Nissan Maxima FRONT Shock (Strut) Replacement

[@amerigo88]

I completed this job a couple days ago. Be sure to torque down the large, strut bolts while the wheel is still in the air as shown in this video, but DO NOT torque the smaller bolts inside the engine compartment until the weight of the car is back on the wheel. Instead of just aligning the three bolt studs on the top of the strut with the old one as shown in this video, I recommend measuring the distances between all three. Two of them are spaced at 4 and 3/8 inches, but the third is only 4 inches away. You have to line up that four inch gap with the holes in the body at the engine compartment. The torque spec for the wheel lug nuts from the owner's manual is right about 80 foot pounds. My helper was really helpful, especially with getting the three bolts on top of the strut lined up. We installed Monroe Economatic complete struts. Accidentally sheared one of the top bolts while finishing the whole job. The local O'Reilly exchanged for another one of theirs without complaint. They only asked if I had used an impact wrench and I truthfully answered no as I had been using my torque wrench instead. That added about 90 minutes to this adventure.

[@JohnSmith-fb2np]

A habit i picked up in the years ive been doing repair is to simply mark one top bolt with a stencil pencil and the corresponding hole for it on the strut tower. easy peasy.

[@JohnSmith-fb2np]

@tdidan you're right. BUT, the studs are offset purposely to ensure the proper placement aspect. It's a really simple thing to transfer that mark to the new strut assembly. Nothing like fighting an install when you dont have to.

[@Heyliz821]

I dropped off my 2006 Nissan Maxima to the regular mechanic this morning. He will replace the front shocks, wheel bearings & P/S inner tie rod. Thanks for this video, it is not like I’m planning to fix my own car in the future but I just want to have an idea on how to replace the front shocks, get familiarize with the tools and accessories around the shocks.

[@Heyliz821]

Now it makes sense I was wondering Y the hood was up when I passed by earlier. Coz he needs to removed the 3, 14mm bolts first…

[@Olhead718]

Very informative. Excellent teacher. Excellent video

[@terran2kk]

thanks I'll be doing the same this weekend on my 98 maxima. exactly what I needed

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@fredrickjohnson8683]

Battery impacts and battery wrench after you break the bolts. Helps speed the process up. I'm an old school mechanic i grew up on air tools, thank God for battery impacts now days.

[@alexdelvalle3693]

looks so easy but when i did this job the strut wouldn't alighn in place to bolt back on and had to push the rotor assembly down and what a pain. yours lined up with no problems. wish i had a friend to help at the time.

[@jaynich9925]

Great video Bro! 2 thumbs and 2 big toes up for this. Really appreciate the torque specs also. Liked and subbed.

[@JOSE-td9di]

Good work 👍

[@CryptoBates]

Cheers man i done mine in an hour . Only problem is i bent the rotor stone gaurd. No problem I can bend it back tomorrow.

[@donalddurga9742]

Hi saw your video very detailed and concise very well put together, great job.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Happy to help

[@budget_hobbies87]

Great video. But looks like the new strut assembly has an extra coil in the spring

[@rafaone68]

Good job Bro...

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks!

[@JohnSmith-fb2np]

This was a good general info video. I didn't watch the entire thing though. Good points: You gave a good overview of whats involved. and for a novice it will work. What you didn't do: When removing struts, the steering knuckle can hang free and put undo strain on the cv axle inner joint and cause damage, which leads to an expensive part replacement. you left the brake caliper attached to the knuckle which put undue stress on the brake line which if it fails while driving can cause a serious accident or replacement of the part. its a couple extra steps to secure the knuckle to avoid these stresses, or removal of the caliper and loosening of the axle to also avoid these issues. Lastly, you used whats monroe calls a "quick strut" that is the one with the spring already installed. A lot of cars do not come like that. you should have done a complete job with a raw strut. show people how to use a spring compressor, alignment of the spring seats and so on. Sorry for the negative review. you obviously know how to wrench. But these extra steps can be key issues for the DIY'r. For those doing this job at home: please look further for videos that show these extra steps. It can save you a lot of stress and money to be better informed

[@ambersolomon354]

The three 14 mm bolts he removes at the beginning... What part is it that those were on? Car noob here

[@DANAP126]

Very cool, very informative, thanks!

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@PhucNguyen-xg4tg]

Good job

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you.

[@FoxyTann]

Thanks for all your help

[@cantsay4302]

I thought Nick Bowling had a great comment. Yet another reason to apply the breaker bar to the control arm nuts (which are on the right side) is that you can use your body weight to apply torque to the nut. This has to be much easier than lifting with my back. I am just about to do this job. I have a bad strut bearing on the drivers side of my '95 se.

[@psmith6852]

appreciate the torque specs is their any chance the car will drop when the old strutt is removed? i have tork wrench and breaker bar . 120 is not a tuff one for me .front hubs are very difficult to remove \

[@monarchmankd]

Bad ass vid! Thanks!!

