My Old Reliable Sedan Needs Struts/Shocks

[eightballsidepocket]

I've got a 95 Nissan Maxima that's been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. Bought it new in 1995, and it was my wife's commute car for some years and then I got the car a few years back. It has 151K miles on the odometer, and has I've been able to fix various bugaboos over the years, like replacing a starter, fixing back power windows, getting new axle boots, and also a new AC compressor. My wife ran that AC nonstop for years!

Anyway, the Maxima definitely needs struts and shocks, but the cost of replacing them via a shop, would be very expensive.

I do know that you have to compress the front springs with a spring compressing tool, and of course remove the struts as per following instructions. I realize that compressing suspension springs can potentially be dangerous. I had a buddy years ago that worked in service station where a compressed front spring got loose and went through the roof of the station! I.E. you could get hurt bad or even killed by a loose spring.

Anyway, I'm 60 years old, and want to hang onto the old Maxima, as it's motor runs like silk, and doesn't drip one drip of oil, nor smoke, and passes the California smog checks with flying colors. Also the Auto Tranny still shifts very smoothly too. The Automatic climate control works just fine.

I don't want to invest in a newer car, when I have this one paid for.

It's just that the ride on uneven road surfaces is transmitting those "thumps" more and more into the cabin.

How much would I save doing the struts myself, and what tools would I need to buy or rent to do the job? I do know that I'd have to invest in a front end alignment after the struts are done.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Doing struts with the little hand compressor can be a big PITA, but it depends on the strut, and how long the springs are. Most shops will have a wall-mounted strut compressor, which make the job much easier. Also consider that you may need an impact wrench to loosen the top nut, depending on how rusted/seized it is. If you hand carry the strut assemblies into a shop and have them do rest, that may save you a little money.

[Secret Chimp]

I spent most of my time on my shock install wrestling with the stupid two-bar-and-hook compressor I borrowed from AutoZone. If you can get a "clamshell"-type compressor the job would be a lot easier.

[jadewolf123]

I changed the struts on my 94 maxima. Previous generation though. I think the suspension setup didn't change though. I had basic tools, ratchets, and the clamshell spring compressor. It really isn't that difficult, I did it mostly myself, and my dad helped when 4 hands were needed. Be sure to have a big ass steel tube to have as a lever on your ratchet. The bolts on the suspension bits were stuck tight.