Here are some shock and strut installation tips for pros and DIYers. We also offer video tips on shock and strut installation here.
Always use the new nut supplied
The original mounting stud nut may not thread correctly or may damage the new shock or strut upper mounting stud threads. The threads in a nut also stretch when tightened, so the old nut will not have the holding strength of a new one. When a threaded nut is included with the shock or strut, use the new nut and never reuse the old one.
Do not use pliers or vise grips on the polished shaft
They will score the polished chrome shaft. This will cause increased wear on the upper seals and may lead to a hydraulic fluid leak from the shock or strut. Use a wrench to hold the shaft at the shoulder area near the top of the shaft below the thread area, which is designed for use with a wrench. Special tools are also available for holding the piston shaft.
Always use a torque wrench for the upper strut shaft mounting nut
Using an air or electric impact wrench to tighten the upper mounting nut on the piston rod can exceed the recommended torque and cause damage. Correct tightening is accomplished by holding the piston rod with a wrench or special tool at the machined shoulder and tightening with a torque wrench set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
95–99 Nissan Maxima rear strut installation
These vehicles require special spring-to-strut mounting procedures. Improper assembly can cause excessive side strain and strut failure. If the lower mounting bushing and bolt do not align when installing the assembled strut, do not force or twist the strut into place.
Note the overall length difference
Replacement shocks and struts may differ in length from the original equipment units. In some cases the replacement unit may be longer to help protect the shock from full extension damage or to improve vehicle stability and rollover resistance.
Never replace just one shock or strut
To ensure the vehicle performs safely and as designed, always replace shocks or struts in pairs. When damping rates differ significantly from side to side, variations in vehicle body and wheel movements can cause erratic handling and reduced ride comfort.
Check the contents of the small parts kit
Most shocks and struts include loose parts such as nuts, washers, spacers, and possibly a bumper. Before installation, verify all parts in the kit are present. Some original equipment components may be reused if required.
Some strut mounts have adjustable “clock” position insulators
During installation, what may appear to be a mis-positioned welded spring seat may actually require repositioning the upper mount rubber insulator. Some struts require rotating the upper mount insulator to align correctly with the vehicle mounting points.
Nissan Maxima installation procedure
After inserting the upper mounting studs into the vehicle mounting holes, the lower mount bolt may not align because the upper studs sit at a slight angle relative to the lower mount. Perform installation while the coil spring is compressed during spring-to-strut reassembly to accommodate this angle difference.
Don’t add fluids when replacing a KYB cartridge-style strut
Mechanics sometimes find the strut body filled with fluid when replacing a cartridge. Do not add water, oil, or any other liquids inside the strut housing when installing a KYB cartridge. Remove any existing fluid before installing the new cartridge, as KYB cartridges are designed to operate without additional liquids.
Length differences during installation
Due to length differences between OE and aftermarket units, it may be necessary to slightly raise the axle or suspension during installation to attach the shock mountings. This is also common with many OE components.
Be aware of upper mounting stud length differences
Mounting stud lengths may differ slightly but should still mount correctly. The most common difficulty occurs when trying to install the mounting nut while the vehicle is not on the ground, preventing the stud from fully passing through the mounting bushing and limiting exposed threads.
Nissan Maxima mount alignment
Position the upper strut mount relative to the lower mount as shown in installation illustrations. The left and right sides are different. Proper alignment allows the strut assembly to fit into the mounting holes without twisting or forcing.
KYB internal bumper stop design
Some KYB shocks include an improved internal bumper stop to cushion extreme movements. This may change the total length before installation, but the shock will function correctly once installed on the vehicle.
Diagnosing noise after installation
If clunking or rattling occurs after installation and the strut mount and spring seat clock position are correct, inspect other suspension components. Stabilizer bar bushings and link pins are common noise sources and may be misdiagnosed as strut problems.
Fastening points may seem misaligned
What may appear to be a mis-positioned welded spring seat may actually require repositioning the upper mount rubber insulator. In some installations the insulator must be rotated to align the mounting points properly.
Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth minivan front strut installation
If the coil spring bows outward after reassembly, check the alignment of the upper and lower spring seats. The angles of the spring seats must be parallel when viewed from the side by aligning the notch in the upper spring seat with the centerline of the lower knuckle bracket opening.
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For Service Pros
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Training Courses
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Video Tips
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