Parts for your 2012 Nissan Pulsar-Strut mounts

2012 Nissan Pulsar strut-mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2012 Nissan Pulsar (C12 hatch and B17 sedan for AU/NZ) uses MacPherson struts at the front, which means it is fitted with front strut-mounts incorporating a bearing. See: Nissan Pulsar C12 Service Manual, Front Suspension (MacPherson strut layout and “strut insulator/bearing” exploded view), Nissan B17/Sentra Service Manual, Front Suspension, and major catalogues from KYB and Monroe listing front strut-mounts for Pulsar C12/B17. The rear uses a torsion beam with separate shock absorbers, so there are no rear strut-mounts on this model.

The strut-mounts on a 2012 Pulsar sit at the top of the front struts, tying the suspension to the body while isolating noise and vibration. Inside is a bearing plate so the strut can rotate smoothly as the wheels steer. When they’re healthy, you’ll get a quiet, precise front end and consistent steering feel. When they’re tired, expect clunks over bumps, notchy or “memory” steer, and uneven tyre wear if things get really sloppy.

Because the mount combines a rubber insulator and a bearing, it’s both a comfort item and a steering component. On Pulsars that spend their life on city streets, they often last well past 100,000 km, but age, potholes, and big kerb hits can shorten that. Best practice is to inspect them whenever front struts, springs, or top bearings are being touched, or at service intervals around 80,000–100,000 km.

• Replace in axle pairs if one side is worn, to keep steering feel and ride height balanced.
• Always book a wheel alignment after any front strut-mount or strut work.
• Use a proper spring compressor and follow torque specs—overtightening can crush the bearing or distort the mount.
• At the same time, check strut bearings, dust boots and bump stops, they’re cheap to swap while it’s apart.

There’s no real “maintenance” beyond inspection—these mounts are sealed. Look for perished rubber, cracked housings, rusty tops, or a bearing that grinds or binds when the steering is turned at standstill. If road noise has crept up, or the steering wheel doesn’t self-centre cleanly, that’s your cue.

Quality OE-equivalent mounts restore that tidy Pulsar steering feel and keep the front end quiet. Fit once, torque correctly, align it, and the car’s good for many more kilometres of easy going.

Popular questions about 2012 Nissan Pulsar strut-mounts

How do you know if the front strut-mounts are worn on a 2012 Pulsar?
Common signs include a clunk over speed humps or driveway entries, a creak when turning the wheel at parking speeds, notchy or delayed self-centring after a corner, and uneven tyre wear at the front. With the bonnet up, have someone turn the steering lock-to-lock, if the top of the strut jumps or the bearing feels gritty, the mount may be due.

Should both front strut-mounts be replaced together?
Yes, it’s recommended. Replacing in pairs keeps steering feel even side-to-side and avoids chasing vibrations later. If the struts or springs are being replaced, doing the mounts at the same time saves labour and avoids repeating the job.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing Pulsar strut-mounts?
Absolutely. Any time the strut assembly is disturbed, the front geometry can shift. A post-repair alignment brings camber and toe back to spec, protecting tyre life and straight-line stability.