Nissan Tech Tip: Strut Replacement Guidelines

Nissan Tech Tip: Strut Replacement Guidelines

This bulletin provides information to correctly identify a strut on any 1990-2000 Nissan model that has slight oil seepage, a condition that is considered normal, doesn't affect the strut's operation or performance and doesn't require replacement. It also provides information to correctly identify leaking struts that require replacement.

This bulletin provides information to correctly identify a strut on any 1990-2000 Nissan model that has slight oil seepage, a condition that is considered normal, doesn’t affect the strut’s operation or performance and doesn’t require replacement. It also provides information to correctly identify leaking struts that require replacement.

Service Procedure:
Strut leaks are caused by deterioration of the oil seal due to wear, internal contamination or external contamination (i.e. outside dust or anti-corrosion spray entry). These factors can affect the strut seal mechanism and result in a gross oil leak. In such an instance, the strut needs to be replaced.

Note: If strut leakage is diagnosed in one strut, do not automatically replace struts on both sides. Replace only the leaking strut.

Strut seepage occurs as a thin layer of oil sticks to the strut’s shaft and passes through the seal. A very small amount of oil can escape and stain the upper exterior of the strut. The amount of oil seepage present on the strut can be affected by ambient temperature variations and driving conditions (extreme hot or cold weather or rough road conditions can increase the amount of seepage). Seepage is considered a normal condition since it doesn’t affect the operation and performance of the strut.

Identifying Strut Leakage vs. Strut Seepage:
Note: The following criteria can also be applied to shock absorbers.

A strut that is leaking and needs to be replaced will exhibit a substantial amount of oil around the exterior body of the strut. The oil layer will extend below the spring seat (dish), will be thick, contain large pieces of dust and debris, and will saturate the strut rod.

A strut that is seeping will exhibit a thin layer of oil stain on the exterior body of the strut. The oil stain will not usually extend beyond the spring seat (dish), but may be past the spring seat under conditions such as changes in ambient temperature or driving conditions. The oil stain will not be thick, nor will it contain dust or debris.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of Mitchell 1.

For more information on Mitchell 1 products and services, automotive professionals can log onto the company’s website at www.mitchell1.com.

You May Also Like

Hunter’s Latest Wheel Alignment Specs Database Now Available

The semi-annual specification update includes 960+ new and updated vehicles.

Wheel Alignment Specs Database

Hunter Engineering announced its newly updated vehicle information database is now available for Hunter WinAlign alignment users.

Effective Nov. 1, the release covers new models — those not yet in existence at the time of the previous release this past spring — as well as model year updates, covering OEM changes to existing vehicles.

Federated Giveaway Brings Holiday Cheer

Facebook contest gives away limited edition diecast collectible.

Mitchell 1 Brings Back ‘Thank You Thursdays!’ Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes shows appreciation for automotive service professionals.

asTech Expands Remote OEM Solutions to Include Tesla

asTech’s diagnostic devices now offer authentic remote OEM scans on Tesla vehicles.

Kia EV Models Set All-Time October Sales Record

Kia’s EV6 sets an all-time October sales record.

Other Posts

Bar’s Leaks Tech Tips for Driving in a Winter Wonderland

Proper cooling system preparation helps prevent customers from getting stranded.

Toyota Adopts Tesla Charging Standard for Future EVs

Toyota will adopt the North American Charging Standard on its battery electric vehicles beginning in 2025.

ALI Celebrates 10 Years of ALI Lift Inspector Certifications

ALI Certified Lift Inspectors have inspected more than 1.3 million car lifts.

Milwaukee’s Next Gen M18 FUEL 1/2″ High Torque Impact Wrenches

The M18 FUEL ½” High Torque Impact Wrenches are fully compatible with the entire M18 line.