There is rust on the car body where the front of the subframe mounts to it. The metal is really flaky around the mounting holes.

Is it possible/feasible to replace that part of the body? Would that have to be a bodyshop with a jig?

 

There was a thread a while back about this... I think the guy made his own support for it. Another option would be buying a new one.

 

Nissan sell that lower peice. Its about $127 for that lower peice and it needs to be welded in.

-matt

 

I'm taking it to the Nissan bodyshop tomorrow for an estimate. From there I will decide if I shoudl fix it, or if it's time to move on after 6 years with this car.

 

Nissan Bodyshop quoted me $825... Cheaper than a new car.

 

I just replace my whole lower core support for this same reason. I bought the cheap core support on Ebay for $97 bucks shipped and I only used the lower half of it. Mine was in a lot worse shape than yours. Mine completely rotted out and the engine was sitting a full 1 1/2" lower than it should have been. My friend is a body guy so it wasn't a hard job for us. Basically you have to take off the front of the car....bumper cover, bumper, grille, headlights, radiator, a/c condensor, etc... After you cut the old piece off (in my case pieces) just make sure you prep the area good. The whole job took us about 6 hours over 3 days.

 

The body shop says worst case is 10.1 hours, best case 7.6

There's nothing else wrong with the car and it's been reliable other than this, so I have no problem getting the work done. $825 bites, but better than a car payment.

 

Here you go...
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=500698

I have the same issue (as does anyone else with a max from the snow states). I got the parts fr Christmas (2 new bolts and bushings, new "Lower Core Support," all from dealer - thx matt! About $150 total for parts) No sense in doing it now though, just wait until spring and get a fresh start. IMO.

Matt also mentioned a place in that thread about where the sub-frame connects by the back part of front wheel well (by rear section of A-arm where it bolts to sub-frame and to the body). Also good spot to check as well before you go get it fixed.

The body shop I am using said $500, but it ranges from shop to shop a little as you know. The Nissan dealer I would trust the most, but will be most expensive. Since I know the guy and the 50+ years experience + training AND its a family business (whew!). I know he is very trust-able and I will just goto him. Its all on you.

 

When I drop the car off I'll instruct them to check all other structural locations for rust and to call me in for an inspection if there is any more. I'm also gonna see how much I can see without crawling under the car...

 

Hey I have a brand new nissan one for sale if anyone needs it, $125 + shipping, I ended up crashing my car shortly after I bought it and it's going to be cheaper for me to get the entire core support with the other three peices already welded in place right from nissan.

 

Well I have the same problem too...Pennsylvania car...now in the Chicagoland area...any recommendations? Pics up soon...

Nissan dealer wont even fix it...gotta go to a body shop...yikes!