How to Replace a Nissan Maxima Front Strut Bearing

A Nissan Maxima front strut bearing is located on the top of the strut and allows the strut to rotate with the spindle for steering purposes. It is mounted in the strut tower and secured with three nuts on the topside of the tower. The bottom of the strut is connected to the spindle with two large 18 mm bolts. When disassembling the strut, keep in mind that the spring is compressed to the point that it can be very dangerous if not compressed sufficiently first. When compressed, the spring has thousands of pounds of force. If the spring is not completely compressed when you remove the cap, the spring may fly out of the vehicle and compressor, possibly causing bodily harm.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• ½-inch drive ratchet
• Set of ½-inch drive sockets
• ½-inch diameter short extension
• Strut spring compressor
• Set of wrenches

Instructions

1. Raise and support the front of the vehicle with jack stands. Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Remove the brake line from the side of the strut using a 10 mm wrench.

2. Detach the wire connector for the wheel speed sensor where it attaches to the strut. This is usually just pushed into a friction lock and can be pulled out. Remove the two 18 mm bolts and nuts, using a ½-inch socket and a wrench on the nut.

3. Lift the hood and remove the three 13 mm nuts securing the strut to the strut tower. Use a wrench or a long socket to remove the nuts. Separate the strut from the spindle by pushing the two pieces apart. Remove the strut from the vehicle.

4. Install the spring compressor and compress the spring to the point that the top bearing plate will turn freely. Stand the strut up in front of you with the bottom connecting bracket facing away from you. Look closely at the bearing plate orientation as related to the studs. This is important to make the strut easier to install.

5. Remove the top strut shaft nut using a wrench. Before removing the bearing plate, hold the new plate next to it and orient the top studs exactly like the ones on the strut bearing plate. Lift the old plate off and install the new plate in the same manner. Install the large shaft nut and tighten using a wrench. Remove the spring compressor.

6. Turn the strut around so that the lower strut connecting plate is facing outward away from the car. Insert the strut up into the strut tower, lining the studs up so they pass through the strut tower in the existing holes. Screw on the 13 mm nuts, using a wrench or socket, then tighten.

7. Press the spindle into the lower strut connecting plate. Insert the two large 18 mm bolts through the plate, then screw on the nuts and tighten securely using a wrench or socket.

8. Reconnect the wheel sensor wire connector and install the brake line. Screw on the 10 mm bolt and tighten using a wrench or socket. Install the tire and lower the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Different year Maximas may use different size wrenches or sockets on nuts and bolts not specified with a size in this article.