I will be installing new springs and struts on my 98 Maxima (95K miles) and have read that I should replace some other parts as well, such as the strut mounts, front strut bearings, and dust boots.

I can understand replacing the bearings, but why should the mounts need to be replaced?

All I can find online are the KYB bearings. Are the KYB bearings just as good as the OEM bearings?

I cannot find the darn dust boots anywhere except Cattman.com, and I am having difficulty accessing their order page. Why would such an item be available from only ONE source?

Am I missing anything?

 

www.tirerack.com has KYB dustboots/strut mount.

u don't necessary need to replace them..unless they are worned out.

 

Tirerack has a PICTURE of the KYB dustboots, but I have not found a link to click to actually BUY them. There is a link "Strut Boots/Mounts," but when I drill down, the only options I get are for the strut (front) and shock (rear) mounts.

 

http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaHandling

 

I know that page, but completely overlooked the MaximaDustBoots link.

My OEM dustboots are cracked and split at almost every single crease, so I am definitely due for new boots.

So, are Nissan OEM parts not available online, or am I just not looking in the right place?

 

Go to courtesyparts.com or jrnissanparts.com - if you can get the parts online, just call those guys - they have everything you need. Do your research before using KYB strut mounts - a lot of org'ers have had premature failure of these parts. When I replaced my struts, I just replaced the strut bearings, spring isolators and strut boots. My mounts were fine. Mounts are not that cheap - only replace them if yours are showing signs of wear/failure.