[@huhwhat6887]

Amazon says the struts on your description won't fit a 2000 Nissan maxima

[@ryan6391]

Great Video, thanks a lot!

[@mehdisherif2972]

Although i m quite late to the party, i hope i get a response. Is this the 30GV Trim of the Maxima? My front shock is leaking and my 30gv has electronically adjusted shocker on the front (sport mode). Is this car the same? If not, do you rekon i can put normal shockers on it? Because i cant find my type anywhere used or new.

[@mikewiskow3294]

Nice video dude!

[@CarsNToys]

Mike Wiskow Thanks man

[@frankie11209]

Great video

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks, Omer.

[@gort400]

Thank you for the video. I have a 1995 Infiniti Q45. All 4 struts need replacing. I cant find any place that sells struts for her. Do you think the Nissan Maxima struts will work on the Q45? If not do you know of any struts that will come close to working? Car is bottoming out on bumps now. She needs HELP!!!

[@aoclive6710]

It should be interchange check rock auto . Or call a mechanic

[@phillyGz1]

Awsome video. Thanks.

[@elvertfigueroa5444]

good video

[@CarsNToys]

Glad you enjoyed

[@LuisMoreno-he9lm]

After replacing this, is it necessary get alignment again? Or not? Thanks guys

[@FoxyTann]

I found the struts on AM-autoparts.com 1995 - 1999 Nissan Maxima Front Strut & Spring Assembly Pair $141.00 AND 1995 - 1999 Nissan Maxima Front & Rear Strut & Spring Assembly (Set of 4) $250.00 with free shipping it's like they're giving them away and I got them in 3 days! Thanks again to the CarsNToys guy's video- my hubby and I were able to install them ourselves!. : ) Extra thanks for showing us how to align the strut tower mount - we were standing around scratching our head wondering what to do. thanks! a very grateful, Foxy Tann

[@CarsNToys]

+Foxy Tann That's awesome, Foxy. Glad to help. Cheers

[@alexdelvalle3693]

just wondering if the strut boots are torn would that cause front end noise?

[@kennyvegas855]

Hi Buddy are the struts for maxima some with nissan cefiro 1995 ? Thanks

[@oscarpena4514]

I forgot to put the gasket in should I take apart again or no big deal??

[@luismorales7390]

Hi,I have a Nissan maxima 2000,and the bushings in the rear rail suspension are bad,any videos of it getting fixed??

[@CarsNToys]

Sure. I'll upload a video shortly.

[@CarsNToys]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqnTkn2Elr2CY80

[@judahlion2067]

What size wrench

[@tadeo55]

Thanks for the video it helped me out when I changed my shocks out yesterday. Question though; I only replaced the shocks and reused the springs. But now when I turn I hear a popping sound from whatever side I turn to. It sort of sounds like the spring but they look fine. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@CarsNToys]

Are the springs fully seated? Springs generally have a specific alignment in the strut housing. What kind of vehicle?

[@tadeo55]

CarsNToys I believe so. I tried to set them the same way. It's a 1997 Nissan maxima

[@brianwooldridge446]

Would the same replacement instructions follow for a 2011 Nissan Maxima as well?

[@CarsNToys]

Pretty much. Just don't rush it.

[@kimsherri]

how long to replace one front strut assembly?

[@CarsNToys]

Give yourself a day if it's your first time.

[@bambam4LSU]

I live here in Lousyana the Roads suck, wife 08 Max passenger side strut is busted at 92K miles I notice oil everywhere on strut while changing belts,, I change the ones out on her 97 Max 10 years ago.. looks pretty much the same. I replaced the entire strut housing.. guessing all models are similar??

[@CarsNToys]

I've read good reviews on KYB. Maybe they'll last a bit more.

[@bambam4LSU]

I was just looking at them,, only $40.00 more each.. not bad if better.. KYB Loaded Strut/Shock/Strut - Front This product is a fit for your: 2008 Nissan/Datsun Maxima 3.5L SFI DOHC 6cyl in Stock Price $189.99 was thinking just replacing the strut by the time you buy bellow and mounts $20.00 bucks for the while assembly..

[@j.g.8328]

How have the Monroe struts held up since install? Would you recommend them?

[@peterp4753]

Monroe struts lasts 60,000 miles max.

[@adam68nova]

When doing the front struts do you recommend changing out any other steering or suspension components?

[@CarsNToys]

Only if other components need replacement due to wear and tear. Cheers.

[@branndon2480]

I changed my shocks n struts for the front and back, checked the tie rods and ball joints they're good. I got an alignment done after about 5 months of replacing all the shocks, but when I move the wheel to turn, it still makes noises and when I drive on the highway it'll still shake. U know why it could still be doing that?

