How to Replace Strut & Spring Assembly 02-03 Nissan Maxima
Difficulty: Advanced · About 60 min · Nissan Maxima
Replace the front strut & spring assembly on a 2002-2003 Nissan Maxima.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 14mm socket
- 19mm wrench
- 21mm socket
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Rust penetrant
- Needle-nose pliers
- Hammer
- Torque wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front strut & spring assembly
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.
- Remove the old strut
Hold the spindle bolt with a 19mm wrench while removing its nut, pull the bolt out, free the ABS sensor and brake line from their brackets with a screwdriver and pliers, pry the strut out of the spindle, then soak the top mount's nuts in penetrant, remove two of the three 14mm nuts, and support the strut while removing the last one.
- Install the new strut
Line up the mount's "F" mark facing forward, seat the strut and start its 14mm nuts, push it into the spindle, insert the bolt and nut, torque the top mounts to about 25 ft-lb and the spindle nut to about 110 ft-lb, then refit the ABS sensor and brake line and its clip.
- Reinstall the wheel
Torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern, then have the car professionally aligned since the strut was disturbed.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.