91 Maxima- Rear Struts

mjwidd · 03-27-2008, 07:11 PM

I have a 1990 Nissan Maxima. Recently had the front struts replaced along with the right mount at a cost of about $600.00 I believe I was ripped.

My Question is....Are the rear struts something I can attempt myself, I'm some what mechanically inclined, with a decent assortment of tools. Could someone give me some advice and direction on how to go about this task. Thanks in advance Mike.

cardoc · 03-27-2008, 08:40 PM

Hi Mike
Tough question to answer because it depends on your skill and tool level.Air tools are almost a must as would be a helper.The strut assm needs to be removed from the vehicle.On the rear this involves unbolting the top thru gained interior access and the bottom from the suspention,usually the brake line and stabilizer link interfere.Once out the spring needs to be compressed and removed from the old strut and transferred to the new unit.Inpect the mount,bumper and boot replace as needed.Reinstall and get the alignment checked.Electronic adjustable suspension complicates this both in parts and cost.
Good luck, Cardoc

mjwidd · 03-27-2008, 08:50 PM

Hey Cardoc, I have a compressor and hoses. I can get my hands on an air ratchet. I pulled the back seat down to see what I'm up against. I'm not sure if it's the electronically controlled suspension or not, I don't see any wiring harness or anything.

Auto zone will rent a spring compressor. Just not sure about getting started, eg: which bolts to loosen/remove first.

I do know I have to take the tire off first. lol

cardoc · 03-28-2008, 04:19 PM

Inside the car remove the two or three smaller nuts that hold the mount/strut assm into the fender well.DO NOT remove the large center nut untill you have the spring SAFELY compressed!On the bottom of the strut remove the two large bolts that connect it to the spindle assm.You may have to remove the brake line and the sway bar link if they attach to the strut body.Remove the assembly from the car and mount in vise or holding fixture.SAFELY compress the spring and disassemble the strut replace the seat and boot/bumper if worn and reassemble making sure the spring seats in it's mount correctly.I just checked the Autozone listing for your car and they show replacement strut cartridges.If this is the case it also requires a few more steps to take the old guts out of the strut body and replace with the cartridge which wiil come with basic instructions.If it has electronic ride control the strut will have a wire going into the top of it and you would have a ride control switch on the dash.You need to get the proper strut for simple fit concerns.If I remember correctly they don't interchange due to size.If the brake line was removed you'll also have to bleed the brake system after you reinstall everthing.Depending on how the strut mounts to the axle it would be a good idea to have the alignment checked.Also make sure you have the car jacked up and supported SAFELY with jack stands etc.It's hurts when a car lands on your leg.I know.
Good luck,work SAFELY,Cardoc

**qldit** · 03-29-2008, 06:00 PM

Good Morning Gentlemen, I rarely get involved in replacing rear struts on these machines because I haven't really seen them being defective, apart from one that was "banging".

The front struts are a different case.

Are you sure it is necessary?

Cheers, qldit.

mjwidd · 03-30-2008, 10:36 AM

Hi qldit, I would have to say yes. While at a dead stop, when I acclerate the *** end of the car drops down significantly.Making that squeaking noise like a bad shock makes. Also when hitting a pot-hole the rear right slaps down pretty hard. Keep in mind I believe they are the originals and would be pushing 18 years old with 188,000 miles.

**qldit** · 03-31-2008, 04:38 AM

Good Evening mjwidd, I see, well if you are going to get involved with both rear struts which is obviously the case, you might source naloathane or replacement rubbers for the joints and do the whole thing.

Those kinds of jobs have a habit of being a little more extensive to do properly.

The brake parts and wheel bearings might be worth considering at the same time so that you can lock it up afterwards for the end of it's usable life.

It will give you substantial piece of mind.

You might get the manual for that vehicle, they are very helpful.

Best of luck with the job, it is pretty straight forward.

Some spring compressors are difficult to get into small areas but you will manage.

In some cases some of those bolts are supposed to be "use once" type, but the manual will give you that info along with torque figures.

Cheers, qldit.

03-27-2008, 07:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
mjwidd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 15 OS: XP-Pro SP2	91 Maxima- Rear Struts I have a 1990 Nissan Maxima. Recently had the front struts replaced along with the right mount at a cost of about $600.00 I believe I was ripped. My Question is....Are the rear struts something I can attempt myself, I'm some what mechanically inclined, with a decent assortment of tools. Could someone give me some advice and direction on how to go about this task. Thanks in advance Mike.

