How long does the stock struts last?
12-13-2001, 01:31 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,530
Re: How long does the stock struts last?
Originally posted by MaxPerformanceSE
I'm itchin' for an Eibach/AGX combo
I'm itchin' for an Eibach/AGX combo
By us in Lowell and what not the roads are not all that bad and should stick it out for a while. I think you will just break down and get the new setup before they actually go out on you. But on my last car they lasted me like 100K until the rear ones went. But that was on a crappy Dodge intrepid.
SuDZ
12-13-2001, 01:40 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,835
Depends really how bad your roads are. Harsh roads put increased load on the struts, causing premature wear. When I switched from stockers to Tokicos at 30k miles, one of my stock front struts was already leaking.
Nissan doesn't equip their vehicles with very good struts. As a rule, my guess is that by 60k (after approx 5 years), the stock struts will begin to feel tired.
Nissan doesn't equip their vehicles with very good struts. As a rule, my guess is that by 60k (after approx 5 years), the stock struts will begin to feel tired.
12-13-2001, 03:59 PM
#6
Well, I've got about 102k on the odometer and I have intrax springs on stock shocks/struts and still goin strong. For how much longer? I dunno, they're startin to get soft but I estimate they'll last another 5-6k.
12-13-2001, 11:20 PM
#9
Originally posted by KrZyMaX
how would you know if your stock struts are dying on you?
how would you know if your stock struts are dying on you?
Open both the hood & trunk.
Go to each corner of the car in succession and push down quickly/forcefully on solid surfaces inside the fender and inside the edge of the trunk (using much of your weight), then release immediately. (The idea is not to push down on paint or body panels, where you could cause damage)
If the car bounces two or more times before settling to a stop on that corner, then that strut/shock is showing signs of wear.
Also, inspect the exterior of the shock cartridges for fluid leaks. If you have a leak, replace your struts/shocks as a set. (unless they're relatively new & there's a defect in one of the units)
12-14-2001, 01:39 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,835
Originally posted by KWheelzSB
Do the "bounce test."
Open both the hood & trunk.
Go to each corner of the car in succession and push down quickly/forcefully on solid surfaces inside the fender and inside the edge of the trunk (using much of your weight), then release immediately. (The idea is not to push down on paint or body panels, where you could cause damage)
If the car bounces two or more times before settling to a stop on that corner, then that strut/shock is showing signs of wear.
Also, inspect the exterior of the shock cartridges for fluid leaks. If you have a leak, replace your struts/shocks as a set. (unless they're relatively new & there's a defect in one of the units)
Do the "bounce test."
Open both the hood & trunk.
Go to each corner of the car in succession and push down quickly/forcefully on solid surfaces inside the fender and inside the edge of the trunk (using much of your weight), then release immediately. (The idea is not to push down on paint or body panels, where you could cause damage)
If the car bounces two or more times before settling to a stop on that corner, then that strut/shock is showing signs of wear.
Also, inspect the exterior of the shock cartridges for fluid leaks. If you have a leak, replace your struts/shocks as a set. (unless they're relatively new & there's a defect in one of the units)
Unfortunately this test will only tell you if you have a completely blown shock/strut. Modern cars such as the Maxima has firm enough struts in stock form such that even if they are worn out, they may not bounce up and down on the "bumper bounce test." Keep in mind the bumper bounce test is one of those old time proven tests, used on old old cars. Remember those 1970's and 1980's Buicks with the supersoft suspension? This test was used on those too!
As for leaks, I believe a little leakage is actually normal as a shock/strut wears...think I heard that one from DBM. But a massive leak, and you've got a blown strut.
As for testing for partially worn struts, I'm not sure. If the car doesn't feel right on the bumps and dips, that's a clue right there.
12-14-2001, 11:51 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,530
Originally posted by 98sterlingmist
I have 62K on my 98 SE and my mine are getting very soft. I hit a speed bump, on a slow roll, and the car bounces 2 or 3 times. I can wait for an excuse to purchase springs and aftermarket struts.
C
I have 62K on my 98 SE and my mine are getting very soft. I hit a speed bump, on a slow roll, and the car bounces 2 or 3 times. I can wait for an excuse to purchase springs and aftermarket struts.
C
SuDZ
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dvcamp
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
7
09-18-2015 10:17 AM