SUV operation Nissan Terrano under the conditions of our roads inevitably leads to accelerated wear of the chassis. The rear suspension, which operates under constant tension when transporting loads or overcoming uneven surfaces, is the first to signal a malfunction. If you notice unusual noises, poor handling, or uneven tire wear, the problem most likely lies in shock absorber struts.
Ignoring symptoms can lead to critical consequences for traffic safety. A faulty strut does not dampen body vibrations, causing the wheels to lose contact with the road on bumps. This not only reduces comfort, but also dramatically increases braking distance, making driving crossover dangerous for you and others.
Symptoms of malfunction and diagnostics of the rear suspension
The first and most obvious signal is the characteristic knocking or squeaking sound that occurs when driving over uneven surfaces. The sound usually comes from the rear of the car and becomes louder during hard braking or cornering. However, you should not rely only on hearing, since knocking can also come from other suspension elements, for example, from silent blocks or stabilizer bushings.
A visual inspection of the suspension will often reveal more serious problems. Inspect the shock absorbers for oil leaks. If the strut housing is wet or there are visible oil marks on it, this means that the oil seal has failed and the gas-oil mixture has left the system. Also pay attention to the condition of the anthers and bump stops.
Uneven rear tire wear is another telltale sign. If you notice that the rubber wears off in “waves” or at the edges faster than in the center, it means that the wheel is constantly bouncing and does not adhere to the asphalt. In such cases, replacing the racks becomes a mandatory procedure.
Selection of spare parts: original or analogue
The spare parts market offers many options, from expensive original products to budget analogues. For Nissan Terrano (Dacia Duster replica) it is often recommended to use original shock absorbers, which ensure balanced suspension operation. However, their cost can be high for most car owners.
High-quality analogues from well-known brands often surpass the original in terms of service life and characteristics. For example, Kayaba (or KYB) Excel-G series are great for everyday use, while the Gas-a-Just series is suitable for more aggressive riding. It is also worth paying attention to Sachs, Monroe and Blue Print.
- 🛠️ Original stands: maximum compatibility, but high price and risk of fakes.
- 🛠️ Branded analogues: optimal price-quality ratio, wide selection of characteristics.
- 🛠️ Cheap Chinese analogues: low resource, risk of breakdown on the road, not recommended for SUVs.
When choosing, do not forget to check the availability of the necessary fasteners. The kit often does not include upper supports or mounting bolts, which will have to be purchased separately. Make sure that the racks you choose are suitable for your modification, as Nissan Terrano may have a different curb weight depending on the configuration.
- Original Nissan
- KYB (Kayaba)
- Sachs
- Monroe
- Other
Preparatory work and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workplace and tools. The car must be parked on a flat surface, preferably on a viewing hole or lift. If you're working on level ground, be sure to use secure jack stands and don't rely solely on a jack.
You will need a standard set of wrenches and sockets. The main keys will be 17, 19 and 22 millimeter. You will also need a special spring puller if you plan to change the entire strut, or a strut disassembly kit if you are only changing the cartridge. Don't forget about WD-40 to treat soured bolts.
- 🔧 Jack and wheel chocks for safety.
- 🔧 Set of sockets and ratchet with extensions.
- 🔧 Spring remover (if you are only changing the cartridge).
- 🔧 Mount for pressing out suspension elements.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The replacement process begins with removing the wheel. Loosen the wheel bolts, jack up the car and place it on a stand. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the wheel to gain access to the rear arch and suspension components.
Next, you need to unscrew the bolt securing the shock absorber to the lever. This bolt tends to stick, so use penetrating lubricant and a lever socket. If the bolt turns, hold the other end with a wrench. After removing the bolt, carefully lower the bottom of the rack.
Now move to the top of the shock absorber. Open the trunk and remove the plastic wheel arch trim. You will see a nut securing the strut rod to the body. While holding the rod from turning with a special wrench or hexagon, unscrew the nut.
- 🔩 Unscrew the lower bolt securing the strut to the lever.
- 🔩 Remove the trim in the trunk to access the upper mounts.
- 🔩 Unscrew the rod nut, holding the rod from rotating.
- 🔩 Remove the old stand from the suspension.