03-27-2008, 08:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ct. Posts: 198 OS: win xp sp2	Re: 91 Maxima- Rear Struts Hi Mike Tough question to answer because it depends on your skill and tool level.Air tools are almost a must as would be a helper.The strut assm needs to be removed from the vehicle.On the rear this involves unbolting the top thru gained interior access and the bottom from the suspention,usually the brake line and stabilizer link interfere.Once out the spring needs to be compressed and removed from the old strut and transferred to the new unit.Inpect the mount,bumper and boot replace as needed.Reinstall and get the alignment checked.Electronic adjustable suspension complicates this both in parts and cost. Good luck, Cardoc

03-27-2008, 08:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
mjwidd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 15 OS: XP-Pro SP2	Re: 91 Maxima- Rear Struts Hey Cardoc, I have a compressor and hoses. I can get my hands on an air ratchet. I pulled the back seat down to see what I'm up against. I'm not sure if it's the electronically controlled suspension or not, I don't see any wiring harness or anything. Auto zone will rent a spring compressor. Just not sure about getting started, eg: which bolts to loosen/remove first. I do know I have to take the tire off first. lol

03-28-2008, 04:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
cardoc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ct. Posts: 198 OS: win xp sp2	Re: 91 Maxima- Rear Struts Inside the car remove the two or three smaller nuts that hold the mount/strut assm into the fender well.DO NOT remove the large center nut untill you have the spring SAFELY compressed!On the bottom of the strut remove the two large bolts that connect it to the spindle assm.You may have to remove the brake line and the sway bar link if they attach to the strut body.Remove the assembly from the car and mount in vise or holding fixture.SAFELY compress the spring and disassemble the strut replace the seat and boot/bumper if worn and reassemble making sure the spring seats in it's mount correctly.I just checked the Autozone listing for your car and they show replacement strut cartridges.If this is the case it also requires a few more steps to take the old guts out of the strut body and replace with the cartridge which wiil come with basic instructions.If it has electronic ride control the strut will have a wire going into the top of it and you would have a ride control switch on the dash.You need to get the proper strut for simple fit concerns.If I remember correctly they don't interchange due to size.If the brake line was removed you'll also have to bleed the brake system after you reinstall everthing.Depending on how the strut mounts to the axle it would be a good idea to have the alignment checked.Also make sure you have the car jacked up and supported SAFELY with jack stands etc.It's hurts when a car lands on your leg.I know. Good luck,work SAFELY,Cardoc

03-29-2008, 06:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
qldit TSF Gearhead Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane Australia. Posts: 592 OS: All Systems, mainly Linux	Re: 91 Maxima- Rear Struts Good Morning Gentlemen, I rarely get involved in replacing rear struts on these machines because I haven't really seen them being defective, apart from one that was "banging". The front struts are a different case. Are you sure it is necessary? Cheers, qldit.

03-30-2008, 10:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
mjwidd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 15 OS: XP-Pro SP2	Re: 91 Maxima- Rear Struts Hi qldit, I would have to say yes. While at a dead stop, when I acclerate the *** end of the car drops down significantly.Making that squeaking noise like a bad shock makes. Also when hitting a pot-hole the rear right slaps down pretty hard. Keep in mind I believe they are the originals and would be pushing 18 years old with 188,000 miles.

03-31-2008, 04:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
qldit TSF Gearhead Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane Australia. Posts: 592 OS: All Systems, mainly Linux	Re: 91 Maxima- Rear Struts Good Evening mjwidd, I see, well if you are going to get involved with both rear struts which is obviously the case, you might source naloathane or replacement rubbers for the joints and do the whole thing. Those kinds of jobs have a habit of being a little more extensive to do properly. The brake parts and wheel bearings might be worth considering at the same time so that you can lock it up afterwards for the end of it's usable life. It will give you substantial piece of mind. You might get the manual for that vehicle, they are very helpful. Best of luck with the job, it is pretty straight forward. Some spring compressors are difficult to get into small areas but you will manage. In some cases some of those bolts are supposed to be "use once" type, but the manual will give you that info along with torque figures. Cheers, qldit.