Replacing strut assembly

[D13_R50]

How do I go about removing the strut assembly in an '04 Pathfinder? I'm thinking of replacing the stock strut assemblies with monroe quick-struts to avoid the hassle of using a spring compressor.

[Slumpert]

For my 1997 -
A cheap impact wrench will just make noise..

There is a 17mm nut for the ball-joint swaybar connection that was crazy hard to remove for me.
Once you do loosen it, you might need a 17mm wrench and 6mm allen key to easily finish removing it.
There are 2 - 21mm nuts that hold the strut to the spindle.. I think the bolt was 19mm
The top three nuts are 14mm and pretty easy to loosen. I hard to work around lots of lines on the drivers side but I did not actually need to remove anything..
There is a 10mm bolt that holds the brake line clamp to the strut.


Best method is to jack the whole front end in the air, support very very well with jack stands. Trying to do while one side on the ground is going to put load on the sway bar and that will cause major hassles.

I highly suggest getting 1/2 drive 6 point sockets, 1/2 drive breaker bar at least 2ft if your strong else longer. And in case you have really stuck one as me, a solid 12+" 1/2 extension to get that 17mm nut loose.
Also suggested to get factory new nuts for the lower (ready strut should come with new top nuts) as they nuts have a built in crimple that acts as a locking method. Direct from the dealer they were just like $2.50 each.

Be mindfull of the brake and abs lines as your loosening the strut, it is heavy enough to damage them if dropped.

Check the nuts that come with your strut, mine was a size bigger but still fit no issue.

[D13_R50]

Sounds straightforward enough.

So, just to clarify, the impact wrench isn't necessary?

[Slumpert]

I am confident any impact wrench under $100 will not have the torque to break those nuts free.

Even one super good impact wench I borrowred was not able to break free one of the 21mm nuts and one of the 17mm ones. Pure leverage and very strong sockets was the final ticket.

So to clarify... be prepared for the impact wrench to not be enough..

[D13_R50]

Ahh ok. That's good to know then. I'll definitely pick up some more penetrating oil too..

[yngw13]

or a torch...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTwMbFbBFvE[/youtube]

[atraudes]

How do I go about removing the strut assembly in an '04 Pathfinder? I'm thinking of replacing the stock strut assemblies with monroe quick-struts to avoid the hassle of using a spring compressor.

You got me interested in using those on my '01 QX4, but when I look at the Monroe site, I don't see the Quick-Struts available for the '01 or '04 Pathfinder/QX4. Did you end up using them, and if so, what was the model?

http://www.monroe.com/en-US/catalog/e-Catalog

[ottofalcon]

I recommend you buy KYB Shocks, I used Monroes on mine and they lasted almost a month before they started making noises. If you have the budget get Moog or OEM strut mounts and KYB Shocks.

After that experience with my last QX4 I always use KYB, I have a 91 Montero with KYB, 2001 S40 with KYB and now my 03 SE has them.