Strut Replacement Help

aquasport17 · Aug 14th, 2003, 11:33 AM

I am going to replace all 4 struts on my NX 1600 this week. I am capable, but have never done it. I have a strut spring compressor, air tools, etc. I'm looking for tips, etc. What do I need for parts besides the obvious strut cartridge? Bearings, etc?? I want to avoid 5 trips to the parts store. Thanks in advance.

Jeff

nissannut · Aug 14th, 2003, 11:55 AM

You need a bunch of tools. including torque wrench. You should not need anything else, unless you notice some damaged parts.

You may want to buy a hayns manual from Autozone or wherever and read it first just to give you an idea in whats involved. Its pretty easy on newer vehicles like yours. basically 5 bolts hold them in. Do not disconnect the brake lines, justs pop of the holding clips.

Make sure you have a 24" breaker bar. Them strut bolts are around 200 ft lbs.

aquasport17 · Aug 14th, 2003, 11:59 AM

Thanks. I have plenty of air power. Should I replace the strut bearings too? Can I buy an entire assembly with new everything and just bolt them in? I want to do it right, and if the bearings etc are right there why not. Just wondering what's involved beyond the strut itself.

nastynissan · Aug 14th, 2003, 12:17 PM

Id replace the strut tower bearings and And possibly the spring seats if their damaged.... Those are bout the only things related to changing the struts...

nissannut · Aug 14th, 2003, 12:19 PM

It would be very expensive to repace the whole stru assembly with spring installed.

The only bearings are the ones in the hubs that the axle rides in.

There really is no other comsumables involed with the strut assembly that go bad. Worst case the rubber inuslator mount between strut and unibody can be bad, but that is rare in my experience.

You do not need oil or grease..

You might get new 5 new nuts with the struts, just replace those.

aquasport17 · Aug 14th, 2003, 01:41 PM

So as I understand there is NO strut bearings? They are listed as a part.

nissannut · Aug 14th, 2003, 04:11 PM

front or back??? Where do you see that name listed??

aquasport17 · Aug 14th, 2003, 05:09 PM

I'm replacing them all the way around- and as I understood, there were strut bearings in the front. If I ask for price and availability on the strut bearings they are about 15 or 20 bucks and usually have to be ordered. The car is 13 years ols and if I'm gonna take it apart I'm gonna do it right and replace whatever is involved. ??Bearings or not.?? My question is: If I was going to replace everything but the coil spring in the assembly, what would it be? I want to go to the parts store armed.

nissannut · Aug 14th, 2003, 05:35 PM

I found what you are calling bearings. It is above the spring..

I have never replaced these,

I was talking about axle bearing and they are "pressed in". You will need to take apart allot more than just the if replacing the struts.

Go ahead replace that bearing...