How to Replace Strut Mount 2000-2008 Nissan Maxima

Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Nissan Maxima

Replace the front strut mount, including compressing the spring, on a 2000-2008 Nissan Maxima.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Remove the old strut

   Remove the two 19mm bolts and 21mm nuts at the bottom of the strut, unclip the ABS sensor, pull the brake line clip off with needle-nose pliers, pry the strut out of the spindle with a flat blade screwdriver, soak the three 14mm strut mount nuts at the top in penetrant, remove them, then pull the strut down and out.

3. Remove the strut mount

   Fit spring compressors onto opposite sides of the spring and compress it evenly, loosen the 19mm strut mount nut, continue compressing until there's play between the spring and strut, remove the 19mm nut, pull off the strut mount, then pry off its swivel bearing.

4. Install the new strut mount

   Fit the swivel bearing and the new mount (matching its key to the strut's), have an assistant hold the strut while you start the 19mm nut, slowly release the spring compressors, then snug the 19mm nut down preliminarily.

5. Install the strut

   With the "F" on the mount facing forward, lift the strut into place, start its three 14mm mount nuts, push the strut onto the spindle, thread in the two 19mm bolts and 21mm nuts at the bottom, torque the mount nuts to about 25 ft-lb, support the suspension with a jack, torque the 19mm mount nut to about 45-50 ft-lb and the 21mm lower nuts to about 110 ft-lb, then clip the ABS sensor and brake line back on, tapping the brake line clip with a hammer.

6. Reattach the wheel

   Slide the wheel on, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, then torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a star pattern.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.