Replacing rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Terrano: instructions with photos and advice from experts

Rear shock absorbers Nissan Terrano (especially models R51 And R52) is one of those components that require attention after 80–100 thousand kilometers. The wear of these parts is manifested not only by a deterioration in comfort, but also by a dangerous change in the behavior of the car on the road: an increase in braking distance, body sway on uneven surfaces, and even the risk of loss of control during sudden maneuvers. Car repair shops charge from 6 to 12 thousand rubles for replacing rear struts (depending on the region), but if you have tools and minimal skills, you can do the job yourself - saving up to 70% of the cost.

In this article we will analyze the entire process from A to Z: how to diagnose a malfunction, which shock absorbers to choose (original vs analogues), what tools will be needed, and step by step We'll show you how to dismantle old racks and install new ones. We will pay special attention typical mistakes when replacing a Terrano with an ESP system, which can lead to malfunctions of electronic systems. If you have never repaired a suspension, don’t worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, with photos of each stage and an explanation of “why this and not otherwise.”

Signs of faulty rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Terrano

The first signal that the rear struts have exhausted their service life is change in car behavior on the road. On Terrano with worn shock absorbers the following are most often observed:

• 🚗 Body rocking after passing speed bumps or potholes (the car “nods” bow and stern for a long time).
• 🛑 Increased braking distance by 10–20% due to rear sagging during braking.
• 💨 Uneven rear tire wear (especially along the inner edge).
• 🌊 Watery reaction to the steering wheel when turning at speed (you feel like the car is “floating”).
• 🔊 Knocks or squeaks from the rear suspension when driving over uneven surfaces.

On Terrano with the system ESP worn shock absorbers can cause false alarms of the traction control system - for example, during a sharp start or braking on dry asphalt. This is due to the fact that wheel sensors detect an unstable body position and interpret it as a loss of traction.

You can check the condition of the shock absorbers visually:

1. Open the trunk and push the rear bumper down, then release. If the machine makes more than 1-2 oscillations, the struts are worn out.
2. Look at the shock absorber boots: if they are torn or covered with oil stains, this is a sign of fluid leakage from the strut.
3. Bend the car onto a lift or inspection hole and inspect the shock absorber rod - rust or scratches indicate the need for replacement.

Which rear shock absorbers to choose for Nissan Terrano

On Nissan Terrano R51/R52 (2014–2022) two types of shock absorbers were installed: oil (softer, but less durable) and gas-oil (tougher, but can withstand greater loads). Original spare parts from Nissan have articles:

Shock absorber type	Article (left/right)	Average price, rub.	Notes
Oil (original)	56210-4M000 / 56210-4M001	7 500–9 000	Soft, suitable for city driving
Gas-oil (original)	56210-4M010 / 56210-4M011	9 500–11 000	Stiffer, recommended for off-road use
Set of boots and bumpers	56225-4M000	1 200–1 500	Be sure to change along with the racks

If original shock absorbers seem too expensive, you can consider analogues from trusted brands:

• 🔧 KYB (344389 / 344390) - gas-oil, tougher than the original, but more durable. Price: 5,500–6,500 rub. per piece.
• 🔧 Monroe (G4697 / G4698) - oily, soft, suitable for a comfortable ride. Price: 4,800–5,500 rub.
• 🔧 Sachs (315 384 / 315 385) - gas-oil, medium hardness. Price: 6,000–7,000 rub.
• 🔧 Boge (22-055935 / 22-055936) - premium segment, close to the original. Price: 8,000–9,000 rub.

Important: on Terrano with the system ESP It is not recommended to install shock absorbers with a stiffness that is very different from the original ones. This may lead to Incorrect operation of directional stability sensors and frequent system activations.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the rear shock absorbers yourself Nissan Terrano you will need:

Jack and supports (or lift)

17, 19 and 21 mm wrenches (better than ratchet heads)

14 mm socket wrench for attaching the strut to the knuckle

Spring puller (required!)

Hammer and pry bar

WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant

Torque wrench (optional but recommended)

New shock absorbers, boots and bump stops

Rubber mounting bushings (if worn)

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Pay special attention spring puller This is not a tool you should skimp on. Cheap Chinese pullers often break under load, which can lead to injuries (a pressurized spring can cause serious damage). The best option is a puller with a screw mechanism and reliable paws, for example, from Hazet or KUKKO.

