Front Strut Destroyed by Pothole
04-16-2008, 07:05 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37
Front Strut Destroyed by Pothole
Hey guys,
I ran into a huge pothole up here in Toronto, and I have totally damaged the Front Right strut. It makes a thump sound after every minor little bump at slow speeds, and there is some oil on the strut.
I went to the dealer and they want $550 for just one strut and $900 for both since my warranty is up. I'm thinking of ordering the strut and replacing them myself.
However, do you guys think it is safe to drive the next couple of weeks? I plan on driving really slowly and not going on the highway, as well as avoiding all minor bumps on the road. What can go wrong by driving with one bad strut?
Any help would be appreciated...thanks.
I ran into a huge pothole up here in Toronto, and I have totally damaged the Front Right strut. It makes a thump sound after every minor little bump at slow speeds, and there is some oil on the strut.
I went to the dealer and they want $550 for just one strut and $900 for both since my warranty is up. I'm thinking of ordering the strut and replacing them myself.
However, do you guys think it is safe to drive the next couple of weeks? I plan on driving really slowly and not going on the highway, as well as avoiding all minor bumps on the road. What can go wrong by driving with one bad strut?
Any help would be appreciated...thanks.
04-16-2008, 08:19 PM
#4
If you want to fix just the front then get a set of KYB GR-2's for the front, both sides. Might run you around 200 shipped...thats probably even a high number.
If you want to spend a little more but have great results then you can call Cattman and get all 4 GR-2's , all 4 progress springs and a progress RSB all for about 600 shipped
That would be the way to go if you ask me. Dont quote me on that price either. I dont know his recent prices but a few months ago that number was pretty accurate.
If you want to spend a little more but have great results then you can call Cattman and get all 4 GR-2's , all 4 progress springs and a progress RSB all for about 600 shipped
That would be the way to go if you ask me. Dont quote me on that price either. I dont know his recent prices but a few months ago that number was pretty accurate.
04-17-2008, 02:06 AM
#6
read throught the warrenty section of your manual again. as a matter of fact go on nissan's website and look at it. I read if you are the original owner that nissan will replace the shocks and struts for the life of the car as long as you made no mods to the suspension and again are the Original Owner. good luck hope that helps. print it out and take it in. If they still want to charge you call nissan and complain till they fix it.
04-17-2008, 02:13 AM
#7
04-17-2008, 11:50 AM
#10
I think I read the same warranty info as po8pimp.
Or try Car-parts.com
I had KYB GR-2 all around. Now have AGX in back, awsome. Just received my Koni inserts 8641-1439 for the front. Will let you know the level of difficulty to install.
Or try Car-parts.com
I had KYB GR-2 all around. Now have AGX in back, awsome. Just received my Koni inserts 8641-1439 for the front. Will let you know the level of difficulty to install.
04-17-2008, 12:40 PM
#12
GR2s are the way to go. no question. Getter done.
Best and cheapest place to get them $120 shipped for fronts
http://www.apwonline.com/RenderScrip...ntid=apwonline
Best and cheapest place to get them $120 shipped for fronts
http://www.apwonline.com/RenderScrip...ntid=apwonline
04-17-2008, 02:58 PM
#14
This is my response to a different thread on struts......
I am leaning towards the Monroe Sensa-Trac for my 04 SL on Progress Springs. I am afraid the GR2s will be too stiff for my liking. The ride is already stiffer with the lowereing springs but highway driving is a dream now. City driving....... sucks b/c my right strut is blown again. So most road imperfections that my right tire hits rattle all the way to the steering wheel. (Left side tire hits a bump and it is smooth and handles the bump like it should.) Its like the 5th set of OEM struts that I have and I am only at 3 years and 38,000 miles. I think the Monroe Sensa-Trac offers the same ride quality as the OEM but it is made to better quality standards AND has a lifetime warranty. (How's that taste Nissan?) A strut made to last the lifetime of the car, remarkable.
Also, do the install yourself, I did and it was pretty easy and I have never done that type of work on a car before. Plus you really learn a lot about the innerworkings of your car. Plus, the pride in my own work was cool too.
