Basically I've isolated the noise to my strut mount area. I dont' have much tools other than basic ratchets and what not.

Am i able to change it w/o need a spring compressor or whatever?

Will I need alignment of anysort?

Thanks.

 

Funny, I need to do the exact same thing.

You will need an alignment only if you have camber bolts.

You might be able to change 'em out without spring compressors depending on what type of springs you have, but I'd rent a set from Autozone or something if I were you. It requires spring compressors if changing out your springs does.

 

Hmm.. Honestly, I am not too familiar with spring compressor tool and what not. I have stock springs and stock struts ( i believe).

I was planning on raising the front right with a jack and then loosen the top 3 screw strut mounts? Then change it that way.

 

Do you not have a floor jack? Personally I would not use a scissor jack when working with suspension as it just isn't steady.

 

Can I replace 1-7 w/ basic ratchets and what not? Is that what I'm looking at to replace? I'm just gonna give it a shot. BUt if it requires spring compressors and other tools, I think it might be better for me just to have it be done somewhere else.

Worth a shot.

Thanks again for the reply.

*Yes, i have a floor jack + 2 stand.s

 

4th gen doesn't need a spring compressor. 5th gen definitely does. You will definitely need an alignment, and yes, this can be done with hand tools. 2 jack stands and 1 jack will suffice.

edit: If you've never done a spring/strut install, this is a good place to start:
http://www.innerbean.com/housecor/strut_install.html

 

Ah..

So it should fall right out? pretty easy change of just the boots and stuff. I don't need to change my strut/spring. Car is fine, just that odd noise i wanna get.

i appreciate the link. i've done brakes, axle changes through reading and through the site. this is definitely good.

 

The spring will fall right out? It will pop a little bit, but not strongly enough to hurt anyone/anything. You will also have to put a little bit of weight on the spring to get the mount back on.

You may not be changing your struts or springs, but the process is the same. You still have to disassemble the strut mounts (and therefore 'compress' the spring) to replace the hardware.

 

I see. I hope I don't have to go to that extremity. I will get the parts from the dealer. Then I will try it and proally take it down to the mech to see. That noise is bothering me a bit.

I hope it isn't the bearing or tie rods or whatever...

 

Both are easy to check.

1. Jack the front end of the car up.
2. Grab the wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Turn/shake wheel left to right. If there is excessive play, tie rod ends need some work.
3. Grab wheel at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. If there is excessive play, wheel bearing is shot.

Do this on both sides to find out what needs work. No need to dismantle anything

 

Extremity? If you want to replace ANY of the strut hardware at ALL, it the entire assembly has to be removed and dismantled. Items 1 through 7 in your diagram are all held in with 1 nut.

 

So I can do this w/o a spring compressor? (97 maxima) Just double checking.
I read through the link and it was needed.

I just wanna replace small things one at a time before moving to the next.
So I can replace 1-7 w/o touching lower control arm or ball joint.

I simply jack that side up or I gotta do the whole front?
Take tire off.
Strut mount nuts loosen and the strut assembly should drop down right? Then I loosen that top nut and replace.
Then I can just replace it like that and realign and tighten?

Thanks for the tips.

This is my first time doing this. hahah

 

In a 4th gen, you do not need a spring compressor, but it WILL pop a little when you remove the center strut nut.

You can replace 1-7 without touching LCA or ball joint.

I would jack the front up and remove BOTH wheels prior to removing the strut assembly.

Loosen the 3 upper strut mount nuts.
Unclip the ABS sensor and the brake line from their respective brackets on the strut.
Remove the two strut bolts holding it to the spindle, or remove the 3 upper strut nuts first, your choice.

You will have to maneuver the assembly out of the wheel well by dropping the assembly between the tie rod and the brake line/spindle, then removing the top part of it from the wheel well first.

Remove middle nut, disassemble, replace, reassemble.
The tutorial has the information on making sure "OUT" is facing outwards. Then just reverse steps for assembly back into the car, and align the car after about a week.

 

I used a spring compressor when I removed the stock springs. I have taken the AGX/S-tech setup apart with out a compressor. I'm not sure I would take the chance of removing the stock spring with out a compressor. I could be wrong, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

I've done it plenty of times. The 4th gen pops juust a little, but its not dangerous at all, nothing flies out of control or anything like that.

The 5th gen ABSOLUTELY requires a spring compressor, no discussion about it.