RE-use strut bearings and mounts??

[CanuckQx4]

To be honest Im not even quite sure what Im asking that I can RE-use, as I wasnt able to find many pics of the top of the strut assembly when its removed. But it sounds like there is a bearing/mount ontop of the front struts

If I am putting some new springs in, do I need to replace it? Does it get damaged during disassembly?

I have fairly new shocks and I was hoping to just put those shocks and my new springs in, get an alignment and be done with it.

But now Im a little skeptical I may have to spend the coin on these bearings and such

What do you guys think?? Any tips or pics??

[Towncivilian]

FWIW, all the posts I've read on NPORA about suspension overhauls recommend new strut mounting hardware, and specifically OEM components as aftermarket ones are more prone to fail it seems. I never found a definitive parts list of strut mount hardware - post in this thread on NPORA and Rob of McKinney Nissan should be able to conjure a list.

[fleurys]

not sure where you are located, but if you live in place where rust is there, than I would consider buying the hardware and doing things right... You will hate having to remove everything if something fails... If you are considering offroading, then do the plunge... if not than I would only replace the strut bearing wich is the most important part as all the weight is on it and is crucial for a proper turning <feel>...

I remember when I first installed my setup I was having a stupid problem and it made me explain my case with pictures and list of everything I bought... So I'm pretty sure with this post you will be able to see what each parts are... and I have a 2001 like you, just not a qx4, but I think the suspension is the same....

The pictures match the list of parts in the same order.... (except the last one, the paper gasket which I did not take picture of)..

http://npora.ipbhost.com/index.php?show ... t&p=387029

[CanuckQx4]

Oh Im fine buying new hardware, mine is crappy looking anyways. It was the strut mounts and bearings and such that I didnt know if you HAD to change

I am unsure of how the actual assembly looks and what has to be taken apart and such to change the springs

[polaris]

FWIW, all the posts I've read on NPORA about suspension overhauls recommend new strut mounting hardware, and specifically OEM components as aftermarket ones are more prone to fail it seems. I never found a definitive parts list of strut mount hardware - post in this thread on NPORA and Rob of McKinney Nissan should be able to conjure a list.

One question...
Suppose I replace OEM with KYB Front-Struts, will it work with Monroe Mount Kit (Bearing/Mount) PN903954 or
KYB Mount Kit (SM5329)? Monroe is about half of KYB price.
Please advise. Thanks

[yeldogt]

About 18 months ago at about 130k my 02 LE felt like the rear shocks needed to be replaced -- I had my mechanic look over the whole vehicle and we could find nothing wrong ... With the known rear link problem in the Pathfinder we looked them over very carefully. I was not getting any noises -- my 02 is in very good shape.

But with 130k plus on the vehicle -- I figured the rear shocks needed to be replaced. Since my plan was to keep the truck for a while I went ahead and also ordered the front struts.

I ordered the standard KYB aftermarket shock/ struts -- and new KYB front bellows. In my research I came across numerous posts regarding the strut mounting hardware - all recommended installing only OE parts from NIssan. I was a bit surprised that some had problems with the aftermarket KYB hardware since KYB was the original supplier? But, with many posts regarding the problem I was not going to go through all that is required to replace the front struts and install parts that may fail in a year -- the OE parts had last 130k!

It was a little difficult to understand exactly what was included in the different strut mounting "kits" for the Pathfinder -- Some included more than others. I had just done the same thing on a Lexus we own and I was able to buy the mounting rubber and transfer the bearing over to the new mount. So ...... I figured instead of ordering the two complete OE Nisan mounts online for $60.00 each I would wait and see what was really needed when he struts came apart .... knowing that it was possible that I would be spending 25% more at my local dealer if I needed all the parts.

We found the mounts to be in good shape and I just installed the struts and the bellows -- not any problem with more than 15k.


With all the comments regarding the aftermarket parts - I would not use them to save $70.00. Also -- replace the rear shocks if you are doing the front struts --- the rear shocks are very inexpensive and the labor was $20.00 .... and they made a lot of difference. Other than two front stabilizer bushing and the struts/shocks ...my suspension is all original and the truck drives perfectly. So the parts can last this long.

[CanuckQx4]

What do you mean by "bellows"

[yeldogt]

As in "strut bellow" -- they are the pleated plastic/ rubber part that covers the open piston shaft. They keep dirt away from the shaft -- often they get hard and fall apart.

[CanuckQx4]

Oh so you didnt replace any of the bearing/mount at all

Sometimes when I turn at full lock, I feel like the tire "jumps" in certain spots of the rotation while driving slowly...

Couldnt be the mount could it??

Thanks for the fast reply

[yeldogt]

You are correct -- I used all the original parts -- just replaced the struts and the bellows. Most of the time you will notice a noise of some kind going over a bump -- or even a clunk when the strut is loaded and unloaded when the upper mount/ bearing is going. You can get a noise from the spring bushings also -- but this too normally with an up and down movement.

How do you have your 4wd set ? -- you will get this if it is 4 hi as the transfer is locked -- should always be in "Auto". Sound like more of a drive or shaft issue.

[CanuckQx4]

Mine is a 2wd

[yeldogt]

Well I can safely say ............ your front differential is not your problem ................

[CanuckQx4]

I guess I'll just buy some new kyb's since my shocks are pretty bad looking and the bellows are non existant

Might aswell get some stainless brake lines for front and back from 4x4parts, and since im paying for expensive international shipping anyways, might aswell order some front end poly bushings

Need some new balljoints to why not....

$$$... Always happens

[yeldogt]

I just reread your original post -- so it sound like you installed struts a while ago? What did the hardware look like?
Why are you replacing the spring?

Bad ball joints can make a lot of noise especially when you are at the ends of the travel.

When you start to get unusual movement in the front end the extra movement damages other components. Sounds like you need to take it all apart and evaluate what is needed. If you are planning on keeping the truck I would get prices from a couple of the online Nissan dealers for the rubber parts and order them - never read any good reviews regarding aftermarket suspension rubber parts -- and this is not only Nissans. ....... Ball Joints are cheap.

[CanuckQx4]

No the struts are the same as the truck came with when I bought it, non oem though.

Im replacing the springs with a set of 4x4parts lowerring coils

For the rubber parts, 4x4parts polys look pretty good, the rears were perfect when I swapped all the rear trailing arms to polyurethane. I'll have to see how the front LCA bushings look and decide

[CanuckQx4]

bought new oem balljoints and stabilizer links today

Are poly front control arm bushing a good idea??

Tie rods necessary?