I am leaning towards the Monroe Sensa-Trac for my 04 SL on Progress Springs. I am afraid the GR2s will be too stiff for my liking. The ride is already stiffer with the lowereing springs but highway driving is a dream now. City driving....... sucks b/c my right strut is blown again. So most road imperfections that my right tire hits rattle all the way to the steering wheel. (Left side tire hits a bump and it is smooth and handles the bump like it should.) Its like the 5th set of OEM struts that I have and I am only at 3 years and 38,000 miles. I think the Monroe Sensa-Trac offers the same ride quality as the OEM but it is made to better quality standards AND has a lifetime warranty. (How's that taste Nissan?) A strut made to last the lifetime of the car, remarkable.
Also, do the install yourself, I did and it was pretty easy and I have never done that type of work on a car before. Plus you really learn a lot about the innerworkings of your car. Plus, the pride in my own work was cool too.
04-17-2008, 06:02 PM
#16
Wink. I'll do the rest.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Posts: 860
Hey guys,
I ran into a huge pothole up here in Toronto, and I have totally damaged the Front Right strut. It makes a thump sound after every minor little bump at slow speeds, and there is some oil on the strut.
I went to the dealer and they want $550 for just one strut and $900 for both since my warranty is up. I'm thinking of ordering the strut and replacing them myself.
However, do you guys think it is safe to drive the next couple of weeks? I plan on driving really slowly and not going on the highway, as well as avoiding all minor bumps on the road. What can go wrong by driving with one bad strut?
Any help would be appreciated...thanks.
I ran into a huge pothole up here in Toronto, and I have totally damaged the Front Right strut. It makes a thump sound after every minor little bump at slow speeds, and there is some oil on the strut.
I went to the dealer and they want $550 for just one strut and $900 for both since my warranty is up. I'm thinking of ordering the strut and replacing them myself.
However, do you guys think it is safe to drive the next couple of weeks? I plan on driving really slowly and not going on the highway, as well as avoiding all minor bumps on the road. What can go wrong by driving with one bad strut?
Any help would be appreciated...thanks.
If I were you I would try that....
Good luck!
04-18-2008, 09:48 AM
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 47
My wife recently did the same thing. I replaced the struts with GR2's and am happy with them. They were about $65 each at Advance Auto Parts and had Pep Boys install them for $50 each.
She has the factory 18" wheels and it bent the wheel on the inside lip. Be sure to check yours. Nissan wants $600 for the wheel. Found a local wheel shop that orders reman'd wheels. Its a used factory wheel, checked for true, repainted and sold for $175.
She has the factory 18" wheels and it bent the wheel on the inside lip. Be sure to check yours. Nissan wants $600 for the wheel. Found a local wheel shop that orders reman'd wheels. Its a used factory wheel, checked for true, repainted and sold for $175.
04-18-2008, 12:43 PM
#18
My wife recently did the same thing. I replaced the struts with GR2's and am happy with them. They were about $65 each at Advance Auto Parts and had Pep Boys install them for $50 each.
She has the factory 18" wheels and it bent the wheel on the inside lip. Be sure to check yours. Nissan wants $600 for the wheel. Found a local wheel shop that orders reman'd wheels. Its a used factory wheel, checked for true, repainted and sold for $175.
She has the factory 18" wheels and it bent the wheel on the inside lip. Be sure to check yours. Nissan wants $600 for the wheel. Found a local wheel shop that orders reman'd wheels. Its a used factory wheel, checked for true, repainted and sold for $175.
Hope your tires are still on...j/k.
04-18-2008, 12:50 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 607
I am not sure how it works in Canada - but here in the US very (and I mean very) few people know that they can collect money from the City, Town or County where the damage occurred. Example: you're driving down a road, hit a pothole and damaged your rims - you can very easily put an insurance claim against the City. I know this because up until 2 years ago I handled the insurance/risk management for many cities in FL and the claims I saw coming in were ridiculous.
If I were you I would try that....
Good luck!
If I were you I would try that....
Good luck!
I wonder... does the City ever pay the claims or the matter goes to the court and that is where it always ends in favor of the City?