☑️ Preparation for replacing racks
Compatibility and size chart
To select the correct spare parts, it is important to know the exact parameters of your machine. Below is a table with the main sizes and article numbers for common modifications Nissan Terrano.
| Model | Suspension type | Rack type | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Terrano (2014+) | Multi-link | Gas-oil | Kayaba Excel-G |
| Nissan Terrano (2014+) | Multi-link | Oil (comfort) | Sachs Super Touring |
| Nissan Terrano (2014+) | Multi-link | Gas (sport) | Kayaba Gas-a-Just |
| Nissan Terrano (2014+) | Multi-link | Original | Nissan Genuine Parts |
Features of replacing struts on all-wheel drive versions
On all-wheel drive versions the process is practically no different, but it is worth considering the greater weight of the car. It is recommended to replace the struts in pairs to avoid misalignment of the suspension and uneven tire wear.
Suspension installation and adjustment
Installing new racks is done in the reverse order. Before installation, check the condition of the spring and silent blocks. If the spring is cracked or severely corroded, it should also be replaced. Never use an old spring with a new strut if it has obvious defects.
When tightening the strut-to-arm bolts, it is important to follow the correct sequence. The bottom bolt is only tightened when the car is on its wheels and the suspension is under load. If you tighten it by weight, the silent block will work in a tense state and will quickly collapse.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use lubricant on the threads of the strut mounting bolts unless specified by the manufacturer's instructions. This may cause the fastener to become loose due to changes in the coefficient of friction during tightening.
After installing all the elements, be sure to check the wheel alignment angle. Replacing struts can affect your alignment, especially if the arms or linkage bolts have been affected. Wheel alignment must be done on a special stand to prevent uneven tire wear.
Before tightening the lower strut bolt, have an assistant slightly rock the car up and down so that the silent blocks take their natural position in the suspension.
Tighten the lower strut mounting bolts only under load (when the car is on wheels) to extend the life of the control arm silent blocks.
Common mistakes when replacing
One of the most common mistakes is replacing only one stand. This causes one side of the suspension to be stiffer than the other, which reduces handling and can cause the vehicle to skid over bumps. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs.
Another mistake is incorrectly tightening the stem nut. If you overtighten the nut, you can strip the threads or damage the upper support bearing. If you don't tighten it enough, the stand will start knocking. Use a torque wrench for precise tightening.
- ❌ Replacing one stand instead of a pair.
- ❌ Tightening the lower bolt on the weight of the car.
- ❌ Ignoring the condition of springs and supports.
- ❌ Using old mounting bolts.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove a spring without a special spring remover. This could result in injury from the high pressure spring flying out.
Results and recommendations
Replacing rear struts with Nissan Terrano - This is a job that requires accuracy and knowledge of technical nuances. Properly selected spare parts and compliance with installation technology will return the car to its former stability and comfort. Do not skimp on the quality of parts, as your safety depends on them.
Regularly checking the condition of your suspension will help you avoid costly repairs in the future. If you notice any unusual sounds or changes in the behavior of the car, immediately contact a specialist or carry out diagnostics yourself. Timely replacement of struts extends the life of other suspension elements by 30-40%.
Remember that a high-quality suspension is not only comfort, but also safety. A properly tuned suspension ensures reliable wheel grip in all conditions. Don't put off repairs until the last moment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to drive with one faulty strut?
Strongly not recommended. Driving with one bad strut will upset the balance of the suspension, which can lead to loss of control at high speeds or during emergency braking. This also causes accelerated wear of rubber and other suspension elements.
Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacing the struts?
In most cases, yes. Although replacing the shock absorber itself does not always change the wheel alignment angles, the process of dismantling and installation can change the settings. It's a good idea to have your wheel alignment checked, especially if you notice uneven tire wear.
How long does it take to replace rear struts?
For an experienced craftsman, replacing the rear pair of struts takes about 1-1.5 hours. If you are doing this yourself for the first time, allow 2-3 hours, as you will have to deal with soured bolts and master the nuances of fastening.
What racks are best for off-road use?
For frequent off-road driving, it is recommended to choose reinforced gas shock absorbers or special off-road kits. They have more travel and a stiffer setting, which allows for better shock absorption on large bumps.