Nissan - DIYCarExpert

Replacing rear shocks on a Nissan starts with acquiring essential tools like a jack, jack stands, a wrench set, a torque wrench, and penetrating oil. Ensure vehicle safety by parking on a flat surface with the handbrake engaged and use wheel chocks. Lift the car with a hydraulic jack and properly position jack stands. Remove the rear wheels using a lug wrench. Disconnect old shocks by loosening their mounting bolts. Verify that new shocks match your Nissan model. Install the shocks by aligning and tightening bolts to specifications using a torque wrench. Finally, reattach wheels ensuring lug nuts are evenly tightened, offering insights on improvements upon completion.Gather Necessary ToolsTo replace the rear shocks on a Nissan, you need the right tools for a smooth job. First, know the shock types like twin-tube and monotube. Each type needs different handling. Monotube shocks need careful handling, while twin-tube may need extra support when installing.Here's a list of tools you'll need:Jack and Jack Stands: Lift the car safely.Wrench Set and Ratchet: Use the right socket size to remove bolts.Penetrating Oil: Helps loosen tight bolts.Torque Wrench: Tighten bolts to the right level as per the manual.Mallet: Useful for gently adjusting the shocks into place.Having these tools makes installing rear shocks easier and helps keep them working well.Ensure Vehicle SafetyBefore you start changing the rear shocks on your Nissan, make sure the car is safe and secure. Shock absorbers help keep your car stable, so if they are worn out, your car might not handle or brake well. This can increase the chance of accidents.Park and Secure the Car: Find a flat spot to park. Put the parking brake on so the car doesn't move while you're working. Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires for extra safety.Check the Shocks: Look at the shock absorbers. See if there are leaks or any damage. The rear shocks are part of the suspension system, which affects how your car handles the road.Lift the Car Safely: Use a hydraulic jack to lift the back of the car. Support it with jack stands. Make sure these tools can hold the weight of your Nissan model.This setup will keep the car stable and create a safer workspace.These steps will help you work safely and keep your car running smoothly after you replace the shocks.Remove Rear WheelsTo take off the rear wheels, first make sure the car is safely lifted and held up by jack stands.Check that the stands are under the right spots on your Nissan. This keeps the car stable.Next, use a lug wrench to start loosening the lug nuts on the back wheels.Do this a bit while the wheels are still touching the ground. This keeps them from spinning.Then, take off the lug nuts all the way and remove the wheels.Put the wheels somewhere safe.Taking off the rear wheels lets you see the shocks and other suspension parts.This helps you check if everything looks good.Removing the wheels also makes it easier to change the rear shocks.Disconnect Old ShocksTo remove the old shocks from your Nissan, start by lifting the car safely and taking off the rear wheels. This will give you access to the shocks.Different Nissan models might have different types of shocks like twin-tube or monotube, so it's good to know which one you're dealing with.Next, find the bolts that hold the shock to the suspension. Use a wrench or a socket set to carefully take out these bolts. Be gentle so you don't damage anything around it.Once the bolts are out, slide the shock out of its bracket. This step is key to keeping your suspension system in good shape for future use.Here's a quick guide:Lift the car and remove rear wheels.Identify the type of shock absorber.Locate and remove bolts with a wrench or socket set.Slide the shock out of its bracket carefully.This makes it easier to put in the new shocks.Prepare New ShocksBefore you put new shocks on a Nissan, check that they're the right fit for your car's make and model. You can do this by looking at the specs from the manufacturer or checking your car's manual.There are different types of shock absorbers like twin-tube and monotube. Twin-tube shocks are cheaper and give a smoother ride, while monotube shocks are better for high-performance driving.Look over the new shocks for any obvious problems or damage before you start. Make sure to have tools like a socket set, a torque wrench, and any specific parts needed for the shocks you're using.Here are some tips for putting them on: Lubricate any spots where they'll be mounted and make sure all bolts fit right. This will make the process easier.Properly align the shocks to prevent them from wearing out too soon. Following these steps can help improve how your car drives and feels on the road.Install New ShocksWhen putting new shocks on your Nissan, follow these simple steps.First, find the right type of shocks for your car. You can choose from gas-charged, hydraulic, or coilover shocks. Each type has its own benefits. Gas-charged shocks make the ride more responsive, while hydraulic ones offer a smoother ride.Next, get all the mounting parts you need. This usually includes bolts, bushings, and washers. Check that everything is in good shape.Place the new shock in the right spot on the car's frame. Make sure it lines up with the holes.Start by inserting the top bolt and tighten it by hand to keep it in place. Then, put in the lower bolt.Once both bolts are in, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the right level. This way, you won't damage the parts by tightening them too much.Make sure the shocks are in the right position. They should fit well without any extra stress on the mounts.Doing this correctly will help your car stay stable and make the shocks last longer.Reattach Rear WheelsPut the rear wheels back on your Nissan after changing the shocks. Make sure the shocks you used fit your car's suspension. This helps it work well and stay safe.Line up the wheel with the hub carefully without touching the new shocks. Tighten the lug nuts using a torque wrench in a crisscross pattern. This spreads pressure evenly, so the brake rotor and suspension stay in good shape.Check your car's manual for the right torque settings, usually around 80-100 ft-lbs for Nissan models. The type of shocks, like monotube or twin-tube, affects how the suspension works but not how you attach the wheels.Lower the car slowly when the wheels are on, and look for any misalignment or strange resistance. Proper wheel attachment keeps the suspension balanced and makes sure the new shocks work as they should for a smooth ride.Test the Ride QualityAfter securing the rear wheels, check how well the ride feels.Take a short drive on roads you know with different surfaces. This helps you see if the new shocks work well. Notice how the car handles bumps and uneven roads. These show if the new shocks are doing their job right.The ride should feel smoother, with less bumpiness than before. The car should stay steady, especially when turning or stopping quickly. If it still feels bumpy or bounces too much, something might be wrong with the installation or parts.Check how the car responds when you steer. Good shocks make handling easier and the ride smoother.Make sure it performs well at different speeds and road types for safety and comfort. If things don't seem right, go over the installation again. This way, you ensure the new rear shocks on your Nissan work properly.People Also AskHow Often Should Nissan Rear Shocks Be Replaced?Nissan rear shocks usually last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. To keep them working well, check for leaks and watch for uneven tire wear. Doing this helps them last longer and keeps your car safe and running smoothly.What Signs Indicate Rear Shock Failure in a Nissan?If your Nissan's rear shocks are failing, look for signs like tires wearing out unevenly, too much bouncing when driving, and the car not handling well. Spotting these problems early helps keep your car safe and makes the suspension last longer.Can Rear Shocks Be Replaced at Home Without Professional Help?Yes, you can change rear shocks at home if you have some basic tools and know a little about fixing cars. Just be careful when handling the shock absorber to make sure everything is safe and works well.How Does Replacing Rear Shocks Affect Vehicle Alignment?Changing the rear shocks of a car doesn't really change how the wheels are lined up, which is called alignment. Instead, new shocks help the car ride smoother and keep the tires touching the road better.What Is the Average Cost of Replacing Nissan Rear Shocks?Changing the rear shocks on a Nissan usually costs between $200 and $500. This price depends on the type of shock absorbers you choose. Some are more expensive because they work better, while others are cheaper but still work pretty well.