Has anyone replaced the front struts on the RL? I tried to find a write-up but was unable to locate one in this Forum.. I'm just trying to find out how difficult it is..

My RL has approx 76k miles and the front tires are chopped. My mechanic told me, I should replace the front struts since everything else looked good from a suspension and braking standpoint.

I replaced the rear shocks (not struts) since the drivers side was leaking oil. They were somewhat of a hassle as I had to remove the back seat, but overall it wasn't too bad..

I used to own a TSX and my wife has a 09 murano. I replaced the struts on both of those cars, so I have a general overview on how to do it. I'm just in the hunt to see if it's close to the general sense of replacing struts or is it more involved..

Thanks in advance, for all the feedback.

 

Perhaps you'd like you some o' this...

https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...cement-939746/

 

Thanks TonyCD.. Wonder why i wasn't able to find that write-up.. Doesn't seem to complex..

I'll provide an update when I swap the struts out..

 

Well I replaced the front struts and took it for a spin.. Man what a difference new struts made on the ride..

 

What brand struts did you use? I used KYB a little over a year ago and they are blown already. I am planning on going with OEM this time.

 

Oh man.. Don't tell me that.. I also used KYB's as I was told they are the best you'll find outside of OEM..

If i'm not mistaken if you buy the OEM you get the entire kit with the spring and all those components where it's just a swap..

 

KYB is the best and worst option outside of OEM. It's the ONLY option.

The OEM struts are just struts. However, the OEM ASpec kit comes as a coilover assembly. Interestingly enough, the price for 4 corners is the same.

 

I keep watching this thread, waiting for someone to chime in about how awesome their KYB shocks and struts have been, over a long term!


Anyone? Anyone?

 

Sorry, only had mine about 6 months, no issues to report.

 

We have a report of suspected failure within a year.

 

if your struts aren't leaking or making noise, no need for replacement. Your tires are chopped either from lack of alignment or cheap tires.

But replacement is pretty similar to other vehicles as long as the 14 on the fork is not frozen

 

I have used KYB Excel G for OEM style replacements on many cars and they seem to hold up about as well as the factory ones.

A few things though. If the factory boots are worn, the shock rod could get dirty and that will blow the seals quicker. Factory boots might need to be replaced instead of reused but they'll nickel and dime you on those parts and the suspension replacement adds up. So a lot of places don't do it.

They don't do well with any lowered application.

I also don't have any direct experience with them on the RL.

 

Must I seperate the upperarm when I replace front struts? I just want to replace the struts removing strut mounts bolts and lower long bolt and wishbone bolt.
is it impossible to work?