Parts for your 2010 Nissan Pathfinder-Struts

2010 Nissan Pathfinder: does it have struts?

Short answer: no. Referencing technical sources, the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder (R51) does not use MacPherson struts. The Nissan Factory Service Manual for the R51 (Front Suspension “FSU” and Rear Suspension “RSU” sections) specifies a front independent double-wishbone suspension with a coil spring over a shock absorber, and a rear five‑link (rigid/live axle) with separate coil springs and shock absorbers. Nissan’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the 2010 R51 lists front and rear “shock absorber” assemblies, not struts, and aftermarket catalogues from KYB and Monroe also list shocks (no strut listings) for this model year.

Why no struts? On a MacPherson setup, the strut is a structural member that locates the wheel and carries loads into a strut tower. The R51 Pathfinder is a body‑on‑frame 4WD, and Nissan engineered it with a double‑wishbone front end and a robust rear axle to prioritise wheel travel, durability, towing stability, and off‑road articulation. In that layout, control arms and links locate the hubs/axle, and the dampers (shock absorbers) are not structural, so a “strut” isn’t required.

What’s fitted instead are conventional shock absorbers: coil‑over shocks up front and separate shocks at the rear (some trims had self‑levelling rear shocks). If someone’s calling them “struts” for this model, it’s usually just loose wording—technically they’re shocks.

• Front: Double‑wishbone with coil spring and shock absorber (not a strut).
• Rear: Five‑link live axle with coil springs and separate shock absorbers.
• Technical sources: Nissan R51 Factory Service Manual (FSU/RSU), Nissan EPC, KYB and Monroe application guides.

Servicing tips owners actually use: replace shocks in axle pairs, keep an eye out for fluid weeps, cupped tyre wear, excessive bounce, nose‑diving under brakes, or a floaty feel at highway speeds. Many see noticeable improvement anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 kilometres depending on load, roads, and tow use. After front suspension work, get a proper wheel alignment, and tighten suspension bush bolts at normal ride height. For local conditions, quality gas‑charged shocks (e.g., KYB, Bilstein, Monroe) suit both corrugations and daily commuting.

• Does a 2010 Nissan Pathfinder have struts or shocks?
  It runs shock absorbers front and rear, not MacPherson struts. The design uses control arms and links to locate the wheels, so the dampers aren’t structural like a strut.
• What suspension layout does the 2010 Pathfinder use?
  Up front it’s an independent double‑wishbone with a coil‑over shock, at the rear it’s a five‑link live axle with separate coils and shocks. Some models feature self‑levelling rear shocks.
• When should the shocks be replaced?
  There’s no fixed interval, but many owners notice a drop‑off between 80,000 and 150,000 km. Replace in pairs, check for leaks and poor ride control, and align the front after replacement.