If you are working in an inspection pit, secure the machine hand brake and place chocks under the front wheels. When using a jack necessarily install safety supports - Terrano weighs more than 1.5 tons, and falling the car from a jack is fraught with serious consequences.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting work disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent a short circuit if the wiring is accidentally touched and will clear ESP errors that may occur when removing the racks.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear shock absorbers

The replacement process is the same for both sides, so let's consider it using the example of the left shock absorber. Let's start with preparation:

1. Remove the rear wheel and clean the shock absorber mounts from dirt. Treat threaded connections WD-40 and let the lubricant sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Unscrew the lower rack mounting to the rear lever. To do this you will need a key 19 mm (head + ratchet). The bolt may stick - if it does not budge, gently tap it with a hammer through a drift.
3. Unscrew the top nuts securing the strut to the body (key on 14 mm). This is where the ratchet extension comes in handy as access is limited.

Now the most crucial moment - dismantling the strut along with the spring:

4. After all the fasteners are unscrewed, carefully remove the rack from its seat. Be prepared for the spring to be under tension!
5. Install the rack in spring puller and compress the spring until you can access the top nut of the shock absorber rod. Use the key on 17 mm to hold the rod and on 21 mm - to unscrew the nut.
6. Disassemble the strut: remove the spring, boot, bump stop and support bearing (if any). Inspect all parts for wear - Anthers and bumpers must be changed, even if they look normal.

Assembling the new rack occurs in the reverse order:

7. Install the boot, bump stop and spring on the new shock absorber (use the marks - usually the upper coil of the spring has a distinctive color).
8. Tighten the top nut of the rod, holding it with a wrench 17 mm. Don't overtighten — the tightening torque must be within 40–50 Nm.
9. Install the strut into place, aligning the lower mount with the arm and the upper studs with the holes in the body. Tighten all bolts with a torque wrench (torque for bottom mounting - 80–100 Nm, for the top - 20–25 Nm).

After replacing both shock absorbers necessarily:

• 🔧 Pump up the new struts (press the bumper down sharply 5-6 times).
• 🔧 Swipe wheel alignment (even if you don't touch the arms, the springs may move).
• 🔧 Reset errors ESP via a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327 + program Torque).

What should I do if a knocking noise appears after replacing the strut?

A knocking sound after replacing shock absorbers on a Terrano is most often associated with:

1. **Incorrect tightening of fasteners** - check the torques (especially the upper rod nut).

2. **Wear of the lever bushings** - it is also recommended to change them when replacing the struts.

3. **Damaged support bearing** (if your model has one).

4. **Poor-quality shock absorbers** - cheap analogues can knock even new ones.

If the knocking noise persists, inspect the stabilizer bar mounting - its bushings could also be worn out.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear shock absorbers with Nissan Terrano. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

⚠️ Attention: If you install gas-oil shock absorbers instead of oil ones (or vice versa), necessarily bleed them before installation. To do this, turn the rack with the rod down and smoothly compress/uncompress it several times. This will remove air from the working chamber and prevent knocking in the first days of operation.

Error 1: Failure to comply with the tightening torque. Overtightened bolts can burst, and undertightened bolts can become loose. Use a torque wrench and follow the values:

• 🔩 Upper body nuts: 20–25 Nm.
• 🔩 Lower mounting bolt to the lever: 80–100 Nm.
• 🔩 Shock absorber rod nut: 40–50 Nm.

Mistake 2: Ignoring anthers and bump stops. Many people save on these parts by installing new struts with old boots. However, a torn boot will lead to dirt getting on the rod and premature failure of the shock absorber (after 20–30 thousand km).

Error 3: Incorrect spring installation. On Terrano the springs have an asymmetrical coiling - if you confuse the top and bottom, this will lead to:

• 🚗 Deterioration in controllability (the car will “steer” to the side).
• 🚗 Rapid wear of silent blocks of levers.
• 🚗 Knocks when driving over uneven surfaces.

Error 4: Forgetting to reset ESP errors. After replacing the struts, the electronic stability control system may display an error C1130 (rotation angle sensor malfunction). To fix it:

1. Connect a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch CReader).
2. Go to section ESP/ABS.
3. Reset adaptations (function Calibration or Reset).
4. Drive 5-10 km at speeds above 40 km/h to automatically recalibrate the sensors.

