I've read http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/703

Doesn't seem to complicated, I think I'll have a go at changing mine out. I don't have air tools, but I'll be getting spring compressors and a torque wrench. I just have a few questions abuot the process:

1. Can I remove the strut/spring assembly completely from the car without compressing the spring first?

2. Should I install new dust boots on my struts while I'm at it, or is this alot more work? Mine are torn.

Other than that, if anyone has any other recomendations please reply. Thanks. :-)

 

1. Yes, just remove the top three nuts and the two large bolts at the bottom of the strut. I would recommend breaking loose the top center nut while on the car. It's much easier on the car. DO NOT remove it though or things will fly apart with deadly force when try to remove the strut.

2. It's no more work to replace the dust boots if you plan to disassemble your strut anyway, just more cost.

:edit:
You can rent or borrow spring compressors from Autozone often

 

I paid $50 for the new strut bearings. What a rip for those little plastic pieces.

 

$50??

i paid $15 each at my local Nisan dealer...

Ant

 

And do I really need air tools for this or can I manage without?

 

Take the bearing apart by prying it open with a small screwdriver. Clean out whats left of the old grease and regrease it. You can use white Lithium grease or wheel bearing grease.

 

i'm in the same boat as the thread starter. i've been told that that's only a temporary fix and that the noise will come back within 10K miles or so, which wouldn't bother me so if you didn't have to get a tire alignment every time you remove your suspension. my nissan dealership charges $80 for an alignment

 

I regreased them with wheel bearing grease (Valvoline Durablend). No problem after two months and 2K miles. The strut bearings were in good condition so I rather not wait until it dried up and make noise. By then it may be too late to regrease. However, $15/each is a great deal. I would just buy new ones.