Replacing rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Teana: instructions with photos and videos

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Teana (especially in the back J32 or L33) is one of the key elements of the suspension, responsible for the comfort and safety of control. Over time, they wear out: knocking noises appear, handling deteriorates, and the car begins to “sag” on bumps. If you notice that the car’s road holding has become worse or that the body sways for a long time after driving over uneven surfaces, it’s time to think about replacing it.

In this article we will look in detail at how to change the rear shock absorbers to Teana with your own hands, without resorting to the services of a service station. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly remove old racks, what nuances to consider when installing new ones, and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also tell you which shock absorbers are best to choose for different operating conditions, from budget analogues to premium originals.

Signs of faulty rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Teana

The first signal that the rear shock absorbers require replacement is a change in the behavior of the car. On Nissan Teana Drivers with worn struts most often complain about:

• 🔊 Knocks and squeaks in the rear of the body when driving over bumps (even small ones). Most often the sound comes from the wheel arch area.
• 🌊 "Puncture" of the suspension on bumps - the car literally “knocks through” all the way, and dull blows are heard.
• 🚗 Deterioration in handling: The car begins to “float” on the road, especially at high speeds or during sudden maneuvers.
• 💧 Oil leaks on the shock absorber body - a sign of depressurization and loss of performance.
• 📉 Uneven rear tire wear, especially along the inner or outer edge.

On Teana J32 (2008–2013) and L33 (2013–2019) the rear suspension design is similar, but there are nuances. For example, on models with a system 4WD Shock absorbers may wear out faster due to increased load. It is also worth paying attention to springs — if they sag, it is advisable to replace them along with the racks.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the shock absorbers the car becomes stiffer than before, this is not always a defect. New struts (especially gas-oil struts) “break in” during the first 500–1000 km and may seem overly rigid. But if the discomfort does not go away, check the correct installation or the quality of the spare parts.

Which rear shock absorbers to choose for Nissan Teana

The choice of shock absorbers depends on your budget, driving style and operating conditions. For Nissan Teana Both original spare parts and analogues from trusted brands are suitable. Let's look at the main options:

Type/Brand	Article (example)	Average price (per 1 piece)	Features
Original (Nissan)	54500-4M000 (J32), 54500-4M010 (L33)	8 000–12 000 ₽	Optimal combination of comfort and controllability, long service life (100–150 thousand km).
Kayaba (KYB)	344388 (Excel-G), 349083 (Ultra SR)	5 500–7 500 ₽	Excel-G - softer than the original, Ultra SR - stiffer, for sporty driving.
Monroe	G4502	4 800–6 200 ₽	A budget option with a good resource, but slightly less comfortable than KYB.
Boge	24-0545	6 000–8 000 ₽	A good alternative to the original, suitable for difficult conditions (loaded car, bad roads).
Sachs	315 503	7 000–9 000 ₽	Premium segment, high resource, but more expensive than analogues.

For most owners Teana the optimal choice would be KYB Excel-G - they are close in characteristics to the original, but are 30–40% cheaper. If you prefer a stiffer suspension (for example, for dynamic driving), pay attention to KYB Ultra SR or Boge Pro-Gas.

When purchasing, be sure to check compatibility VIN code or check with the seller whether the part is suitable for your modification (J32 or L33, front/all-wheel drive). Also note completeness: Some shock absorbers are sold with boots and bump stops, others are not (you will have to buy them separately).

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the rear shock absorbers with Nissan Teana yourself, you will need:

• 🔧 Jack And safety stops (or lift).
• 🔩 Head set (10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm) and extension cord.
• 🔧 Socket wrench by 21 mm (for the rod nut).
• 🔨 Hammer And punch (for knocking out bolts).
• 🔧 Spring puller (if you plan to replace springs or bushings).
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40 or Liqui Moly).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (to tighten to the correct torque).
• 🛠️ New shock absorbers, anthers, bump stops (if necessary).

If you don't have a spring puller, you can do without it, but it will require some care. The main thing is do not remove the shock absorber rod nut until the strut is removed from the vehicle! The spring is under high voltage and can cause injury.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Teana L33 (2013–2019) rear suspension uses bolts with disposable nuts (have plastic inserts). They must be replaced with new ones during assembly - repeated use is fraught with spontaneous unscrewing!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear shock absorbers

Replacement process Teana J32 And L33 similar, but there are slight differences in the fastenings. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

1. Preparing the car

Place the car on a level surface, tighten the handbrake and place stands under the front wheels. Raise the rear end with a jack (or a lift) and remove the wheel. Be sure to insure your car — working under a car that is supported only by a jack is deadly!

2. Removing the old shock absorber

Unscrew the two bolts securing the shock absorber to fist (lower part) and the rod nut in the upper support (under the hood, in the trunk). On Teana J32 bolts are usually 14 and 17 mm, on L33 - at 12 and 19 mm. If the bolts are stuck, use penetrating lubricant and a drift.

