Order of teardown and reinstall front suspension

BILL PRATT

MEMBER
2009 NISSAN ALTIMA
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

I am replacing the lower control arm, axles, and struts on the front of my car listed above coupe. Wanted to get your thoughts on the best order to tear down and put back together. The axles are leaking (torn boots), the control arm bushings are split, and the shocks in the struts are leaking. I am DIY-ing this job. I know I have to do one side and then the other or I have to take the transmission apart but outside of that, your thoughts? Thanks.

5 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If you are replacing all of them then there is no specific order that you need to follow. However, when reassembling I would start at the bottom and work up. Meaning lower control arm, axle shaft, etc. You don't have to do it this way but as it goes back together that is the order that just makes sense to me and is how I would do it.

Here are some guides that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/lower-control-arm-bushing-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-shock-absorber

I attached the process below for these. Let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 10:16 AM

BILL PRATT

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thanks. That makes sense to have the lower stuff on so that everything doesn't have to be supported as much. I will use a jack under the control arm while I am putting everything back together but it will be easier than holding parts in the air. Appreciate the links and the images too.

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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 12:05 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Sounds great. Thanks and let us know if you have other issues with this. Please come back to 2CarPros in the future. Thanks again.

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Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 AT 6:11 PM

BILL PRATT

MEMBER
6 POSTS

One other question: I am expecting some transmission fluid to leak out when I take out the axles. I do not know if the car has ever had a transmission fluid change (I got it about 20,000 miles ago). Since I don't know what type of fluid is in there, what should I do about adding more fluid back in? Should I do a transmission fluid change? Nissan wants $20.00 per quart for their NS2 fluid but other auto parts places have their brands. Thanks.

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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 10:37 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I understand. It is expensive. The issue is this is a CVT and that is very specific fluid and if you mix fluids it will damage the unit.

However, the nice thing is this is a fill for life unit. You only need to inspect the level of it to make sure it is not leaking. However, you do not have to change the fluid unless there is an issue.

So if you are loosing some fluid, I would just top it off.

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