Hello All,
I have never changed the shocks/struts in my car. It's way over due (at 200,000 miles) and I'm trying to make sure I have all the parts I need. I'm looking into the KYB struts, and from what I've read I need to avoid their mounts. The OE mounts (with bearing, upper nuts, and center nut) comes out to around $75 online.
I've read good things about the Raybestos mounts, which would save $50 total, but I wanted to ask if that is the best way to go or should I stick with OE? If I go with Raybestos, what other parts might I need?
I'm looking at going ahead and replacing the lower bolts and nuts, as well as the rubber boot. I think the springs are alright for now, so those may be staying put.
I just had the rack and pinion replaced, as well as the driver side CV axle. Passenger side CV axle will be done with the struts, and then, hopefully, she will be ready to drive again, after an alignment.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Andrew
1996 Strut Replacement
-
atraudes
- Posts: 1106
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
- Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
- Location: Sammamish, WA
Re: 1996 Strut Replacement
I used the Raybestos mounts; no complaints. In the diagram below, 10, 12, 5, 2, and 3 should all be replaced when you replace the struts. 10 is a cardboard gasket that sits between the top of the strut and the strut tower, 12 is a plastic piece that the strut turns on when you turn the steering wheel, 5 is a rubber insulator that the top of the coil sits in, 2 is the bolts that connect the strut to the knuckle (make sure you get new nuts as well), and 3 is obviously the boot. You don't absolutely have to replace all of them, but those are the wear and tear items you may regret not taking care of later.
On my 2001 there was an insulator for the bottom of the coil as well so if yours has one, get that too. I'm not totally sold that the diagram has all the parts listed since it doesn't include the upper nuts you were referring to
courtesyparts.com really screwed the pooch with their new website...I digress.
I'd consider putting new coils in there as well while you're at it, especially since they can be had for less than $100. The ride will probably firm up nicely and you'll likely get a half inch or more of ride height back. If you decide not to, give the current ones a good once-over to make sure they're not overly rusted in any spots. They can rust through and collapse on you
Let us know how you make out!
On my 2001 there was an insulator for the bottom of the coil as well so if yours has one, get that too. I'm not totally sold that the diagram has all the parts listed since it doesn't include the upper nuts you were referring to
courtesyparts.com really screwed the pooch with their new website...I digress.I'd consider putting new coils in there as well while you're at it, especially since they can be had for less than $100. The ride will probably firm up nicely and you'll likely get a half inch or more of ride height back. If you decide not to, give the current ones a good once-over to make sure they're not overly rusted in any spots. They can rust through and collapse on you
Let us know how you make out!
Re: 1996 Strut Replacement
Howdy!
Thank You for the reply. I've been researching the parts, and it looks like Rock Auto is out of the Raybestos mounts at this time. Is there another brand that might be recommended? If not, I may just go with the OE as it doesn't seem that much more expensive, especially when adding shipping.
I was looking at part 5 and it seems like that may be the "Spring Lower Insulator" you made mention of. I wasn't able to find an insulator for the top of the coil via that site. Could that be a part that came later?
Thanks for the tip on courtesyparts.com. They are several dollars cheaper than ordering through the local dealership. As for the nuts and bolts, I found them by entering the part number that I got off of parts.nissanusa.com; however, it doesn't say they fit my car. Would it be advisable to order them, or should I try and get them through the local dealership?
Thank You for the reply. I've been researching the parts, and it looks like Rock Auto is out of the Raybestos mounts at this time. Is there another brand that might be recommended? If not, I may just go with the OE as it doesn't seem that much more expensive, especially when adding shipping.
I was looking at part 5 and it seems like that may be the "Spring Lower Insulator" you made mention of. I wasn't able to find an insulator for the top of the coil via that site. Could that be a part that came later?
Thanks for the tip on courtesyparts.com. They are several dollars cheaper than ordering through the local dealership. As for the nuts and bolts, I found them by entering the part number that I got off of parts.nissanusa.com; however, it doesn't say they fit my car. Would it be advisable to order them, or should I try and get them through the local dealership?
-
atraudes
- Posts: 1106
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
- Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
- Location: Sammamish, WA
Re: 1996 Strut Replacement
Huh, ok. Yeah, #5 may very well be used at the bottom instead.
It looks like Monroe and Gabriel make strut mounts too, though I can't comment on how good of an option they are.
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-903954-Str ... B000EQ8UV6
http://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-142938-St ... B001AMCCV2
If you're willing to order through Amazon, they have Raybestos in stock. This kit even includes the strut mount bearing (#12, as do the two above, apparently)
http://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-520-134 ... B001QVA6GK
If in doubt, I'd say just stick with OE since the price is comparable.
As for the bolts, there's a comments section in the checkout process where you can enter your VIN for them to verify compatibility of the parts. You can always put a note in there as well about the bolts and to call you about any discrepancies. Or just call them before you order.
It looks like Monroe and Gabriel make strut mounts too, though I can't comment on how good of an option they are.
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-903954-Str ... B000EQ8UV6
http://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-142938-St ... B001AMCCV2
If you're willing to order through Amazon, they have Raybestos in stock. This kit even includes the strut mount bearing (#12, as do the two above, apparently)
http://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-520-134 ... B001QVA6GK
If in doubt, I'd say just stick with OE since the price is comparable.
As for the bolts, there's a comments section in the checkout process where you can enter your VIN for them to verify compatibility of the parts. You can always put a note in there as well about the bolts and to call you about any discrepancies. Or just call them before you order.