Parts for your 2011 Nissan Pathfinder-Strut mounts

2011 Nissan Pathfinder strut-mounts — are they used on this model?

Based on technical references, strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (R51). The Nissan R51 Pathfinder Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension and Rear Suspension sections) specifies a front independent double-wishbone layout with a coil-over shock absorber, and a rear solid axle with separate coil springs and shock absorbers. There’s no MacPherson strut assembly in this design, so there’s no strut top bearing/mount as found on strut-equipped vehicles.

Major parts catalogues and workshop data also align with this. OE and aftermarket catalogues (including Nissan’s electronic parts listings plus well-known shock manufacturers) call up front shock absorbers with upper insulators/bushings, not strut-mounts, for the 2011 Pathfinder. That’s a clear sign the vehicle uses a shock-and-spring arrangement within double wishbones rather than a strut that locates the steering axis.

Why no strut-mounts? In a double-wishbone setup, the upper and lower control arms manage wheel location and steering geometry. The shock absorber’s top is simply isolated by a rubber insulator/bush and doesn’t carry the lateral loads or house a bearing to allow steering rotation. By contrast, a true MacPherson strut needs a strut-mount (often with an integrated bearing) because the strut itself serves as a suspension link and rotates with steering.

For owners servicing a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder, the focus should be on the components it actually uses rather than chasing strut-mounts that don’t apply. Practical checks and replacements include:

• Front shock absorbers and their upper insulators/bushings (look for clunks over bumps, oil weep, or perished rubber)
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints (steering feel, tyre wear, and alignment stability depend on these)
• Stabiliser bar links and bushes (common source of front-end rattles)
• Rear shock absorbers and coil spring isolators (ride control and rear-end noise)
• Fastener torque on shock mounts after any suspension work

If the front end knocks, creaks, or feels floaty, a suspension inspection should target the shock upper insulators and control arm components, not a non-existent strut-mount. Quality replacement shocks and fresh rubber insulators typically restore ride and refinement nicely on an R51, and an alignment afterwards will help protect tyres and keep it tracking straight.

Popular questions about 2011 Nissan Pathfinder strut-mounts

Does a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder have strut-mounts?

No. The R51 Pathfinder uses a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock and a separate top insulator/bush, not a MacPherson strut with a strut-mount and bearing. The rear also uses separate shocks and coils, so strut-mounts aren’t part of the vehicle.

What should be serviced instead of strut-mounts on a 2011 Pathfinder?

Focus on front shock absorbers and their upper insulators, front control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, and rear shock absorbers and spring isolators. These are the parts that influence noise, ride, and handling on this model.

Can struts or strut-mounts be retrofitted to a 2011 Pathfinder?

Retrofitting a MacPherson strut isn’t practical or advisable. The chassis, knuckles, and control-arm geometry are designed around a double-wishbone layout. Use correct-spec shocks, bushings, and arms to maintain performance and safety.