OK..
Got my AGX
Got my Progress
Got my KYB dust boots

I read the stickies and according to what org'ers said in the past, on Friday I'm going to Nissan to buy the spacers, bearings, and the top part of the mount (not the metal plate w/ the bolts). Stickies say replace everything but I don't have the $$$ to replace all the pieces. And some org'ers are saying only replace the mount - but the mounts seem to be 2 pieces - metal and rubber... And as far as the rear - I'm completely lost...

I have 2 questions:
1. Do I need to replace the metal plate (the other part of the mount, I guess) also?
2. Do I need to replace the rubber spring seat?

That was for the front, as far as the rear goes:

I'm buying from Nissan the washer, the top and bottom bushing, and the seal.
But, will I also need rubber spring seat, and the bumpstop cover. (My KYB dust boots are on their way so I don't know if they have their own "bumpstop cover" or not).

My car has 140k on it and I've never taken the suspension off. Also, I want to have everything I need ready during the install b/c I can't be w/o my car for more than 1 day as I don't have another car and I need to go to work/school. Plus, once everything is off, I won't have a way to drive to the dealer.

Thanks!

 

Here's pics to help illustrate what I'm asking. These pics are the ones from the FAQs except I drew on them to show what I mean.

GREEN CHECK - buying from Nissan
RED 'X' - not replacing
BLUE DOT - aftermarket
HUGE '?' - will I need that if I'm using KYB boots? (seems to be in rear only)

(If you think I should replace any of the "red 'x'" items, please let me know).
Also, in the "front" pic, what is that round thing under the dust boot - it's not labeled?

I've read hundreds of search results but everyone's car/setup is different. Different milage, some are using OEM boots, etc...




Thanks again!

 

If I remember correctly #8 is a metal plate that the mounting bracket sits on so that it wont go past the stopper thats on the piston of the strut. No need to replace that.

 

Thanks, that's good to know. But do I still use it w/ KYB boots or is it used w/ OEM only?

 

Does anyone else have any suggestions or input?
Thanks!

 

That should be included with the boot, (#7) it's the bumpstop. You should replace it in my opinion. but like I said, if you've already bought the boot, it probably comes with it.

EDIT: it should actually go INSIDE the boot, just to clarify, you won't actually be able to see it once it's installed. Look at the rear pic,,,the hard part made on top of the boot. They're made as one piece on the back, but the front are seperate.

 

Oh that's right... b/c at one point, didn't the OE boots come as a 2-piece?
Well, I got KYB boots, so I'm ASSUMING I won't need that IF my OE boots are 2-piece (which I don't know b/c I haven't taken the suspension apart)

Oh, one more thing - #8 in the "rear" pic do I replace that as well? Or is it a part of the KYB boot? B/c if it is, I don't want to install the boot AND that piece...

This is irking me... I got the fronts figured out and I know pretty much what I'll have to replace but the rear is driving me up a wall....! I've done suspensions on Jettas, Eclipses, Neons, and Sentras but this one is just .... I'm having a hard time getting comfortable w/ this setup for some strange reason

 

Like I said before, #8 on the rear is not a piece that you need to replace. Its not part of the boot its like a big metal washer that keeps everything between it and the mounting bracket (#5) from dropping down on the piston. When you do the suspension you'll be hitting yourself across the head for worring about something so little!! If you are comfortable doing VWs then this should be a breeze.