04-18-2008, 01:09 PM
#20
Hey Mr Toronto from TO Town! I live in Montreal the Pot hole capitol of North America...well maybe tied for a few American cities! LOL! You're really lucky! Only one strut in how long? I have replaced mine at least 3 times (on warranty) and guess what...my warranty has run out. Even though I have the extended warranty, guess what? That right...the $1000 prize goes to you! You guess right...they're not covered...So I am going to a garage to spend less than at the stealership and have 2 new shocks/struts and you guessed it again...KYB GR2's in the front. I am leaving the oem ones in the back....My car is lowered with Eibach Pro Kit 1's all around.
For less than what they want to charge you for the whole bill you can put better aftermarket shocks and yes and 4 new lowering springs and for a bit more front and rear strut bars.
For less than what they want to charge you for the whole bill you can put better aftermarket shocks and yes and 4 new lowering springs and for a bit more front and rear strut bars.
04-18-2008, 04:17 PM
#22
Although Im thinking about getting coilovers for the adjustability and lighter weight.
04-18-2008, 04:28 PM
#23
Wink. I'll do the rest.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Posts: 860
So to answer your question, if it is something simple (ie: damage to your car caused on a roadway by a pothole), all you have to do is call your City and tell them what happened and that you would like to file a claim. And no, you won't have to go to court. As a matter of fact, most Cities pay the claims up rather quickly.
I used to see claims coming in from cars with bent wheels to cars with blown shocks.... after all, think about this for a second - why do you think Cities will fix some potholes faster than others
04-19-2008, 07:42 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,531
In quebec they passed a law, you cant sue them for damage to wheels, tires and suspension because of a road problem...
eh.
eh.
BB700092 - unlike individuals say like you and I, most Cities do not purchase an insurance policy because it simply isn't cost effective for them to (imagine how much money that would cost!). So instead, what they do have is something called a "Self-Insurance Program". An example of Self-Insurance would be you for an example cancelling your auto insurance policy and saying to yourself "heck, instead of paying an insurance company, I am going to put this money away every month and if I total my car I will just assume the risk and buy another one out of my pocket". This is generally how Cities think....
So to answer your question, if it is something simple (ie: damage to your car caused on a roadway by a pothole), all you have to do is call your City and tell them what happened and that you would like to file a claim. And no, you won't have to go to court. As a matter of fact, most Cities pay the claims up rather quickly.
I used to see claims coming in from cars with bent wheels to cars with blown shocks.... after all, think about this for a second - why do you think Cities will fix some potholes faster than others
So to answer your question, if it is something simple (ie: damage to your car caused on a roadway by a pothole), all you have to do is call your City and tell them what happened and that you would like to file a claim. And no, you won't have to go to court. As a matter of fact, most Cities pay the claims up rather quickly.
I used to see claims coming in from cars with bent wheels to cars with blown shocks.... after all, think about this for a second - why do you think Cities will fix some potholes faster than others
instant flat i missed football practice. city payed for it no problem.
04-19-2008, 04:24 PM
#27
04-22-2008, 06:26 PM
#28
Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ATL from BOS
Posts: 214
Yup. Had both fronts replaced today on the 07 under warranty. Right was shot to hell and left was leaking a little. Of course, the huge pothole GF drove into a week ago didnt help the right side strut.......dealer even gave me a car to use for the day.
06-13-2008, 11:54 AM
#29
I am not sure how it works in Canada - but here in the US very (and I mean very) few people know that they can collect money from the City, Town or County where the damage occurred. Example: you're driving down a road, hit a pothole and damaged your rims - you can very easily put an insurance claim against the City. I know this because up until 2 years ago I handled the insurance/risk management for many cities in FL and the claims I saw coming in were ridiculous.
If I were you I would try that....
Good luck!
If I were you I would try that....
Good luck!
06-21-2008, 04:58 AM
#30
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Marlboro, NJ
Posts: 6
I remember reading on a few posts, that the OEM struts are bad. Some owners had them replaced a few times. I'm going to need front struts soon, I do not want to lower my car since I deal with NYC roads every day, and I do not want OEM struts. Other than KYB GR-2, are there any other alternatives, i.e. Tokico? Do you guys recommend i change the springs also? I have noticed for a while on many stock maximas, the back are lower than the front 05SE
06-24-2008, 05:25 AM
#31
I remember reading on a few posts, that the OEM struts are bad. Some owners had them replaced a few times. I'm going to need front struts soon, I do not want to lower my car since I deal with NYC roads every day, and I do not want OEM struts. Other than KYB GR-2, are there any other alternatives, i.e. Tokico? Do you guys recommend i change the springs also? I have noticed for a while on many stock maximas, the back are lower than the front 05SE
06-27-2008, 08:07 AM
#32
This is my response to a different thread on struts......
