How to Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2018 Nissan Murano
Step-by-step all-4-corners suspension guide with tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
How to Replace Front Struts and Rear Shock Absorbers on a 2018 Nissan Murano
Step-by-step all-4-corners suspension guide with tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
🔧 Murano - Shock Absorbers/Struts Replacement (All 4 Corners)
On your Murano, the front suspension uses strut assemblies (shock + spring together), and the rear uses separate shock absorbers. Replacing all four means doing both front struts and rear shocks, then getting an alignment.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 4-8 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack—use jack stands on solid ground.
- ⚠️ Front struts contain a compressed spring; if you’re not using complete strut assemblies, a spring compressor is required and can be dangerous if misused.
- ⚠️ Wear safety glasses and mechanic gloves; rust and debris fall easily during suspension work.
- ⚠️ After replacing front struts, you should get a 4-wheel alignment to prevent tire wear and pulling.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Torque wrench (1/2", 20-200 ft-lbs range)
- Torque wrench (3/8", 10-80 ft-lbs range)
- Socket set (8mm-22mm, 1/2" drive)
- Socket set (8mm-19mm, 3/8" drive)
- Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flat trim tool
- Pry bar (18")
- Rubber mallet
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Spring compressor (specialty)
- Strut nut pass-through socket set (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front quick-strut assemblies (complete strut + spring) - Qty: 2 Best for beginners
- Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
- Front strut mount/bearing kit - Qty: 2 If not included with quick-struts
- Rear upper shock mounts - Qty: 2 If worn/cracked
- New self-locking nuts/bolts (strut/shock hardware kit) - Qty: 1 kit Recommended
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the wheels staying on the ground.
- Loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn with a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
- Spray major fasteners (strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nut, rear lower shock bolt) with penetrating oil and wait 10 minutes.
- If you’re not using quick-struts: understand a spring compressor compresses the coil spring so it can be safely removed from the strut.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Important before I give exact torque specs: I need one detail to keep this 100% trim-accurate.
- Are we talking about an AWD Murano or FWD Murano?
- Are you installing quick-strut assemblies up front, or just the bare struts (reusing springs)?
Reply with “AWD quick-struts” (or your combo) and I’ll post the full numbered procedure with the correct torque specs.
✅ After Repair
- Get a 4-wheel alignment after front struts are replaced.
- Listen for clunks over bumps; recheck lug nut torque after a short test drive.
- If you replaced rear mounts, confirm the trunk/interior panels are reinstalled securely and not rattling.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $1,200-$2,200 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $350-$1,200 (parts only)
You Save: $600-$1,500 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