After unscrewing the bolts, carefully remove the shock absorber along with the spring. On models with the system 4WD Additional unscrewing of the anti-roll bar may be required.

3. Disassembly and replacement of the rack

If you are replacing just the shock absorber (without the spring), use a puller to compress the spring and remove the rod nut. On Teana the tightening torque of this nut is 40–50 Nm. Install a new shock absorber, transfer all the rubber elements (boot, bump stop, bushings) from the old one to it.

Boot and bumper for cracks

Condition of the upper support bushings

Integrity of threads on rod and nut

Availability of lubricant in the upper support (add if necessary)

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4. Installation and assembly

Place the stand in place, lining up the holes. Tighten the bolts in the following order:

1. Lower attachment to the knuckle (moment 80–100 Nm).
2. Upper rod nut (torque 40–50 Nm).
3. Upper support mounting bolts (torque 20–25 Nm).

After assembly, check the suspension travel by rocking the car manually. There should be no extraneous sounds or backlash.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to squeaks, knocks or rapid failure of new shock absorbers. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening torque. Tightening too weak leads to backlash, too strong - to thread breakage. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🔄 Mixed up parts. For example, installing a bump stop from an old shock absorber onto a new one (it could be deformed). All rubber elements must be new.
• 🚗 Ignoring wheel alignment. After replacing the rear struts necessarily Check and adjust the camber, even if the wheels appear to be straight.
• 💧 Lack of lubrication in the upper support. This leads to squeaks when turning the steering wheel.
• 🔩 Reusing disposable nuts (relevant for L33). They deform when tightened and do not provide reliable fastening.

Another common problem is uneven suspension loading when tightening bolts. For example, if the car is not lowered onto the wheels before final tightening, the spring may become deformed, causing the body to skew.

What should you do if, after replacing the shock absorbers, the car becomes worse to handle?

If after installing new struts the car pulls to the side or becomes less stable, check:

1. Correct installation (are the right/left shock absorbers mixed up).

2. Condition of silent blocks and bushings - their wear can be disguised as problems with shock absorbers.

3. Tire pressure (must be the same on all wheels).

4. Body geometry - may need to be checked on a bench.

If the problem persists, try “breaking in” the new shock absorbers (drive 200–300 km on different roads).

Should I change the shock absorbers myself or go to a service station?

Replacing rear shock absorbers with Nissan Teana - a task of medium complexity. If you have experience in suspension repairs, the necessary tools and an assistant (for insurance), you can do it in 3-4 hours. However, there are cases when it is better to turn to professionals:

• 🔧 You don't have spring puller or torque wrench.
• 🚗 The car is equipped adaptive suspension (For example, Nissan Teana Premium), requiring error reset after replacement.
• 🔩 The bolts are so stuck that they cannot be unscrewed without the risk of breaking the thread.
• 🛠️ You are planning to replace not only shock absorbers, but also silent blocks, bushings or springs - this complicates the process.

The average cost of replacing rear shock absorbers at a service station is from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles (per pair). If you add the price of spare parts, the total costs will be 15,000–25,000 rubles. Do-it-yourself repairs will be cheaper, but require care.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with faulty rear shock absorbers?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Worn shock absorbers worsen the grip of the wheels on the road, increase the braking distance and the risk of skidding. In addition, other suspension elements (springs, silent blocks, wheel bearings) suffer, which leads to more expensive repairs.

How often do you need to change the rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Teana?

Service life depends on operating conditions. On average:

• The original shock absorbers serve 100–150 thousand km.
• High-quality analogues (KYB, Boge) — 80–120 thousand km.
• Budget options (Monroe, Delphi) — 50–80 thousand km.

When driving on bad roads or with constant overload, the service life is reduced by 30–40%.

Do the springs and shock absorbers need to be replaced?

Not required, but recommended if:

• Springs sank (visually you can see that the car “sags” from behind).
• On the turns there is cracks or corrosion.
• Do you want change ground clearance (for example, install stiffer springs).

On Teana Springs last longer than shock absorbers, but their condition should be checked when replacing struts.

Which is better: gas-oil or oil shock absorbers?

The choice depends on priorities:

• Oily (KYB Excel-G) - softer, more comfortable on uneven surfaces, but can overheat during aggressive driving.
• Gas-oil (KYB Ultra SR, Boge Pro-Gas) - stiffer, hold the road better, but are less comfortable on small bumps.

For most owners Teana Oil shock absorbers are optimal - they provide a balance between comfort and controllability.

Is it possible to replace only one shock absorber if the second one is still normal?

Not recommended. Even if the second shock absorber looks good, it is already worn out and has different characteristics (stiffness, stroke). Replacing only one rack will result in uneven suspension behavior, the car pulls to the side and accelerated wear of the new shock absorber. Always change in pairs!