[@CarsNToys]

Branndon n How are the cv boots? Sounds like they've worn out. Is the rubber torn? Regarding the shake in the steering wheel, typically it's a wheel balance issue, wheel bearing or you have a dent in the one of the rims.

[@branndon2480]

CarsNToys I'll check those boots as soon as I can. I did replace the driver side inner tie rod and the boot for it was ripped completely in half.. thanks for suggestions I'll check it out

[@Bloodklot]

Where do you buy your parts? I have an '01 Maxima I'm thinking of replacing shocks. Thanks!

[@CarsNToys]

Amazon or ebay motors. Cheers

[@Bloodklot]

Thanks. I did find this website. What do you think about these? www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/2001/Nissan/Maxima/Shock_and_Strut_Set/75-80034_4C?src=pla&scid=scplp75800344C-2001-4-5018736&sc_intid=75800344C-2001-4-5018736&gclid=CPLRronFmNQCFUi5wAod1lQONA

[@CarsNToys]

I'm afraid I don't have any experience with these particular struts. Monroe and KYB are well made but you'll spend a bit more.

[@JohnSmith-fb2np]

you can research through your local auto parts store website for the brand you prefer. Monroe is the most common and is used in the factory for most, if not all, cars and truck manufactured in the US. the best, IMHO, is Bilstien (they have a huge wharehouse here in San Diego) once you find the brand you like, note the part number and local price. Search it on line and many times you can find it 30-50% cheaper if you dont mind waiting. otherwise go to your local supplier and pick them up if they are stocked. Aslo, dont be afraid to price shop. Most large chain stores will price match thier competitors! saving a buck, is saving a buck!

[@gruffski]

Great video man!!! very detailed. Deff going to be using this video to install my lowering spring set.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@psmith6852]

my front driver side is blow out and then some thanks to hgy 285

[@gort400]

Where did you buy the complete strut. I need them for a 95 Q45. Also what is a good price range?? Thanks

[@ItsMeJbird]

gort400 I'm trying to find them to, any luck yet?

[@gort400]

No luck yet.

[@ItsMeJbird]

gort400 I found these. Look at this on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/381438637876

[@gort400]

Thanks Bandits INFO Channel!!!

[@ItsMeJbird]

Just have to swap over your Spring.

[@samdgh2865]

Will this procedure work for a 2000 maxima?

[@wesleysandifer6157]

I think it's the same for 95 to 2003 and pretty similar for models there after for a while.

[@chilangodfvb]

where you get the strucks

[@CarsNToys]

+chilangodfvb Amazon, ebay motors, etc.

[@BaldGod]

My bolts were so hard to line up

[@inuyash2012]

Who do you order from

[@CarsNToys]

Local part store, amazon, ebay motors, rock auto.

[@Dubblesteel]

My inner axle joint came out while changing strut on an Altima

[@ktmpasser]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@WoZIMoo]

Nice one, always with the great videos. Just out of curiosity, what watch is that? (I am a wristwatch aficionado)

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks, WoZIMoo. The watch is a Casio Wave Captor. It's a great watch. Cheers.

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I highly recommend an impact gun, especially with a high corrosion vehicle. Just point and shoot.

[@nbowling10trio]

normally you want to take the nut off on the two lower strut bolts rather than turn the bolt because I've seen those bolts been splined into steering knuckle before

[@JohnSmith-fb2np]

This an excellent point. Some are splined. ALSO, some are excentric bolts for wheel alignments. The lower bolts should be marked with a white stencil pencil or equivilent to show the rough alignment setting. then take to a shop for fine alignment. the service writer in the shop will tell you you need to align the car after strut replacement. this is not true in many cases, but in some it it is. Chevy and dodge both used excentric bolts on the struts.

[@CORZER0]

A total noob mistake. He even referred to the bolt head as the nut. Give everyone a camera and they are all of a sudden experts at everything and want to teach the world how to do shit.

[@Latransient]

I suck shit at automotive stuff, but this seems simple enough

[@B.A.Gondal]

you wear that watch when working working? haha

[@CarsNToys]

lol Sure do, most of the time. It's actually pretty scratched up. You can't really tell on camera.

[@michaelperez3453]

Shoulda put tools I need in description because I have to repeat the video for the tools

[@peterp4753]

Blow torch makes is easier bro !

[@iobubba]

Hey i have a question i have the same car except when i drive over little bumps my car bounces like a lower ride could it be faulty struts pls need help anyone

[@CarsNToys]

Sure could be.

[@helljobe]

You could do a loaaad of f_c😂

[@Hot80s]

putting money on a disposable maxima? man.

[@slooob23]

Its called maintenance, you seriously going to throw away a car because it needs a new strut?

[@ktmpasser]

My ‘01 has 360000 miles on it and still going strong. Not exactly what I’d call disposable.

[@jeremymorgan5009]

Great video

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks!