Suspension - Strut and Shock Absorber Replacement Guidelines
Classification:
FA99-001a
Reference
NTB99-001a
Date:
March 19, 2013
STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
This bulletin has been amended. The Applied Vehicles section has been updated and revisions have been made throughout. Please discard earlier versions.
APPLIED VEHICLES:
All 1990-2013 Nissan vehicles except those listed
This bulletin does not apply to:
All GT-R (R35) vehicles
Armada (TA60) - vehicles equipped with rear-leveling air suspension
SERVICE INFORMATION
This bulletin provides information to identify:
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A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.
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A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement.
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A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues.
IMPORTANT :
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If strut/shock absorber leakage is diagnosed in one strut/shock absorber, do NOT automatically replace struts/shock absorbers on both sides. Replace the leaking strut/shock absorber only.
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In cases where diagnosis of a strut indicates part replacement and the labor operation states that it includes toe or alignment check/set, the alignment check/set must be supported with a printout from your alignment machine (i.e., "alignment printout").
Inspect the Condition of Oil Leakage
If oil does NOT extend beyond the spring seat or upper 1/3 of shock:
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This is slight oil seepage. The strut/shock absorber should NOT be replaced.
If oil does extend beyond the spring seat or upper 1/3 of shock:
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Use a finger to touch the oil that has extended beyond the spring seat or upper 1/3 of shock.
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If you confirm the oil layer is thick and contains large pieces of dust and debris, the strut/shock absorber should be replaced.
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If you confirm the oil layer is thin and does NOT contain large pieces of dust and debris, the strut/shock absorber should NOT be replaced.
Inspect the Strut/Shock Absorber Rod
CAUTION :The front shock absorbers for Frontier (D40), Xterra (N50), and Pathfinder (R51) vehicles do NOT have a bound stopper inside. Make sure to stop the rod close to the end of travel when compressing during step 1.
1.
Compress and extend the strut rod or shock absorber rod more than four (4) times by hand.
2.
Confirm the resistance and sound is normal when operating.
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If atypical resistance or sound is noted, the strut/shock absorber should be replaced.
