🔧 Altima - Shock/Strut Replacement

Your Altima uses front struts (shock + spring assembly) and rear shocks (separate from the spring). The steps and required tools change a lot depending on whether you’re doing the front, rear, or all four—and whether you’re swapping complete assemblies or transferring the spring.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours

I need 2 quick details before I give the exact step-by-step:

• ❓ Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or all four?
• ❓ For the front, are you installing complete “quick-strut” assemblies (pre-assembled), or reusing your springs (requires a coil spring compressor)?

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never remove the top strut nut with the spring loaded unless the spring is safely compressed.
• ⚠️ Support the car with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect any brake hose/ABS wire brackets, re-secure them exactly as factory to avoid rubbing or failure.

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🔧 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
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (10mm-22mm, 1/2")
• Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
• Pry bar (18")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat trim tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Rubber mallet
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/bearing kit - If reusing springs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop and dust boot kit - If not included - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock mount kit - If worn/noisy - Qty: 2
• Replacement self-locking nuts/bolts (strut/shock hardware) - As needed - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels (or front wheels if working on the rear).
• Loosen lug nuts with a breaker bar before lifting the car.
• Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and rear shock bolts 10–15 minutes before removal.
• Plan an alignment: any front strut replacement typically requires a professional wheel alignment afterward.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Pending your answers to the 2 questions above

• Once you tell me front/rear/all four and quick-strut vs spring transfer, I’ll give you the exact Nissan-correct procedure with the correct torque specs and the cleanest beginner-friendly workflow.

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✅ After Repair

• Double-check all fasteners are torqued, and that brake hose/ABS wire brackets are secured.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for clunks over bumps.
• Get an alignment after front struts to prevent tire wear and pulling.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $520-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 hours.

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🎯 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.