I just bought an '02 Max with 55k miles on it. The struts are original. The trouble is, since I don't know the car too well, I can't figure out if the struts are out or if it's just the way the car rides. I can easily tell worn struts on a 3rd gen. Max, but this is a whole different beast, espescially with the crappy straight axle back end.

Is it safe to say that with 55k miles on them, the struts are in need of replacement? I'd like to hear from people who've changed them and at what miles and what were the symptoms. PS, I searched all over but the only threads I've come across are related to types of struts or instructions on how to change them.

 

Unless your bouncing down the road like snoop D O GG I'd just leave them alone. You'll definitely know when they're blown.

 

I have 66k on mine and they're fine.. getting repalced shortly though....but not due to being worn.

 

LOL-

He's rizzite

 

I repplaced mine at 777k just to do the drop on the car.. the old ones are in a box like brand new..... so it is up to you

 

I had a 95 SE, and the struts went at 174,000 miles. I'd say wait until they go, not only will you be bouncing but the car will be all over the place during turns. My 02 has 75000 miles on it, and the struts are fine

 

Holy as.s. cracker.. Highest mileage Maxima I've ever seen.


IBninjaedit

 

Im at almost 88K and I only need to replace my rears, they are leaking. The fronts are fine

 

when i bought my car it had 80k on it and the car felt super stiff...there was this one part of the fwy where the road is uneven and the ride was so harsh my bobble head started to crack haha i changed them out for some tokico blues and going thru that part of the fwy was a lot more smoother. it wouldn't hurt to change your shocks for new ones...you'll problly have a smoother ride =/

 

I don't know. The rear of the car feels kind of weird over bumps, but I'm guessing it might be the straight axle. I've also bottomed out a few times on surfaces where my old '91 (with new struts) doesn't. The car seems to handle fine though otherwise. I guess I'll just leave it.

I thought I read here that the newer Maximas were notorius for early strut death. I guess this only affects the 6th generations?

 

My '02 has the same issue at 85k. THe rear bounces around and bottoms out on some bumps. With people in the back it is even more prounounced. I am going to change out the struts and springs when I get a chance.

There is also a TSB for '02 regarding the rear springs. You might want to check that out too.

 

I too want to change them, not because they're worn but because I want alittle more performance as far as handling..........

 

I just got my car back from the dealer, It only has 55k...but the back struts are leaking already. The front ones are ok, but there making a clicking noise. Its really bothersome. I know I need new ones, my car dives too much when i brake.