Parts for your 2012 Nissan Pathfinder-Struts

2012 Nissan Pathfinder Struts — What’s Fitted and What Isn’t

For the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (R51, body-on-frame), “struts” aren’t actually used. Technical documentation including the Nissan Pathfinder R51 Factory Service Manual (2012) — Front Suspension (FS) and Rear Suspension (RS) sections — specifies an independent double-wishbone front suspension with a shock absorber and coil spring assembly, and a multi-link rear with separate shock absorbers and coil springs. There’s no MacPherson strut architecture on this model. The 2012 Owner’s Manual specifications and workshop literature back this up, listing shocks and coils rather than struts or strut towers.

Why no struts? The R51’s truck-like, body-on-frame layout prioritises durability and wheel travel for towing and off-road use. A double-wishbone front end controls camber change better under load and impact than a MacPherson strut, and it doesn’t rely on a strut tower as a structural member. MacPherson struts are more common on lighter unibody SUVs — which is why the later R52 Pathfinder (2013-on) moved to a strut front — but they’re not part of the 2012 setup.

For owners chasing “strut” parts, what you’re really after are shock absorbers and their related mounts and bushes. If the front coil springs are being reused, a proper spring compressor is required to transfer them onto new front shocks, many workshops opt for pre-assembled front coil-over units to save time and reduce risk. After any front-end work, a wheel alignment is a must to protect tyre wear and handling.

• What to service on a 2012 Pathfinder instead of struts:
  • Front and rear shock absorbers, shock top mounts/insulators, dust boots and bump stops
  • Front upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints
  • Sway bar (stabiliser) links and bushes, rear multi-link bushes
  • Coil springs (check for sagging, cracks, or uneven ride height)
• Inspection tips:
  • Look for oil misting or leaks on shocks, cupped or uneven tyre wear, nose-dive under braking, floaty ride, clunks over bumps
  • Inspect every 20,000 km, many shocks are tired by 80,000–120,000 km depending on load, road conditions, and towing

Using quality components and torquing fasteners to the Factory Service Manual specs will keep the R51 riding tight and predictable on Kiwi and Aussie roads — and tracks.

Does a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder have struts?

No. The 2012 R51 uses a double-wishbone front with a shock and coil assembly, and a multi-link rear with separate shocks and coils. The Nissan Factory Service Manual (2012) lists shocks, not MacPherson struts.

What should be replaced instead of struts on a 2012 Pathfinder?

Front and rear shock absorbers, shock mounts/insulators, sway bar links and bushes, control arm bushes and ball joints, and any worn rear multi-link bushes. Always follow up with a wheel alignment.

How often should the shocks be replaced?

Inspect at least every 20,000 km. Many drivers see best results replacing shocks around 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if towing, carrying heavy loads, or driving corrugated roads. Replace if there’s leakage, poor damping, or uneven tyre wear.