ok so i need to know whether the first or second picture is correct in terms of the orientation of the middle piece. (front suspension on 99 max). not sure which way is supposed to be up when the strut is installed. Got it apart and cant remember which way it was. Thanks for bailing me out.

 

Take apart your other front strut and see.

It fits one way and it fits better the other way. Try them both out.

 

Problem is that I don't trust they were put in correctly the last time they were swapped out. Anyone know what the factory setup is?

 

There might be something in here

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...n-updated.html

 

you need a new mount. the rubber is not supposed to come out

 

The second picture but, it's not suppose to be separated??? Your mount is gone. You need a new one.

 

for one thing....neither one is correct. the rubber insulator should not be able to be seperated from the mount (the black piece to the left).that in itself should be one piece.

 

Thanks! I guess this would largely explain why this corner was awful and hideously loud. THANKS!!!

 

you should replace both strut mounts if you are doing a suspension job. I just finish rebuilding the suspension, when I checked the old mounts they looked good. With the new struts, it ripped out (just like your picture) on the 2nd day developing an annoying squeak. Had to redo it with new strut mounts.

 

Is it possible if a strut mount goes bad it will make the car shake furiously during accelaration ?

 

Esmug, were they from Autozone? Mine were and the other side was in the exact same condition. They were about 18 months old but Im pretty sure they failed long before.

 

Both of my mounts are toasted. I took them out and they were worn down to dust. I didnt have any shaking other than the usual wheel hop but it is LOUD. It squeeks, rattles, makes the crunking sound when turning or going over any kind of bump. I just ordered some Moog mounts.

 

I have 80K on my X'ma. My old ones were original stock, Which are exactly the same as the Gabriel mounts that Autozone carries. Autozone also has Duralast Mounts - Which actually looks sturdier than the Gabriel because the entire rubber components are solid all around. If you look at the Stock or Gabriel the top and bottom of the rubber component, it has points like a crown. I opted for the Duralast, which has the lifetime warranty.

Becareful If you buy from Autozone because Duralast and the Gabriel has the same stock number. They gave me 1 Duralast and 1 Gabriel. Installed it and darn.. they looked different. I have to take off the components for the 3rd time.