Front strut removal help

[KiDoZ]

I have a 1990 300zx NA, Ive searched but not finding anything on how to remove and replace the front struts. i hit a pot hole and now there is play. the top screw that goes through top spacer bushing thingy is lose. Im looking for simple way to remove the strut from car. get replacement installed and drive again.if that simple. i know the springs are under enormous pressure. not planning to mess with them. just a swap out with replacement. help. death wobble from it. cant drive.

[itsa300zx]

It may just be the top shock mounts, they rust out over time. Either way the spring/shock assembly need to be taken apart for replacement. Remve the whole assemnly by unbolting the top two outer bolts (NOT THE MIDDLE NUT), and the bottom shock mount. Unbolt the brake line clips and remove. Have a look and report back.

In order to separate the spring/shock, you need a spring compressor.

[KiDoZ]

It may just be the top shock mounts, they rust out over time. Either way the spring/shock assembly need to be taken apart for replacement. Remve the whole assemnly by unbolting the top two outer bolts (NOT THE MIDDLE NUT), and the bottom shock mount. Unbolt the brake line clips and remove. Have a look and report back.

In order to separate the spring/shock, you need a spring compressor.

I will take a peak at it, does it matter which i do first, top or bottom? is there pressure on either side of screws mounts once i have car lifted and tire off?
thanks
donny

this is how it looks, you can see its not centered. it moves by hand and when driving clunks and makes loud popping noise.

[itsa300zx]

I loosen the top two bolts first, then remove the lower shock bolt, but shouldn't matter. There is no pressure on the screw mounts once the wheels are off the ground. The center nut is holding the spring compressed. Just dont touch that one until you have a spring compresser on it.

As for the pic, looks like the top mount or the rubber insulator. IMO, you should replace all the rubber parts if taken apart on both sides.

Take a look at the FSM front suspension diagram, easy to see all the components.

[KiDoZ]

I loosen the top two bolts first, then remove the lower shock bolt, but shouldn't matter. There is no pressure on the screw mounts once the wheels are off the ground. The center nut is holding the spring compressed. Just dont touch that one until you have a spring compresser on it.

As for the pic, looks like the top mount or the rubber insulator. IMO, you should replace all the rubber parts if taken apart on both sides.

Take a look at the FSM front suspension diagram, easy to see all the components.

who sells replacement parts kit for those parts. not looking for high priced but safety is concern. just tight on cash. lol. but if i h ave to spend, im willing to

[itsa300zx]

For OEM stuff I buy from Kyle at IPP, COZ, or courtesy Nissan. I just check who has the best prices and shipping at the time. If I remember right they were a couple hundred bucks for both L and R sets

Here is the full kit for all 4 corners,
http://www.conceptzperformance.com/Cart ... 16.246.161

[t.mcginley.jr]

If you need decent parts and are tight on cash: RockAuto.com

Pick up a pair of KYB GR2's for a direct replacement, they are ~$51 each. They also sell the rubber pieces you will need (except for the rubber cushion between the spring and top mount).

[t.mcginley.jr]

Also, you can rent the spring compressor from any auto store (like Advance, Autozone, O'Riellys). You just put one clamp on either side and tighten them each a little bit at a time until the spring is compressed. Then you can remove that middle nut. The nuts on both of my front ones were pretty rusted so I had to use an impact gun on them. The one side was so bad that I actually had to cut it off with a hack saw because the nut was frozen.

The most annoying part about this job is reinstalling the new ones. The top mount (with the two studs) has to be in the right position relative to the big bottom stud. It will probably take 2-3 tries before you get it lined up right.

[KiDoZ]

Here goes, if not back, you know i ate springs. lol

[KiDoZ]

Wow. If I take off that damn left front tire off one more time. I tell ya. I have it down to an art. Well people's. the strut removed and new installed without to much hassle. Pop replacement in place and all lined up a breeze. The old one was shot. The shock is good but the other parts are history. I'll rebuild it and have it ready in case I needs later. If not. Ill sell it. Hmmm. What next???

[KiDoZ]

Question, does anyone know the part number for strut bolts? or the thread pitch? or where i can get replacement bolt? one is stripped, the outside. not able to grab with wrench.

[t.mcginley.jr]

Which strut bolt? The big bottom one and the two smaller top ones are just studs

[KiDoZ]

Which strut bolt? The big bottom one and the two smaller top ones are just studs

The two on top from engine bay side. Not the center bolt. Two outer bolts.

[t.mcginley.jr]

http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=5478

It's easier just to buy a good used one, or a new one if you really wanted to. If not, you would have to drill out the old one and replace it with an actual bolt. The stock ones are special studs that are pressed in

[KiDoZ]

http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=5478

It's easier just to buy a good used one, or a new one if you really wanted to. If not, you would have to drill out the old one and replace it with an actual bolt. The stock ones are special studs that are pressed in

not sure if i posted this right, im looking for the nuts, bolts that tight that piece to wheel well section?
the bolts

[t.mcginley.jr]

Ooooh so you stripped out one of the nuts?? I must have read something wrong lol don't mind me. Not sure of the thread pitch but I can check tomorrow afternoon when I can finally get out to the garage.

Concept Z sells them:

http://www.conceptzperformance.com/cart ... 48.228.235

But I would just go to NAPA/Home Depot/Lowes

[aerhead1]

I was looking at a similar issue, except I'm planning to put new lowering springs and struts all the way around. I don't want to deal with the spring compressor and plan on buying new mounts and gaskets if I can find them somewhere to just replace the whole assembly. Could I use adjustable pillow ball mounts for struts, or are they only for coilovers? If I can't, I guess that really expensive concept z mounting kit is my only hope.

[KiDoZ]

Well. I will leave the pros on this site to answer that question. Whomever can help him. Please reply. Thanks. I'm not mechanic. But if someone will help you. They will shortly.
Thanks.