Nissan Murano Strut Replacement Cost

Let's talk about Nissan Murano strut replacement cost. As an intermediate car owner, you probably understand the importance of struts to your vehicle's ride quality, handling, and safety. Replacing them isn't always a walk in the park, but with the right knowledge, tools, and a bit of elbow grease, it's a job you can potentially tackle yourself. This article breaks down the costs involved, the factors influencing those costs, and what you need to know if you're considering a DIY approach.

Understanding Struts and Their Function

First, let's ensure we're all on the same page regarding what struts actually do. Struts are a critical component of your Murano's suspension system. They're essentially a combination of a shock absorber and a coil spring integrated into a single unit. Their primary functions include:

Supporting the vehicle's weight: The coil spring absorbs bumps and keeps the vehicle at the proper ride height.
Controlling suspension movement: The shock absorber (or damper) dampens oscillations, preventing the vehicle from bouncing excessively after hitting a bump. It converts kinetic energy into thermal energy through hydraulic resistance.
Maintaining wheel alignment: Struts play a crucial role in holding the wheel in the correct position, which impacts tire wear and handling.

When struts fail, you might notice symptoms like a bouncy ride, excessive body roll when cornering, uneven tire wear (particularly cupping), leaking fluid from the strut body, clunking noises over bumps, and increased stopping distance. Addressing these issues promptly is vital for your safety and the longevity of other suspension components.

Factors Influencing Strut Replacement Cost

The cost of replacing struts on your Nissan Murano can vary significantly based on several factors:

1. Parts Cost

This is a major contributor to the overall cost. You have several options when it comes to purchasing struts:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Struts: These are the struts made by Nissan or a supplier specifically for Nissan. They are generally the most expensive option but offer the best fit and performance, guaranteeing compatibility and maintaining the original ride characteristics of your Murano. Expect to pay a premium for the Nissan name.
Aftermarket Struts: These are manufactured by third-party companies. There's a wide range of quality and price points in the aftermarket. Some reputable brands offer struts that meet or even exceed OEM specifications, while others are cheaper but may compromise on durability and performance. Popular brands include Monroe, KYB, Bilstein, and Gabriel. Research and read reviews carefully before choosing an aftermarket option.
Quick Struts (Complete Strut Assemblies): These are complete units that include the strut, coil spring, strut mount, and sometimes even the bearing plate. They simplify the installation process, saving time and potentially reducing labor costs. While the initial cost might be higher, the convenience and reduced risk of component mismatch can make them a worthwhile investment, especially for DIYers.

For a Nissan Murano, the cost of a single strut can range from $100 to $400, depending on the brand, type (OEM vs. aftermarket), and whether it's a bare strut or a quick strut assembly. Therefore, a complete set of four struts (if you're replacing all of them) could range from $400 to $1600 just for the parts.

2. Labor Cost

If you're not a DIYer, you'll need to factor in labor costs. Labor rates vary depending on the mechanic's hourly rate and the complexity of the job. Independent shops generally charge less than dealerships. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per strut for labor. Replacing both front struts typically takes 2-4 hours, while replacing both rear struts might take slightly less time. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and the actual time required can vary depending on the mechanic's experience and any unforeseen issues encountered during the repair.

3. Location

Labor rates and parts prices can vary depending on your geographic location. Metropolitan areas tend to have higher labor rates than rural areas.

4. Additional Services

Replacing struts often uncovers other issues that need to be addressed. For example:

Wheel Alignment: This is absolutely essential after replacing struts. New struts can affect the suspension geometry, leading to misalignment. A proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear and optimal handling. Expect to pay around $75 to $150 for a four-wheel alignment.
Strut Mounts/Bearings: These components can wear out over time and may need to be replaced along with the struts. If they're worn, replacing them simultaneously can save you time and money in the long run.
Sway Bar Links/Bushings: These components connect the sway bar to the suspension and can also wear out. Inspect them carefully during the strut replacement and replace them if necessary.
Other Suspension Components: The mechanic might identify other worn or damaged suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings. Addressing these issues proactively can prevent further damage and improve your vehicle's handling.

DIY Strut Replacement: Is It Right for You?

Replacing struts is a moderately challenging DIY project. It's not as simple as changing a tire, but it's also not as complex as rebuilding an engine. Before you decide to tackle this job yourself, consider the following:

1. Skills and Experience

Do you have experience working on car suspensions? Have you performed similar repairs before? If you're a complete beginner, this might not be the best project to start with. However, if you're comfortable using hand tools, following instructions, and have a basic understanding of automotive mechanics, you might be able to handle it.

2. Tools and Equipment

You'll need a good set of tools, including:

Sockets and Wrenches: A comprehensive set of metric sockets and wrenches is essential.
Torque Wrench: This is crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specification. Overtightening or undertightening can be dangerous.
Spring Compressor: This is absolutely necessary for disassembling and reassembling struts. Never attempt to disassemble a strut without a spring compressor! The coil spring is under immense pressure and can cause serious injury or death if it's released improperly. You can rent a spring compressor from most auto parts stores.
Jack and Jack Stands: You'll need a jack to lift the vehicle and jack stands to support it safely.
Penetrating Oil: This can help loosen stubborn bolts.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
Safety Glasses and Gloves: To protect yourself from injury.

3. Time

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete the job. Don't rush it. It's better to take your time and do it right than to rush and make mistakes.

4. Safety

Safety is paramount. Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Use jack stands to support the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle that's only supported by a jack. And, as mentioned before, never attempt to disassemble a strut without a spring compressor.

DIY Cost Savings

If you choose to DIY, you'll save on labor costs. However, you'll still need to purchase the parts and potentially rent a spring compressor. The savings can be significant, but weigh them against the time, effort, and risk involved.

Estimating Your Nissan Murano Strut Replacement Cost

To get a rough estimate of the cost of replacing struts on your Nissan Murano, consider the following scenarios:

DIY with Aftermarket Quick Struts: Parts: $600-$1000 (for all four). Spring compressor rental: $50. Total: $650-$1050.
Professional Replacement with Aftermarket Struts at an Independent Shop: Parts: $400-$800. Labor: $400-$1200. Wheel alignment: $75-$150. Total: $875-$2150.
Professional Replacement with OEM Struts at a Dealership: Parts: $800-$1600. Labor: $600-$1200. Wheel alignment: $75-$150. Total: $1475-$2950.

These are just estimates. The actual cost may vary depending on the specific parts you choose, the labor rates in your area, and any additional services required.

Conclusion

Replacing struts on your Nissan Murano is an important maintenance task that can significantly improve your vehicle's ride quality, handling, and safety. By understanding the factors influencing the cost, you can make an informed decision about whether to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional. Whether you choose the DIY route or professional installation, prioritize using quality parts and ensuring a proper wheel alignment for optimal results. Remember, safety should always be your top concern.