As many others living on the eastern side of the US, my core support has rotten away due to the winters. I've done some research and I'm going to take this on myself rather than going to a mechanic. I'm not sure if I should get the part from Nissan or buy it off of ebay and save myself some money; although I'm not positive if the part from ebay is of decent build quality. Looking for someone to provide me with some feedback of the quality of the item on ebay before I take the plunge. Thanks much! Below is the link to the auction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-02-03-NISSAN-MAXIMA-RADIATOR-SUPPORT-FRONT-INNER-CORE-PRIMERED-STEEL-I30-I35-/180795629298?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Year%3A2002|Model%3AMaxima&hash=item2a18425e f2&vxp=mtr

 

This should answer your question about buying a non OEM lower radiator support.

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...r-support.html

Unless you're mechanically inclined with body/metal/welding work, this isn't something for the average person to do considering the amount of labor involved. The old one has to be cut out and new one welded in, and the radiator and a/c condenser has to be removed which involves evacuating and recharging. There are a few pics I posted to mine being repaired in the North Florida Maxima's link in my sig.

 

Look for the photo album "Tom's Maxima Surgery"

 

Yeah, that's definitely not something I want to experience. Off to the stealership I go it seems.

Anyone know if this site sells genuine parts?

http://www.nissanpartszone.com/compo...-625-1670.html

EDIT: Just noticed the part number, think it's the same thin gauge aftermarket POS.

 

walk... no run away form the aftermarket radiator supports... those are made from really thin metal and are actually worse than our rusted ones...

OEM is the way to go....

 

READ THIS THREAD

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...rt-thread.html

 

Im glad my mistake is showing everyone the correct way. Oh and yea def not something you want happening

 

If you click on the part number... you'll notice...

'Genuine Nissan Parts backed by Manufacturers Warranty'
'Shipped quickly from Authorized Nissan Dealership'

This guy has it for a good price if he charges reasonable shipping.
e-Bay

$350 shipped at Amazon.

 

Well that sucks! I have taken for granted living out in Southern California. This made me appreciate the fact that we get no snow and light rain out here!

 

Chances are all you need is the lower support. I got mine from Courtesy and it was $140 + shipping. IIRC the 5th gen and 4th gen share the same part.

 

Can anyone confirm if the 4th and 5th gen support is the same? Does anyone know the current part number, just for the lower part.

 

^here you go

2000 model core support
http://www.courtesyparts.com/62530m-...957_2070_2072&

01-03 model core support
http://www.courtesyparts.com/62530m-...957_2070_2072&

 

What could the difference between 2000 and 2001-2003 be?

 

625305Y000 Support-radiator core, lower
same part number applies for 2000 to 2003 per http://nissan4u.com
If you don't already use this resource for part numbers, you should.

 

Is there a write up on removing the ac condenser?

 

Is it imperative to remove the radiator and a/c condenser? Just saw a video on youtube, 2000 max, where both of them were left on. I'm trying to gather as much info as possible so when I start this project hopefully in the spring, things will go as smooth as possible.

 

you don't absolutely have to remove the radiator and ac condenser as long as you paint the lower core support in the areas where you won't be able to get to after installation then touch up on the weld areas.

 

What do you all recommend for an affordable but decent quality spot welder?