How to Replace Strut & Spring Assembly 00-03 Nissan Maxima
Difficulty: Advanced · About 50 min · Nissan Maxima
Replace the front strut & spring assembly on a 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- Socket extensions
- Flat blade screwdriver
- 14mm socket
- 17mm socket
- 21mm socket
- Torque wrench
- Pry bar
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- Penetrating oil
Parts and supplies
- Strut & spring assembly
Steps
- Access the top of the strut
Pop the trunk, move the carpeting aside, pry up the trim clip and pull the trim up, then unbolt the top mount's 14mm bolts.
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the lugs, raise and support the car, then remove the lugs and wheel.
- Disconnect the bottom of the strut
Soak the lower 17mm bolts in penetrating oil and remove them with a breaker bar, then pull the strut down and out.
- Install the new strut
Bolt it in and torque the top 14mm bolts to about 20-30 ft-lb, insert the spindle into the strut's lower end and raise the control arm until the bolt holes line up, then torque the bottom 17mm nut to about 75 ft-lb.
- Reinstall the wheel
Hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the car, then torque them to about 100 ft-lb.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.