Parts for your 2016 Nissan Pulsar-Strut mounts

2016 Nissan Pulsar Strut Mounts

Yes—strut mounts are fitted to the 2016 Nissan Pulsar. Technical references that confirm this include the Nissan Factory Service Manual (C12 hatch and B17 sedan, Front Suspension section), which specifies a front MacPherson strut layout incorporating a top insulator/mount and bearing, plus widely used catalogues from Monroe and KYB that list front strut-mount kits for 2013–2017 Pulsar models. Autodata’s chassis specifications also describe a front MacPherson strut assembly with an upper mounting insulator and bearing. The rear uses a torsion beam with separate shocks, so traditional “strut mounts” aren’t used at the back.

On the front end, the strut mount is the top interface between the strut and the body. It cushions road harshness, keeps the strut located, and houses a bearing that lets the whole assembly rotate smoothly as the steering turns. Good mounts keep steering light and precise, reduce cabin vibration, and help tyres wear evenly by maintaining alignment under load.

For day-to-day servicing of a 2016 Pulsar, it’s smart to treat strut mounts as consumables that tend to age with the shocks and springs. Many will last well past 100,000 kilometres, but Aussie and Kiwi roads can accelerate wear. Tell-tales include a dull clunk over sharp bumps, a knock on low-speed turns, groaning or notchy steering feel at parking speeds, visible cracking in the rubber, or odd front tyre wear. A technician can also spot excessive play when the strut is unloaded.

Replacement is best done in axle pairs and should include the integral bearing. Because the strut has to come out and the spring be safely compressed, this is a job for a qualified workshop. After refitting, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep steering straight and tyre wear tidy. It’s worth renewing related parts at the same time—upper spring seats, dust boots and bump stops—so the fresh mount isn’t let down by tired neighbours. Avoid hammering the top nut with an impact gun as it can bruise the bearing, proper torque and re-checks at ride height are the go.

During routine services, ask for a quick front-end check: mount condition, mount bearing smoothness during slow steering, and any signs of fluid leak from the strut. Staying ahead of mount wear keeps the Pulsar riding quietly and steering sweetly.

• Watch for clunks, creaks, or steering notchiness.
• Inspect rubber for cracks and perishing.
• Replace mounts with the bearings, in pairs, and align afterwards.

Popular questions about 2016 Nissan Pulsar strut mounts

Do the rear shocks on a 2016 Pulsar use strut mounts?
Not in the traditional sense. The rear is a torsion-beam setup with separate shock absorbers and coil springs, so it uses simple upper and lower shock mounts/bushes rather than a MacPherson-style strut mount with a steering bearing. If there’s a rear rattle, a technician will usually check the shock bushes and beam bushes first.

How can someone tell if a front strut mount is worn?
Common signs are a clunk over potholes, a knock when turning at low speeds, a groan or spring “binding” feel at the wheel, and uneven front tyre wear. With the bonnet up, a helper turning the steering slowly while the engine idles can reveal a jumpy or noisy top mount area. A workshop can confirm by unloading the strut and checking the mount and bearing for play or roughness.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut mounts?
Yes. Any time the front struts are removed, ride-height and camber/caster can shift slightly, and toe will often move. A proper alignment restores straight-ahead feel, protects the tyres, and makes the most of the new mounts and any fresh dampers.