Shocks, Struts, Bushings...oh my!

[Ronnie P]

I have a 2001 Pathfinder with 171K miles on it. Been looking for a replacement but can't find anything I like enough to spend the money for so I decided to keep the Pathy. Thing is that it makes allot of noise. I have been reading the forums and there are a host of things it could be! What I really want is to quiet it down and get it back to a nicer ride. I've been told shocks and/ or struts/ and/or bushings and/or exhaust. I know nothing about this kind of stuff!! I think there is a real opportunity for someone to take advantage of a nice girl with a little cash in her hand. That said, I hear the KYB GR2 shocks are the best? Any suggestions on where I can have those installed? What all should I expect to replace keeping in mind I am looking to get back to a nwew car ride? Any tips or warnings would be appreciated

[Chuck Tribolet]

What sort of noise does it make? Exhaust noise? A clunk when you get on andoff the gas hard (that's bushings)? Something else?

I've got 167K miles on my '01, and I've done the upper bushings twice on once side,and once on the other side. Haven't had to do shocks or exhaust (but I'm in California so no salt on the roads).

[Ronnie P]

Hi Chuck thanks for the response, there are all kinds of noises, but yes, one is a klunk when I hit the gas. There is also some exhaust noise and when you are on a bumpy road it bounces around like you a 4-wheelin in the Alaskan wild! The klunk is in the front passenger side but the rest of thoise comes from the back

[Kidastra]

hate to throw more symtoms into the mix, but it may be the links also,

[Buzzman]

With that kind of mileage, I would replace the struts, rear shocks, front stabilizer links, rear bushings, and also check the exhaust heat shields, for starters. This should include an alignment, and wheel bearing re-pack.If the drivetrain is good, it's worth the money and investment.As for costs, I can't help much cause I'm in Canada. Up here we can expect to pay about $300.00 per side for the struts (installed), about $75.00 for the rear shocks, and maybe about $75.00 for front stabilizer links (parts only).Prices of course will vary depending on where you get your stuff, and who does it for you. FYI, dealers will be more pricey, generally speaking.Hope this helps a little.