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

Prices for replacing rear shock absorbers Nissan Terrano services vary depending on the region and service station level:

Service type	Cost of work (for 2 racks), rub.	Lead time	Pros	Cons
Official dealer Nissan	10 000–14 000	2–3 hours	1 year warranty, original spare parts	Expensive, long wait for an appointment
Unofficial service (specialized)	6 000–9 000	1.5–2 hours	Quickly, you can choose analogues	Quality depends on the craftsman
Garage service ("private owner")	4 000–6 000	2–4 hours	Low price	No guarantee, risk of poor quality work
Self-replacement	0 (spare parts only)	3–5 hours	Savings up to 12,000 rubles.	Need tools and skills

If you decide to change the racks yourself, your costs will be limited only by the cost of spare parts:

• 💰 Two original shock absorbers: 15,000–22,000 rub.
• 💰 Analogues (KYB or Sachs): 11,000–16,000 rub.
• 💰 Anthers + bump stops: 2,500–3,000 rub.
• 💰 Bushings and fasteners (if necessary): 1,000–1,500 rub.

In total, independent replacement will cost RUB 18,500–26,000 against 28,000–40,000 rub. in service (including work). Savings - up to 40–50%.

When to change shock absorbers: regulations and recommendations

Manufacturer Nissan does not indicate a clear procedure for replacing shock absorbers - their condition is checked during scheduled maintenance (every 15 thousand km). However, in practice, the service life of the racks depends on the operating conditions:

• 🌆 City riding: 100–120 thousand km (oil struts) or 150–180 thousand km (gas-oil struts).
• 🏔️ Off-road/dirt: 60–80 thousand km (due to increased loads).
• 🚛 Driving with a trailer: 50–70 thousand km (accelerated wear due to overload).

It is recommended to check the condition of shock absorbers:

• 🔧 After every strong impact (for example, falling into a hole at speed).
• 🔧 When replacing other suspension elements (levers, silent blocks, springs).
• 🔧 When any symptoms of wear appear (knocking, rocking, moving to the side).

If you buy Terrano with mileage, be sure to check the shock absorbers - the previous owner could save on replacing them. Please note:

• 🔍 Rack release date (on original shock absorbers it is indicated on the body).
• 🔍 Traces of oil on rods or anthers.
• 🔍 Compression Uniformity when you press the bumper (if one side sags faster, the strut is faulty).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear shock absorbers

Can rear shock absorbers be replaced one at a time, or just in pairs?

It is recommended to change the racks a couple, even if one of them is still in good condition. This is due to the fact that new and old shock absorbers have different stiffness, which leads to:

• 🚗 Uneven tire wear.
• 🚗 I pull the car to the side when braking.
• 🚗 Deterioration of work ESP (the system may perceive the difference in hardness as a malfunction).

An exception is if one rack fails ahead of time (for example, due to mechanical damage), and the second is still in perfect condition.

Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing shock absorbers?

On Nissan Terrano replacing rear struts no effect on the wheel alignment angles (as opposed to the front suspension). However It is recommended to do a wheel alignment, if:

• 🔧 You changed not only shock absorbers, but also levers or silent blocks.
• 🔧 After replacement, the car “steers” to the side.
• 🔧 You have noticed uneven tire wear.

The cost of checking the wheel alignment on the rear axle is approx. 800–1,500 rub.

What happens if you drive with faulty rear shock absorbers?

Ignoring the problem leads to:

• ⚠️ Increased braking distance by 15–25% (the rear part sags, the front wheels are unloaded).
• ⚠️ Rapid wear of other suspension elements (silent blocks, ball, wheel bearings).
• ⚠️ Risk of hydroplaning - worn struts press the wheel to the road worse on wet asphalt.
• ⚠️ Malfunctions of ESP and ABS — sensors may trigger falsely due to unstable body position.

In a critical situation (sharp maneuver at speed), faulty shock absorbers can lead to loss of control and road accidents.

Which brand of shock absorbers is better to install on Terrano for off-road use?

Optimal for off-road driving and dirt roads gas oil struts with increased resource. Best options:

• 🏆 KYB Excel-G (344389/344390) - tough, but reliable, withstand shock loads well.
• 🏆 Boge Turbo24 — gas-oil with progressive characteristics (soft on small bumps, hard on large ones).
• 🏆 Monroe Adventure — special series for crossovers, increased stroke.

If your budget allows, consider adjustable shock absorbers (For example, Konі or Bilstein B6) - they allow you to adjust the stiffness to the riding conditions.

Is it possible to restore old shock absorbers, or only replacement?

Theoretically, shock absorbers can be repair (replace seals, add oil, bleed), but in practice this is:

• ❌ Unreliable — restored struts rarely last more than 20–30 thousand km.
• ❌ Unsafe — there is no guarantee that the shock absorber will not lose its seal in an extreme situation.
• ❌ Unprofitable — the cost of repairs (3–5 thousand rubles per rack) is comparable to the price of new analogues.

Exception - replacing anthers and bumpers on struts with low mileage (up to 50 thousand km), if the shock absorber itself is still in good condition.