I am leaning towards the Monroe Sensa-Trac for my 04 SL on Progress Springs. I am afraid the GR2s will be too stiff for my liking. The ride is already stiffer with the lowereing springs but highway driving is a dream now. City driving....... sucks b/c my right strut is blown again. So most road imperfections that my right tire hits rattle all the way to the steering wheel. (Left side tire hits a bump and it is smooth and handles the bump like it should.) Its like the 5th set of OEM struts that I have and I am only at 3 years and 38,000 miles. I think the Monroe Sensa-Trac offers the same ride quality as the OEM but it is made to better quality standards AND has a lifetime warranty. (How's that taste Nissan?) A strut made to last the lifetime of the car, remarkable.
Also, do the install yourself, I did and it was pretty easy and I have never done that type of work on a car before. Plus you really learn a lot about the innerworkings of your car. Plus, the pride in my own work was cool too.
I am leaning towards the Monroe Sensa-Trac for my 04 SL on Progress Springs. I am afraid the GR2s will be too stiff for my liking. The ride is already stiffer with the lowereing springs but highway driving is a dream now. City driving....... sucks b/c my right strut is blown again. So most road imperfections that my right tire hits rattle all the way to the steering wheel. (Left side tire hits a bump and it is smooth and handles the bump like it should.) Its like the 5th set of OEM struts that I have and I am only at 3 years and 38,000 miles. I think the Monroe Sensa-Trac offers the same ride quality as the OEM but it is made to better quality standards AND has a lifetime warranty. (How's that taste Nissan?) A strut made to last the lifetime of the car, remarkable.
Also, do the install yourself, I did and it was pretty easy and I have never done that type of work on a car before. Plus you really learn a lot about the innerworkings of your car. Plus, the pride in my own work was cool too.
my right front is rumbling too much.. it was replaced by the dealers like 30k. now i have 54k on her.. can i use Monroe?? i don't want to stiffness of the KYB GR2's .. is the Monroe a good subsitution? can anyone tell me if 90$ for one is a fair price. i got this quoted from www.autobarn.com .. Thanks
01-19-2009, 10:54 AM
#33
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 30
struts
Im in the same boat..Im looking to replace oem struts with aftermarket but while maintaining the stock smooth ride. Unless Nissan finally improved their struts and I can just go with oem. I have an 04 SL.
Any suggestions ? Not really on a budget either, just want good quality with a a good ride.
Any suggestions ? Not really on a budget either, just want good quality with a a good ride.
Last edited by 04SL; 01-19-2009 at 10:57 AM.
01-19-2009, 11:35 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 329
my right front is rumbling too much.. it was replaced by the dealers like 30k. now i have 54k on her.. can i use Monroe?? i don't want to stiffness of the KYB GR2's .. is the Monroe a good subsitution? can anyone tell me if 90$ for one is a fair price. i got this quoted from www.autobarn.com .. Thanks
01-19-2009, 11:40 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 329
Im in the same boat..Im looking to replace oem struts with aftermarket but while maintaining the stock smooth ride. Unless Nissan finally improved their struts and I can just go with oem. I have an 04 SL.
Any suggestions ? Not really on a budget either, just want good quality with a a good ride.
Any suggestions ? Not really on a budget either, just want good quality with a a good ride.
01-20-2009, 07:10 AM
#37
Check RockAuto.com for struts...$52 for KYB's and $91 for SensaTracs. There are also always 5% off coupons floating around if you look. I've bought numerous parts from them, and they ship quickly.
02-22-2009, 02:21 PM
#39
Anyways in canada, you should be able to get it paid by the city... I know for a fact that Alberta and both Saskatchewan cities will pay for it if you make a claim. I don't see Toronto being different. You might have to replace your struts, and send the bill to them. Possibly even fight for it. Good luck.