How to Replace the Rear Shocks On A Nissan Xterra

How to Replace the Rear Shocks On A Nissan Xterra

This video demonstrates removing the rear shocks on a Nissan Xterra. This is the 2005 model and this video should work for many Nissan years and models including the frontier, pathfinder, and armada.

Torque Specs!

Top Bolt: 33 ft-lb – 4.6 kg-m – 45 N-m
Bottom Bolt: 148 Ft-lb – 20 kg-m – 200 N-m

Find the parts used in this video here: https://tinyurl.com/ybpbsznj
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#howto #diy #auto

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george louie says:

My son and I did this today on his 2007 Nissan Xterra Off-road.. was alot harder than it sounds.. biggest issue was getting the lower strut bolts off.. the bolts were rusted on solid.. probably because they hadnt been removed in 14 years.. We tried 3 foot and 6 foot cheater bars, but there wasn't enough room to swing the bar.. we had a Dewalt 20V Impact wrench and air impact wrench, and they couldn't break the nuts free either. For the passenger side we had to use a floor jack to push the wrench up, basically use the weight of the vehicle to break it free. For the drivers side, we had to heat the nut up with a torch, to break it free.

We didn't need to support the lower arm when removing and installing the shocks. But we did use the floor jack to compress the strut to align the bolt hole with the flange.

Also, note its easier to do the driver's side if you remove the spare tire from the well.. it gives you alot more access to the upper nut…

Andy Rizz says:

So, Is it recommended to remove the rear wheel when replacing the shock?
Also, do I need a torque wrench?

Thanks!

Christopher M. says:

The bolts are torqued to at least 2000 lbs ft of course.

Bernice Mosley says:

I can't replace these myself, where to get shocks done on the cheap? I had two estimates from one tire place and one mechanic. They each want from $450-500 to replace. Too expensive. Is it cheaper to buy the shocks and then have installed? Or does it make a difference?

TheYoyo2369 says:

Came on here just to see where I could support the rear (as the Xterra is new to me) and this was perfect! thanks!

Curt Saur says:

are any bushings required?

Derek Hyde says:

what? no leaf pack video? BAH!

hifi trucker says:

My 05 xterra, when it hits a bump, jumps from side to side (besides up and down)? Does this mean worn shocks/struts?

francisco carrillo says:

How often do you replace the front shocks on the xterra

Chris Bangs says:

Please include tools next time.

Mr Matt says:

Ry the Car Guy. From a fan…please include the proper torque settings as part of your reinstallation instructions.

Shane H says:

Ryan!! I need a video for leaf springs!!

John White says:

How to remove frozen bolt

chris allen says:

i crawled under (no need to jack up) used an impact gun, and it was easy. 19mm lower bolt; 17mm top bolt.

Norman No Mates says:

Have you done the rear coil springs?

Jaroslaw Kanski says:

Great video Ry.

I have just installed the Bilstein 5100s on my 2015 Xterra S 4×4. I have couple of points that might help with the install.

1. Starting three days prior to the job, I have treated each bolt/shock contact area with the healthy dose of the PB blaster.I did this everyday, total 3 times. Still the lower bolt on the passenger side was DIFFICULT to break. I have ended up using the bar breaker inserted to the 3 ton jack lever arm for more leverage.

2. Given the age of my car, the bolts were not rusted, but as a precaution, I have still cleaned the treads with the brush to prevent any stripping.

3. Before installation of the new shocks, I have put some anti-sieze compound on the bolts. That way the shocks have gone through much easier. The upper bolt torques to 38 ft lb, and the lower to 148 ft lb.

To sum up, except for breaking the lower bolts, it is relatively easy job. Once again thank you for the video.

Ahmad Ghosheh says:

Unless they are rusted solid on and nothing gets the bolts off LOL. Yeah, had to take it to a mechanic with the right tools because of that.

Christopher Lopez says:

Thanks for all your videos. They have helped a ton for my xterra. I haven't seen a video yet, but I was wondering if you had anything on replacing the ball joints??

NYLA says:

Ry I watch YouTube videos for easy jobs to be broken down for me to be made super easy for my to do myself. I am not replacing my rear shock soon but if I did I think I would be disappointed in the lack of video that was made for it. Please baby us on these jobs and put up a complete video of the replacement because that is why I am watching. Thank you.

Terry Loewen says:

Show us a video of rear shock removal after 2 years of driving in the road salt! 🙂 I have an 05 pathfinder, so the rear suspension is different, but your videos are great and very helpful!

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