I replaced one of my bad rear struts on my 96.

I kept the original metal mount but changed the rubber pieces. Also I tried new boot and bump stop from napa but the bump stop doesn't fit correctly - so I installed without it and will get OEM tomorrow.

For some reason, I now have a clunking sound as I drive down the street. It is speed sensitive. It sounds like something is loose or moving around - but everything appears tight. I can't see how it would be related to the bump stop.

I think I installed everything correctly. I've done the rears on my 2000 and didn't have this problem.

The spring is seated correctly in the strut and in the mount. I THINK the strut is facing the correct way - with the lower end of the spring on the strut pointing out.

I have not been able to torque the piston nut to spec - but it is on securely.

I'm perplexed. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Most likely you assembled it wrong. The large domed washer must sit on the nub on the shock shaft. Then comes the large rubber bushing, mount, then the small bushing then the washer and nut.
Look up in the sticks the rear shock diagram, it will help you see where you went wrong.

 

Thats how it is assembled. Nut on top followed by washer. Then new round rubber piece then mount.

Other side of mount there is rubber piece with cutouts on the side. Then metal cap.

But I will check the fsm. Thx.

 

tighten the center nut all the way in, when i did mine i had the same issue, i tightened the center nut and the problem was solved, assembly is super easy, its just most aftermarket struts have a longer center bolt so if you try and line them up it wont be right...just tighten it all the way and let us know how it goes

 

Take a look at the schematic below.


http://www.nissanpartsasap.com/nissa.../431A%2002.jpg

 

the problem is your bump stop. simply look in your trunk where the strut comes in and you will see the one making the noise is much higher than the silent one. the bump stop has slipped over the notch on the top of the strut cylinder and is allowing the strut cylinder to go up furthur than it should and rattle around. At low speeds right? you dont need the expensive bump stops. go to lowes and get 2 3/8in washers and put them over the strut cylinder under everything else and they will keep the bump stop from sliding down. A cheap fix and can be done tomorrow. or it could be 5/8in. not sure off the top of my head. I took my strut with me to Lowes and made sure it fits. the cylinder is a standard size and the washers fit perfectly. Its not the right way but it doesnt hold much weight and is fine

 

The bump stop sits level with the notch, part#55249N in the above drawing sits on top of the notch and is what holds the assembly in place.

 

This thread is very helpful, as I'm replacing all suspension components this weekend with H&R springs and KYB AGX struts for my '97. I also ordered a new lateral link and control rod. The rear end is very bouncy and tends to hop around (scary at times) going over bumps so I'm wondering if the springs/struts will fix that or if the lateral link and rod are also bad.

 

Its bouncy because your sturts are blown. Press down on either the front end or rear end of your car it shouldn.t bounce up and down, it should come back up and stay. If it does bounce then they are bad and the new set-up will fix your problem. While your in there you should look into replacing your old bushings as well. yes more expensive but easier than doing a second job

 

I just replaced the rear struts last year with new ones. I was reading the KYB technical bulletins and they mentioned Maxima strut installation issues and if they are installed incorretly it could cause premature strut failure. Wondering if this is KYB specific or any Maxima rear struts?

Bushings? Do you mean all the suspension mounts? If so, yes I bought all new mounts and mounting hardware also.