Classification:

Reference:

FA99-001e

Date:

NTB99-001e

February 12, 2021

STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER
REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES: All 1990-2021 Nissan vehicles except those listed below
This bulletin does not apply to:
All GT-R (R35) vehicles
Armada (TA60 and Y62) – vehicles equipped with rear-leveling
air suspension

SERVICE INFORMATION
This bulletin provides information to identify:


A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty.



A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered
normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not
require replacement.



A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise
issues.

IMPORTANT:


If strut/shock absorber leakage is diagnosed in one strut/shock absorber, do NOT
automatically replace struts/shock absorbers on both sides. Replace the leaking
strut/shock absorber only.



In cases where diagnosis of a strut indicates part replacement and the labor operation
states that it includes toe or alignment check/set, the alignment check/set must be
supported with a printout from your alignment machine (i.e., “alignment printout”).

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians
are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.

1/3

Inspect the Condition of Oil Leakage
If oil does NOT extend beyond the spring seat
or upper 1/2 of shock:


½

This is slight oil seepage. The
strut/shock absorber should NOT be
replaced.

Figure 1

If oil does extend beyond the spring seat or
upper 1/2 of shock:


Use a finger to touch the oil that has
extended beyond the spring seat or
upper 1/2 of shock.

Figure 2



Thick oil layer,
large pieces
of dust and
debris

If you confirm the oil layer is thick and
contains large pieces of dust and
debris, the strut/shock absorber
should be replaced.

Figure 3



Thin oil layer,
no large pieces
of dust and
debris

If you confirm the oil layer is thin and
does NOT contain large pieces of dust
and debris, the strut/shock absorber
should NOT be replaced.

Figure 4
2/3

NTB99-001e

Inspect the Strut/Shock Absorber Rod
CAUTION: The front shock absorbers for 2005 – 2021 Frontier (D40), 2005 – 2015 Xterra
(N50), and 2005 - 2012 Pathfinder (R51) vehicles do NOT have a bound stopper inside.
DO NOT fully compress the shock rod into the shock body. Make sure to stop the rod close
to the end of travel when compressing during step 1.

1. Compress and extend the strut rod or shock absorber rod more than four (4) times by
hand.
2. Confirm the resistance and sound is normal when operating.


If unusual resistance or sound is noted, the strut/shock absorber should be replaced.

AMENDMENT HISTORY
PUBLISHED DATE

REFERENCE

DESCRIPTION

February 15, 1999

NTB99-001

Original bulletin published

March 19, 2013

NTB99-001a

Changes made throughout

September 22, 2017

NTB99-001b

APPLIED VEHICLES revised

–

NTB99-001c

Version not released

May 1, 2018

NTB99-001d

APPLIED VEHICLES and leakage criteria revised

February 12, 2021

NTB99-001e

APPLIED VEHICLES and CAUTION on page 3
revised

3/3

NTB99-001e