How to Replace Front Struts (and Rear Shocks) on a 2018 Nissan Sentra
Step-by-step suspension guide with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
How to Replace Front Struts (and Rear Shocks) on a 2018 Nissan Sentra
Step-by-step suspension guide with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment notes
🔧 Sentra - Strut Replacement
On your Sentra, the front suspension uses struts (a shock + spring assembly). The rear typically uses separate shocks (not struts), so the steps and parts differ front vs rear.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-5 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Support the car on jack stands on a level surface; never rely on a jack.
- ⚠️ If you disassemble a strut/spring, a spring compressor is required; spring force can cause serious injury.
- ⚠️ Keep the brake hose and ABS sensor wire from being stretched or twisted.
- ⚠️ An alignment is typically required after front strut replacement.
🔧 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
- Torque wrench (20–200 ft-lbs range)
- Breaker bar 1/2"
- Socket set (8mm–22mm, 1/2")
- Wrench set (8mm–22mm)
- Pry bar (24")
- Needle-nose pliers
- Trim clip removal tool
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Spring compressor (specialty)
- Pass-through strut nut socket set (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front strut assembly - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front strut mount/bearing kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front bump stop and dust boot kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - Replace in pairs - Qty: 1 set
- Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Rear upper/lower shock hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the rear wheels (for front work) or front wheels (for rear work).
- Loosen lug nuts slightly with a 21mm socket before lifting.
- Decide whether you’re installing complete “quick-strut” assemblies (pre-assembled) or transferring your spring (requires spring compressor).
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Quick check so I give you the correct procedure
- Are we replacing the front struts, the rear shocks, or all four?
- Are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies, or reusing your existing springs (spring compressor required)?
Step 2: Next step (after you reply)
- Once you answer the 2 questions above, I’ll lay out the exact Sentra-specific steps with the correct fastener locations and Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) values for your axle.
✅ After Repair
- Plan for a 4-wheel alignment after front strut replacement.
- Test drive slowly first, listening for clunks and verifying straight braking.
- Recheck lug nut torque with a torque wrench after 25–50 miles.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-5 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.
