Replacing struts, Bilsteins HD.

[BBtruck]

The problem..
Leaking strut.

The solution..
Doing one side at a time. Emergency brake and block the rear. Detach the endlinks from the swaybar. Loosen lug nuts. Jack the truck at the jack point, and use a jackstand.


Use a 19mm wrench and socket for the bottom. 14mm at the top.

New vs. old.


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[BBtruck]

Spring compressor kit. Borrowed two kits from Autozone.

Attach the spring compressor hooks with no more than one spring in between the hooks. The large screw will bend if trying to compress more spring. Screw the Compressor until the top hat of the strut is loose. I use a adj. wrench and a 18mm wrench to take off the hat. from left (top) to right (bottom) hat assy..


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[BBtruck]

Here's the sequence of the top hat components in order.. (without the spring for demo)










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[BBtruck]

Continue...







Here is the strut assembled.



Make sure the spring is seated properly.



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[Mack207]

Pretty sure the washers cup away from the bushings. I don't see a problem doing it either way though.

Sent while Autoguide freezes and crashes.

[BBtruck]

Continue..
Top hat view. Insure its' aligned with the groove.





Line up the bottom to the mount to the LCA.





This what the top hat should look like mounted.



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[BBtruck]

Assorted 14mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm tools.



* There is a easier way with power tools and vises that would make it quicker. I did all in the drive way in approximately 2 hours per side.

* I did not use the rubber sleeve, because of deterioration. So far no noise or clanking.



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[BBtruck]

Originally Posted by Mack207

Pretty sure the washers cup away from the bushings. I don't see a problem doing it either way though.

Sent while Autoguide freezes and crashes.

I experimented with the washer cup in or out. I found it better to cup the bushing because it keeps it from deforming or squatting. But either way like you said is OK.

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[Quartz]

Very nice write up BBT.

[ArmyAviation]

nice write up, but the spring and seat should look like this IAW the Nissan maint manual

[BBtruck]

I match the top hat to the to the mount, the three screws, and spring location on the hat was right on. Both spring seat looks asymmetrically in the same location on the truck as it sits. I'll have the mech look at it while checking the alignment tomorrow. Now I'm curious, but so far I don't feel nothing out of whack. Thanks for the pic..

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[BBtruck]

Originally Posted by ArmyAviation

nice write up, but the spring and seat should look like this IAW the Nissan maint manual

If anything, I could just unbolt the strut assy. and rotate it to show the spring end looking straight at the wheel like the pic. Feel like doing it now..lol

I'll let you cats know..

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[ArmyAviation]

Hey BB, do you have the service manual?

[honda250xtitan]

Nice write up!

what armyaviation said is something I used to follow too. In fact if it wasnt the right way like nissan states, the tie rod would hit it in turns. but that was on my 06 with 5100's and a pro comp lift.

[BBtruck]

Originally Posted by ArmyAviation

Hey BB, do you have the service manual?

No, I don't, but I see clearly that I need to unbolt and move the assy. counterclockwise one notch where the paint mark of the spring is facing the tire.. At least I don't have to take the strut assy. apart. Good catch AA. Bet the alignment monkey would never noticed.

Originally Posted by honda250xtitan

Nice write up!

what armyaviation said is something I used to follow too. In fact if it wasn't the right way like nissan states, the tie rod would hit it in turns. but that was on my 06 with 5100's and a pro comp lift.

No interference here. But why leave it as is? I'll post the fix with pics.

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