How to replace the front struts?

JC-842

MEMBER
1998 NISSAN ALTIMA
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
104,000 MILES

Hello, I have done extensive font end work. Or by the time I'm done I will have. I've asked a lot of questions and always gotten excellent advice/ answers. My question is, when changing the front struts what is the proper procedure? I do not have a lift/rack. What I'm wanting to know is front of the ground? And which end of the strut should be removed first? Do I loosen the three nuts under the hood per strut then move to the bottom of the strut? By the way I'm replacing the struts as a whole unit. The struts come with an elliptical/oval top hole for camber adjustment. So, it will save me work from having to modify the holes. I've never changed struts and I'm aware they can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Thanks as always. JC

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,254 POSTS

Hi,

Are you replacing the entire strut assembly which includes the coil spring? If that is the case, it isn't as dangerous. When you have to compress the coil to disassemble the assembly, that can be dangerous if not done correctly.

As far as the vehicle, you need to have all weight off the wheel. So, you have to lift one side at a time at either the frame or jack lift point so that the wheel dangles and has no upward pressure.

At that point, remove the bolts (2) from the steering knuckle and then the upper ones under the hood and remove the assembly.

I attached directions below. Now, if you plan to take the strut assembly apart and only install the shock portion, which is different, so let me know.

Advice: After the work is complete, have the alignment checked.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Thursday, June 8th, 2023 AT 10:00 PM

JC-842

MEMBER
181 POSTS

Sorry my text was incomplete but yes, I'm replacing the complete set of front struts. I think that's the best option. I bought struts that have the oval shaped top mounting holes so that my camber adjustment can be altered without any modifications to the struts. My passenger side control arm and axel were changed and now the camber is so far out the front-end alignment was not possible on the front without first fixing the issue. I'm sending you a printout of the alignment. Thanks. JC

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Friday, June 9th, 2023 AT 5:55 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,254 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update.

Have you already completed the work? If so, how did everything turn out for you? If you aren't finished yet, let me know if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, June 9th, 2023 AT 11:52 PM

JC-842

MEMBER
181 POSTS

Thanks Joe, I'm waiting on the struts. The ones I've ordered have the oval shaped hole at the top so I won't need to use the cam bolts, I will definitely update you. Thanks. JC

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Saturday, June 10th, 2023 AT 2:38 AM