Guys,
I did search but didn't see the info I wanted though I'm sure this has been covered, sorry.
I want to replace my front struts but would love to get a fully assembled strut like the KYB strut plus so I don't have to compress sprigs. Looks like they don't make that for my model, is there anything out there better than Monroe or Gabriels already assembled?
Or any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Andrew
2002 pathfinder replacement struts
Re: 2002 pathfinder replacement struts
No suggestions ... I did the KYB replacements on one of my 02's and did not like them. My understanding is KYB was the OEM .. but I guess the OE had different damping. The aftermarket KYB's were very hard.
The upper mounts typically fail and the aftermarket don't hold up
The upper mounts typically fail and the aftermarket don't hold up
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nickelghandi
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:23 pm
- Car: 1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4 (rusted out: sold)
2004 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4
1998 Volvo S70 GLT
2001 Ford F150 XLT - Location: Frankfort, KY, U.S.
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Re: 2002 pathfinder replacement struts
You are pretty much limited to those two brands. I don't know about Gabriel because I have never used them, but I can say that in my experience, Monroe anything is just terrible. Others may like their products, but I hate them.
Compressing the springs really isn't too bad. I like the compressors that sit on the outside of the springs. If you are all stock with no lift then it shouldn't take much compression to get them to fit. Then reinstalling them is pretty easy if you unbolt some stuff nearby to gain clearance. You can pretty much look at the area with the wheel off and see what needs to come out to make room. You can loosely attach the strut with the 3 nuts on top and then seat it on the knuckle. Pry it into place and hold it with a bolt. Reattach anything you removed for clearance and then torque everything to spec. Tighten your top 3 nuts and you are done.
I installed KYBs up front with a 2" lift and only needed the compressors to get the springs low enough to bolt on the top mount. It helps to have a friend or an upside down bucket to hold the hub assembly to keep from binding or dislodging your CV axles. I did this again when I replaced my OEM springs with Moog springs which although included no extra lift, were stiffer than the worn out OEM.
Honestly, when I took off the top mount, I didn't even use the compressors. I know it isn't the safest way of doing it but there is hardly any compression when that nut is nearly removed. The mount shifted slightly upon removal, but it didn't become a missile as the spring was already almost completely decompressed.
Good luck if you decide to do it yourself. I am pretty sure there is a write up somewhere on here for it.
Compressing the springs really isn't too bad. I like the compressors that sit on the outside of the springs. If you are all stock with no lift then it shouldn't take much compression to get them to fit. Then reinstalling them is pretty easy if you unbolt some stuff nearby to gain clearance. You can pretty much look at the area with the wheel off and see what needs to come out to make room. You can loosely attach the strut with the 3 nuts on top and then seat it on the knuckle. Pry it into place and hold it with a bolt. Reattach anything you removed for clearance and then torque everything to spec. Tighten your top 3 nuts and you are done.
I installed KYBs up front with a 2" lift and only needed the compressors to get the springs low enough to bolt on the top mount. It helps to have a friend or an upside down bucket to hold the hub assembly to keep from binding or dislodging your CV axles. I did this again when I replaced my OEM springs with Moog springs which although included no extra lift, were stiffer than the worn out OEM.
Honestly, when I took off the top mount, I didn't even use the compressors. I know it isn't the safest way of doing it but there is hardly any compression when that nut is nearly removed. The mount shifted slightly upon removal, but it didn't become a missile as the spring was already almost completely decompressed.
Good luck if you decide to do it yourself. I am pretty sure there is a write up somewhere on here for it.
Re: 2002 pathfinder replacement struts
Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the info even if it wasn't waht I wanted to hear.
I'll be back if I get stuck getting springs compressed.
I'll be back if I get stuck getting springs compressed.
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nalz
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2014 12:06 pm
- Car: 1993 D21 Hardbody 2.4L 5spd 4x2
- Location: Dallas,Tx
Re: 2002 pathfinder replacement struts
Has anybody heard anything about these Sachs units: https://www.autozone.com/suspension-ste ... 39361_1759 ? They are an European OE supplier and the only experience i had was 20 years ago with a 1986 Merkur Xr4Ti, but they worked much better than the Monroes that were on the car
Re: 2002 pathfinder replacement struts
Sachs is known to make fine products ... But .. so does KYB. By all accounts KYB makes the Pathfinders. It's a question of the valves .. I'm at 100k and so far I'm OK .. although the rears are looking very rusty. The OE rears are not too bad from an online dealer ... Having done the KYB's previously .. I'm not going to risk again for the extra $200 for the OE.