wadecarlson

2005 maxima struts

well its that time to replace my struts. i wanted to get a few opinions bfore i bought. i dont really want to throw any brand names out there so i can get new opnions. what do you guys think? any good ideas?

Shoey1

i hear KYB struts and Progress springs are just about the best hookup out there, alot fo guys on here are running them with no major issues

MiamiBlackMax

i think the KYB are the only ones out there rite now since they stop making the adj ones

DEENYCE718

Just out of curiousity, are KYB and OEM struts equal in quality?

95Max

Just so you know the KYB GR-2 is rather stiff. So depending on where you live....it can be enjoyable or not. I have the Gr-2 with stock springs and I am in the NJ/NY area...well lets just say that with the crappy roads here I would not buy them again.

VigilanteMax

iTrader: (4)

There is tons of info about struts on here, but the GR2s are nice. As far as OEM, the are better than factory equipped, especially if lowering. Dont forget to replace your strut mounts if you are doing this as you will probably have to down the road anyways.

KC2010

iTrader: (1)

Get the KYB mounts that come with the strut bearings.

wadecarlson

thx! looks like im going with the gr-2 - i liek a stiff ride.

xorbitman

iTrader: (1)

KYB with Eibach here and no problems: Replaced rubber inserts.

rick sambora

what inserts? Are you talking about the 54034-ZK00A spring rubber seats?

chris350

is strut problems a common issues with the 6th gen max? I have a 06 Max that I got around thangsgiving of last year, my front struts needs replacing...I had a 97 max before, I rode the stocks since I got it in 97 and replaced them in 2005 with kyb's. So the life time of those struts compared to the 06' is way shorter.
So I want to keep it stock, I was looking on courtestparts and noticed that the part number mentions that the struts are year 2. I dont know if thats an issue they resolved but my mechanic said that 97 % of the 6th gen max's that roll in have strut issues.

Besides the strut, the strut mount and the strut bearing, anything else that I should get?

KC2010

iTrader: (1)

I would get Racingline endlinks and upgrade the sway bars. That's my next step.

Then I'll go with aftermarket tie rods and control arms.

You're right! My 2001 maxima had some tough struts. I lived down a dirt road, played in a band and carried my stack and other goodies all over town. Never did I hear a peep out of the struts. What WAS funny is when my wheel bearings on the right side went out I noticed then I had two bad struts as well. But that was 5 years later.

My 2005 has 33,000 miles on it. And some how I have bad struts??? The strut bearings are shot? Who's the contractor making the struts for Nissan now?

KYB's and Eibach go on this weekend. I guess I'll have to gut out the whole front end and rebuild it myself since Nissan sucks at it so bad.

Talon05

[B]Hey Guys my 2005 Maxima SE has rattling when I drive over small speed bumps and pot holes. But quiet on a smooth surface. Is this a strut and bearing issue. Thanks Anderson Also do I have to replace with dealer parts.

KC2010

iTrader: (1)

You might have something else loose under the hood that rattles. Most struts that go bad make a "BONK" type sound. I've never heard a strut rattle. Of course, my knowledge is limited to only experience with my car.

You don't need to use dealer parts. You can always buy after market. I use Mike from import replacement parts. Search the org and you will find plenty of group deals from him and many other auto parts companies.

Kevin

VigilanteMax

iTrader: (4)

That would be your front endlinks. I accept paypal for the diagnosis...

thealliance43

iTrader: (4)

would these be good for replacements... i have that bonk! noise

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-S...mZ370073560706

VigilanteMax

iTrader: (4)

Those are just mounts and no part #. The only noise that your strut mounts can make are when you turn the car stationary. I believe the part # you are looking for for the mounts is SM5409

Talon05

Hey thanks for the feedback, I do alot of driving and when I heard that sound, it had me concerned. Glad to be part of this board with other Maxima owners.

figueroa1357

iTrader: (2)

has anyone installed theses before.....my struts are bad...trying to decide whether oem or gabriels???

BIG GILLES

KYB.

pavetim

iTrader: (1)

What would be some options on the strut mounts someone on here said the KYB strut mounts has too much play in them. I don't want to go back to OEM so what are some other options?

maximaaa04

iTrader: (1)

need opinion on the strut mounts alsooooo....iv got the kyb struts with the eibach kit but my left strut mount have done bad 2nd time in the last 5 months....im not going to get the kyb strut mounts any other options out there........

KC2010

iTrader: (1)

Too much play? They're spec'd to OE numbers. Mine are just fine. I even replaced my stut mount plates when I did my struts. There's nothing wrond with the KYB line of products from my searching in the threads. If you're afraid then go with OE replacements.

bambino

hmm, when I had to replace mine, I was at my dealership doing a regular maintenance check, and they replace them for free, it was under warranty.

pavetim

iTrader: (1)

I'll probably go with KYB or the MOOG I mean if my OEM went out after like 40K do I really want to use those again lol. I can get KYB or Moog from advance auto so i'll probably go with one of those.

Praetorian29

I know this is a bit of an old reply, but I'm just now replacing my struts and shocks (and doing the strut mounts, too, while I'm at it).

I thought my vendor (car-stuff.com, which I do *not* recommend) shipped me the wrong item because it says Altima Strut Mount on the box, so I did what just about any self-respecting Maxima owner would do with a question about parts... I came back to these forums after a long absence.

Lo and behold, this and four other threads answered my questions about this part number and its quality/performance.

Thanks, Maxima.org! *thumbsup*

RAZ76

iTrader: (8)

Rockautocom is what I use for all my cars. Never had any issues with them.

thealliance43

iTrader: (4)

if you want a stock comfortable ride go monroe struts

RAZ76

iTrader: (8)

I have Eibach and KYB GR-2, rides great.

dpuntier

I have the same car. And the same thing happend to mine. I went to 3 different mechanics and they found nothing. At the end I found out that the cat was bad and that's where the rattling noise was coming from.

DMAXI06

What is the opinion on Monroe sensa trac shocks and struts?

KillerZero259

i got a full coilover kit, BC racing, when my structs were blown, but hell the ride is STIFF lol

BadBlackMaxSL

iTrader: (1)

I have the Monroe struts and love them. Worth the extra cost plus the life time warranty.

DMAXI06

good to hear. im stoked to get them this summer

chris350

same here, I live in queens, NY.. KYB are stiff.. i don't like them too much. The stock ride is ok but having blown 2 sets of stock.. I'm hoping the KYB will fair better..

mateo420247

Oem mounta are actually a little bulkier than any aftermarket...they seem to work the best...wouldn't mess with aftermarket mounts as Maxima's are very heavy cars and the factory mounts are better...