Specifically, I need to buy a replacement for the 19mm nuts that connect the lower control arm to the strut assembly. The nuts have really seized and I want to just use a nut splitter and break them off.
Probably a stupid question, but is there some kind of special nut I have to buy to replace these, or can I just get a generic 19mm nut?

 

Neif, since it's on the suspension, i'd bet it's hardened, not generic. stealership time, take the bolt to be sure. i had to get these before when my previous maxima was stolen & recovered w/suspension hanging loose. good luck.

 

If you really feel the need to get the special nut the dealer will have you covered but from my recolection that nut is your average metric large thread bolt. Hardware store. Ask the dealer to be sure and if your really **** get the nut from the dealer.

 

just go to the local hardware store and find a grade 8 nut, because I am betting that the dealer will charge like $8 for the damn thing and you will have to wait 3 days for it

 

You can have both of mine, but its gonna cost you.

 

All you need is a quality fasterner store or lowes or something with Grade 8.. Good as gold.

Proph

 

hit up the hardware store, they usually have them. some auto parts store might carry it too, ask them.

 

So a grade 8 nut would be universal, even from the dealership? I don't want my control arm to come loose while I'm driving!

 

Grade 8 refers to the quality/strength/hardness of the metal alloy used to manufacture the nut - not the size/thread/pitch... you still need to find a 19mm nut - the recommendation was to just buy Grade 8 19mm nuts from a local HW store.

 

It won't come loose if you torque it correctly, and grade 8 is probably better than the factory anyway!

 

Right, so the quality of the Nissan nuts vs. generic grade 8 nuts is the same? Also, are these nuts breakable by a nut splitter? (dont laugh)

 

bump - can the grade 8 19mm nuts be split by a nut splitter? That might be my only way to get them off of the control arm.

 

It depends on the quality of your nut-splitter. I've had berellium (sp?) drill bits that can cut through grade 8 hardware all day long. I would try to use an air wrench, or if thats not available, soak the nut in penetrating lubricant for a few days, and try again. If that doesn't work, clean off all the penetrant with soapy water and use a torch to heat up the nut enough to loosen it. I've used a torch many time to remove stuck bolts, just make sure you don't re-use the hardware because it will be weakend from the heat.

belosic

 

doesn't heating it expand the nut?

 

Yes, heat does expand the nut. That is what you want it to do; as it expands the thread binding will be relieved and the nut will become easier to remove.

 

I remember looking for that nut at several hardware stores, and auto shops. Nobody could match the thread....it's some strange size...I dunno.

I got tired of wasting my time, and grabbed one from the junk yard.

Hopefully you will have better luck finding it!