I'm in the middle of changing my rear struts, they are removed and reassembled. I bought a couple new bolts and nuts at the local parts store and figured they would work. The bolt I took out had a regular 5 sided head with a shoulder, I figured I'd just replace it with a nut and washer.

Now, the car has what I describe as a nut retainer, or holder? I'm assuming it was intended to hold the nut in place so it could be tighted up? I almost wonder if it was supposed to be a square nut orginally?? I had to use a pair of vice grips to hold the nut to remove them as with this "retainer" you cant get a wrench of any kind on it near as I can tell, and now I find myself having an issue getting this back together.

I ground down a washer for each side so it had square edges and welded the nut to it so it'd hold it in the retainer but apparently I didnt get either aligned well enough as I cant get them to start now. I'm contemplating going to nissan and buying the oem lower bolt/nut but thats a 70 mile round trip to get them and I feel like an idiot going after a couple of bolts.... Sorry for the long story on something so simple guys, just frustrating for what feels like no good reason.

 

The nut is designed to sit in a "retainer" that is welded onto the rear beam. If you look at the OEM nut, it has these odd looking square notches on the back end that allow it to lock when placed into the retainer.

I had to replace one of mine when I swapped springs this summer as it stripped on the way out. Don't feel like an idiot for getting a bolt from Nissan, just make sure they have it before you drive all that way...as my local dealer didn't have one in stock. To my knowledge, no parts store or Lowes/Home Depot carries this style.

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/55080ba...-p-133749.html

Take a look at the picture of the nut, you'll see the square notches I was talking about. Hope this helps!

 

This may be kiind of a dumb question, but what happened to the bolt you took out?

What made you decide to change it?

 

It didnt hold its self in place, and rounded the corners on it, in addition the threads on the old bolts didnt look so great either, i also like to replace anything like this that I find old and rusty. That nut does look a little bit different than the one I took out if I'm not mistaken.

Thank you blackmax, that does help a great deal. I'll call my dealer in the morning and if they dont have them I'll order some.

 

Dear lord, my local dealer(40 miles away) has the nuts, no bolts and the same with courtesy nissan.....any suggestions guys?

 

Why don't you just cut the retaining piece off and use a regular nut you can hold in place with a wrench. I am in the process of removing my rear struts now and had to hold off the project because I couldn't get the same nut off. The nut holder must have been for manufacturing ease, but it really only seems to cause problems down the road.

Anyways, I don't see any structural issues with cutting the holder off. Good luck.

 

I debated on if it was structural in addition to part of the manufacturing process. I hate to cut it off if it's needed at all being thats a fairly weak area as it is imo.

 

If you want, I have an extra nut and bolt I can send you.

 

Cut the damn thing off and replace it with a standard nut and bolt.

Job done.

 

You can stick a screw driver or awl in there in a pinch. Ive been there and now there is a broken awl holding that nut in place. Next spring I will be cutting those cages off.

 

It's good to know you guys feel the cage isnt needed. I went ahead and talked to another dealer(Lithia of Ames, IA) and they actually offered to ship a set out for $3.99 in a flate rate box(plus parts of course) so I went ahead and jumped on that. If I had much trouble I'll go ahead and cut the stupid retaining cages off. Thanks for all the input on this I, I know it's a simple deal and I'm the maxima newbie so your guys support is fantastic.

 

as i learned very quickly, that is why were here! ask away! i know ive asked dumb questions and gotten answers that made me think...oh....duh haha! just search, then ask
welcome!