🔧 Strut Assembly - Front Strut Replacement

Assumption: this covers the front struts on your Rogue. The front strut assembly supports the vehicle, controls suspension movement, and affects steering and tire wear. If one is worn, it’s best to replace both front sides in pairs so the ride stays even.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands; never work under a car held up by a jack alone.
• The coil spring is under heavy tension. Do not disassemble the strut without a proper spring compressor.
• Keep hands and face clear when removing the strut assembly.
• If the vehicle has any steering angle or stability warnings after the repair, a scan may be needed.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 17mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Allen/hex key set
• Pry bar
• Penetrating oil
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Paint marker
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount and bearing - Qty: 2
• Front strut upper nuts - Qty: 6
• Front stabilizer link nuts - Qty: 2
• Front brake hose bracket clips - Qty: 2
• Wheel alignment - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Break the front lug nuts loose before lifting the vehicle.
• Plan for a front-end alignment after the repair.
• Replace struts in pairs.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of the Rogue.
• Place jack stands under the proper support points.
• Remove both front wheels with a 19mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect attached brackets

• Use a 10mm socket or 12mm socket to remove the brake hose bracket fastener if equipped.
• Remove the ABS wire clip from the strut by hand or with a small pry tool.
• Use a 17mm socket to remove the sway bar end link nut from the strut if it is attached there.

Step 3: Separate the strut from the steering knuckle

• Spray the lower bolts with penetrating oil.
• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.
• Support the knuckle so the axle and brake hose are not strained.
• Mark bolt positions if needed.

Step 4: Remove the upper strut mounts

• Open the hood.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove the three upper strut mount nuts.
• Hold the strut from below while removing the last nut.
• Remove the strut assembly from the wheel well.

Step 5: Transfer the spring and mount

• If you are replacing the strut only, use a spring compressor to compress the coil spring evenly.
• Use a 17mm socket and Allen/hex key to remove the center strut shaft nut.
• Move the spring, insulator, and top mount to the new strut in the same order.
• Torque the strut shaft nut to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).
• Keep the spring ends seated correctly.

Step 6: Install the new strut assembly

• Position the strut in the wheel well.
• Start the three upper mount nuts by hand using a 14mm socket.
• Align the lower strut holes with the steering knuckle.
• Install the lower bolts and nuts with a 21mm socket.
• Torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to 177 Nm (131 ft-lbs).
• Torque the upper strut mount nuts to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reattach all components

• Reinstall the sway bar end link with a 17mm socket.
• Torque the sway bar end link nut to 65 Nm (48 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the brake hose bracket and ABS wire clip.
• Make sure the hose and wire are not twisted or stretched.

Step 8: Reinstall the wheels

• Install both front wheels.
• Snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the Rogue to the ground.
• Torque the lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and listen for rubbing or clicking.
• Check that the brake hose and ABS wire have full clearance.
• Test drive slowly first, then check for clunks or pulling.
• Schedule a front-wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$500 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$1,100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 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.