Rear Strut

[floresmaxima]

I have a problem with my 96 Maxima. While driving it today I heard a noise coming from the back can't really explain it so when I got home to check it out I found fluid dripping out of the right back side of the car and a lot of fluid all over too like if something broke and the fluid was coming out of the strut/shocks so don't know if that's the case. So my question is did the shocks/strut broke, for how long can I drive it like that, how hard is it to replace it and how bad is for the car or driving condition if you know what I mean. Any suggestion would really help Thank you.

[Nahkapohjola]

You have lost one shock, others have already vanished years ago? Shocks limit the rubber balls (=tires) from jumping while on the move. No shocks means that tires keep more time flying than on the ground. Summarum: your rig is sailing while on the road; stopping and steering is not controlled by you, but winds... any sudden brake/manoeuvre -and- ctrl is lost.

Its hi time to swap all 4 shocks, typically they are sound for 60k miles. See below - Favorite Links on the CDomain link below has one link to a shock swap writeup. Check it out even if you take the car into a shop next week... Price is four times 50-100$, plus 2-3hrs work. Brake and axle condition should also be checked.

[BeZerK2112]

Ya... Your going to want to replace them. I Just did mine a while ago. I got the KYB GR-2 Struts off ebay. They worked great and only cost 250 shipped for all 4. I did the work myself, just took the removed struts to a shop and had them swap the springs and mounts. Just remember to get it aligned when you are done. Good luck man. If you have any questions just ask.

[floresmaxima]

Thanks for the advice guys and when you said have then align do you mean wheel alignment becuase if you don't do these what could happen. Also when the car bounces too much is that becuase of the same problem shocks gone bad, becuase my wife car does these at the rear.

[BeZerK2112]

It could be related and yes, I ment a wheel alignment. THe tires would ware unevenly and cause tire damage.

[Nahkapohjola]

Shocks dampen the roo -or- is it rodeo there... Simple test: when on or more ppl "jump on the bonnet" and immediately release it, only movement allowed is return up. If any slightest swing - shocks are gone. Youll be amazed how "u got a new car after the shock swap." Here shocks have to pass inspection once a year for every vehicle - keeps sailors off the road which is good.

Front wheel camber will not be the same after shock swap. This affects radically front wheel toe in - and has to be aligned just as BeZerK2112 rightly says... 4wheel alignment doesnt hurt, while rear will not be affected durin shock swap. For alignment see this and its links http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/18 ... See also p.25 for axle boots checkup.

Below u may see the lower strut hole is oval, thus [camber angle] tightenin may be adjusted - this affects toe in. "The wider it [camber] is set, the better car 'sits' in curves". [Note: All struts dont have this adj enlarged lower hole - but it may be added.]