Dimashka

is this normal i found out my front left strut went bad and i have an 03 se with 40k. is that normal for our cars? I just did not expect it to go that fast. Second question, do you think i should just replace all four with illuminas and put some lowering springs on it or just replace this one strut and thats it. In chicago we dont have the best roads, so i did not want to be hitting bump stops all the time. Thanks

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

Question 1: Not typically. IIRC, they have around a 60k life. Hitting a curb or pothole hard could lower the lifespan. I'd recommend replacing them in pairs.
(Not all shops replace in pairs, but ours does)

Question 2: That is preference. You're going to be there anyways, so if you plan to do it now is the time. Personally, I can live with the wheel gap, but I would never trade comfort for looks and cornering in my DD.

You could ssave yourself some cash and do it yourself it you wanted too. Pretty basic.
I've never worked on a Nissan, so this is general info but this is the usual procedure.

1.)Raise/support front of the car and remove wheels.
2.)Remove any ABS bracket that may be attached to the strut.
3.)remove the two (typically 21mm) bolts holding the strut onto the hub.
4.)remove the 3 top bolts (typically 12-13mm)under the hood while holding strut with left hand so it doesn't smack the ground.
Nissan's design may be different, so do a search first.

Also, when replacing the strut you will have to compress the spring to remove/install the top nut. You may want to call around and see if any shops would be willing to install the spring onto the new strut if you walk in with the new parts. Would probably cost you 1/2 hour labor or so.

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

My right rear one was gone at 50k. I just decided to replace ALL 4. Might as well.