And I mean really gone! Not sure how long my partner's been driving it like this, the crossmember is completely disconnected from, well, nothing! There's nothing left of the lower rad support, totally gone.

What amazed me was that it still drove perfectly fine. I just discovered it after a rock wedged itself between the rotor and the dust shield. I had to take the wheel off to get the rock out, when I noticed the splash guards were being pushed down slightly by the crossmember.

I just drove it down the highway to my brothers shop for the repair and I was actually shocked that it drove perfectly fine.

At 208,000 miles this car continues to impress me, although I do really enjoy my new 4Runner. We just picked at a new Avalon Hybrid this week which is a real interesting ride. It doesn't make any noise when you start it, the hybrid synergy drive is pretty interesting and it does have ***** when you step on it.

I'll see if I can get my brother to take pics when he gets it torn down.

 

How much would he charge to do the job? I have a OEM lower and bolts ready

 

Chris you'd have to call the shop or better yet let him see the car and run it through his estimating software. Proline Body & Chassis, Elmwood Pk. NJ 201-398-1512

 

Most basic price to replace lower radiator support is 250-400 bucks.

 

Installing a lower valance grill is one of the best functional/visual mods on a 4th/5th gen Maxima, because it prevents crap from getting inside and destroying that radiator cross member.

I think it was a mistake by Nissan to leave that lower grill open completely, some kind of honey comb mesh or anything would have helped much.

Another thing, is replacing the hardware with galvanized and using a rust proof spray on that area has worked incredibly for me. Zero rust, although it never had any to begin with.