Parts for your 2009 Nissan Pathfinder-Strut mounts

2009 Nissan Pathfinder (R51) — Strut mounts or not?

For the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (R51), “strut mounts” aren’t actually a thing. This model doesn’t run MacPherson struts up front, so there’s no traditional strut-top bearing or strut mount as people might expect from passenger cars. Instead, the front end uses a double-wishbone layout with a coil-over shock absorber and spring assembly, plus upper and lower control arms. The rear is a solid axle with separate coil springs and shock absorbers. That design choice is confirmed in the Nissan Pathfinder R51 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension and Rear Suspension sections), which labels the assembly as a shock absorber and spring with an upper mounting insulator, not a strut. Nissan’s parts catalogue backs this up with components such as the “Insulator – Front Suspension” for the shock top, rather than any strut mount with a bearing. By definition (per common OEM/SAE usage), a MacPherson strut forms part of the steering pivot, the R51’s steering pivots on ball joints in the control arms, so there’s no strut nor strut bearing to mount.

Why didn’t Nissan use strut mounts here? The R51 is a body-on-frame SUV set up for durability, towing and off-road capability. A double-wishbone front end offers strong control of wheel geometry and good travel, while keeping the steering pivot separate from the damper. That means the top shock insulator doesn’t rotate and doesn’t function like a strut mount.

What owners should service instead: while there’s no “strut mount,” there is a front upper shock insulator/top mount, spring seats/isolation rubbers, dust boots and bump stops that cop a hard life on rough roads. Over high kilometres or heavy use, the rubber can perish and cause clunks over corrugations, vibration through the body, or uneven tyre wear due to related suspension issues. Any oil weep from the shock itself is a sign it’s due.

When replacing front shocks on a 2009 Pathfinder, it’s smart to refresh the consumables and follow correct assembly and torque procedures from the FSM. Compress the spring safely, orient the spring end correctly in its seat, replace self-locking nuts, and torque the control arm and shock hardware at normal ride height. A wheel alignment afterwards is good practice.

• Front upper shock insulator/top mount (non-rotating)
• Spring seats/isolators, dust boot and bump stop
• Lower shock bushings and hardware
• Rear shock upper/lower mounts and bushings as needed

Technical references: Nissan Pathfinder R51 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension/Rear Suspension) identifies the coil-over shock and insulator arrangement, Nissan Genuine Parts Catalogue lists the upper “insulator” rather than a strut mount, standard OEM/SAE definitions of MacPherson struts require the damper to serve as the steering pivot, which the R51 does not.

Popular questions about 2009 Nissan Pathfinder strut mounts

Does a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder have strut mounts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut-top bearing. The part at the top is a shock insulator/top mount that doesn’t rotate with steering.

What should be replaced with the front shocks on a 2009 Pathfinder?
Along with the shock and spring, it’s wise to renew the upper shock insulator/top mount, spring seats/isolators, dust boot and bump stop. Check lower shock bushings and hardware, and get an alignment once it’s back on the ground.

Why do some sites list “strut mounts” for this model?
It’s naming shorthand. Many catalogues call the front shock top insulator a “strut mount,” but it’s not a strut bearing. Make sure the part suits the R51 coil-over shock arrangement and doesn’t include a rotating bearing you won’t use.