few weeks ago because my front brakes were screeching, sign of brake pads that need to be replaced. In addition, there was a springy sound coming the front suspension. Once I got there, my first impression was that the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. And as a bonus, I was the first customer that day. All the mechanics were swarming around and working on the car! The following were done:
1. Replaced front rotor discs and brake pads, cleaned and lubricated front brake calipers
2. Replaced shock mount bushing – this was the source of the springy sound
3. Renovated fronts shocks – they refilled my old gas shocks and added valves for easy gas pressure adjustment. This is one of their unique services.
The end result was a firm, smooth, and relatively quiet ride. But a few days after the shock renovation, I started hearing popping noises from the front suspension and I went back to get it checked. The following were done:
1. Check popping sound from front suspension, tightened nuts and bolts, put rubber inserts on the two front stabilizer clamp bushings.
2. Checked rear drum brakes and brake shoes
3. Rebonded valve cover and distributor – engine oil was leaking out.
4. Replaced my serpentine belt – the old serpentine belt was routed erroneously by the previous shop and was squealing.
Unfortunately, the popping sound didn’t completely go away so I had to go back again after a few weeks. This time, the following were done:
1. Completely replaced the two front stabilizer clamp bushings, replaced front stabilizer link bushings, injected the front stabilizer links via their proprietary polymer injection technology. Polymer injection is another of their unique services.
2. Completely replaced the valve cover gasket – there was still some engine oil leakage.
3. Renovated rear shocks
That finally solved the popping sound. Now the ride is not only smooth and firm but also suspension-noise free!
In conclusion, I must say I’m very happy with the shop. If you’re on a budget and don’t wanna suffer highway robbery from some shops, this is the place to go to. Although I haven’t been to Zee Carplus, from what I’ve heard and read, Cruven is as good if not better. After all, they have the same technology and the staff of Cruven mostly came from Zee Carplus.