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Autopapyrus · Nissan Terrano D10
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/nissan/terrano/front-strut-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Nissan Terrano D10: Front Strut Replacement

The front struts on the Nissan Terrano D10 (Renault Duster platform) should be replaced if they leak oil, knock over bumps, or the vehicle feels unstable. The job requires compressing the springs with a special tool. Tightening torques: piston rod nut 62 N·m (46 lb-ft), strut-to-body mount 44 N·m (32 lb-ft), strut-to-steering knuckle 105 N·m (77 lb-ft).

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2-3 hours (both sides) Steps: 19 Tools: jack, jack stands, 21 mm box-end wrench, 6 mm hex key, 10, 16, 18, 27 mm wrenches, 16 mm socket with extension, spring compressor, torque wrench

Part

  • 🔩 Nissan 5430300Q0K (OE, left and right struts are identical). Aftermarket equivalents: Renault 543026656R, Monroe G7372, Kayaba 338737. It is also recommended to replace the strut mount bearing kit (strut top mounts), Nissan part number 543253912R or equivalent
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online). See manuals →

Step by step

19 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Loosen the wheel bolts while the wheel is still on the ground.
  2. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it on sturdy stands under the rocker panels (sills) or frame rails. Remove the front wheel.
  3. Open the hood. Locate the upper strut mount: three 16 mm nuts in the engine bay above the wheel arch. Loosen the center piston rod nut a few turns (do not remove it completely) while holding the rod with a 6 mm hex key. This relieves the load on the upper mount.
  4. Under the vehicle, remove the bolt securing the ABS sensor and brake hose bracket to the strut (10 mm wrench). Move the bracket aside.
  5. Remove the nut of the sway bar link (stabilizer link) that connects it to the strut (16 mm or 18 mm wrench). Pull the sway bar link bolt out of the bracket on the strut.
  6. Remove the two bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle (lower mount, 18 mm wrench or socket). The bolts are tightened to 105 N·m (77 lb-ft); use penetrating oil if they are stuck.
  7. Move the steering knuckle aside (light prying with a pry bar may be needed). Take the complete strut assembly out downward through the wheel arch.
  8. Go back to the engine bay. Fully remove the three upper mount nuts (16 mm) and take the strut out together with the upper mount.
  9. Fit spring compressors on the spring. Tighten them evenly, alternating between opposite sides, until the load is completely off the upper mount and the spring turns freely.
  10. While holding the strut rod with a 6 mm hex key, remove the center rod nut with a 27 mm wrench. Remove the upper mount, the mount bearing, the upper spring seat, the spring with its dust boot and the bump stop from the rod.
  11. Inspect the mount bearing. If it has play, binds or crackles, replace it with a new one. Inspect the spring for cracks and deformation. Check the bump stop and dust boot for tears.
  12. Install the bump stop and dust boot on the rod of the new strut, then the compressed spring (the end with the mark or tighter coil pitch goes down). Install the upper spring seat, the mount bearing (new, or the old one if it is in good condition) and the upper mount.
  13. Thread on the center rod nut by hand, holding the rod with the hex key. Tighten the nut to 62 N·m (46 lb-ft). Release the spring compressors evenly and remove them.
  14. Install the complete strut into the wheel arch. Guide the rod into the hole in the upper mount in the engine bay and start the three body mounting nuts (tightening torque 44 N·m (32 lb-ft)).
  15. Align the lower strut mount with the steering knuckle. Insert the two bolts and tighten them to 105 N·m (77 lb-ft).
  16. Connect the sway bar link to the bracket on the strut and tighten the nut to 45-55 N·m (33-41 lb-ft).
  17. Secure the ABS sensor and brake hose bracket with the 10 mm bolt.
  18. Install the wheel and tighten the wheel bolts in a crisscross pattern to 105-115 N·m (77-85 lb-ft). Lower the vehicle to the ground.
  19. Repeat the procedure on the other side. After replacing both struts, a wheel alignment of the front wheels is recommended.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Working with loaded springs is dangerous. Use only serviceable spring compressors and tighten them evenly. Do not remove the rod nut without compressing the spring, as there is a risk of injury. If you do not have a torque wrench, take the vehicle to a repair shop: incorrect tightening of the knuckle mount affects wheel alignment angles and handling. The Nissan Terrano D10 is built on the Renault Duster platform, so suspension parts are interchangeable with the Duster and may be listed under Renault part numbers.
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