Shocks & Struts

Shocks & Struts: Controlling Motion in Your Nissan

The team here at Midway Nissan understands how crucial parts like shocks and struts are important to your safety on the road. These hydraulic dampers control spring oscillation to prevent continuous bouncing after road impacts. Shocks mount separately from springs, while struts combine both functions in a single assembly. Your Murano or Maxima requires functioning dampers to maintain tire contact with pavement during acceleration, braking, and cornering maneuvers.

Understanding Damper Function

Internal pistons move through hydraulic fluid inside sealed tubes, creating resistance that slows spring movement. Valving controls fluid flow rates differently during compression and extension strokes. This resistance converts kinetic energy into heat that dissipates through the damper body. Strut assemblies also serve as structural suspension members, supporting vehicle weight and providing mounting points for coil springs and steering components.

Why Dampers Wear Out

Seal deterioration allows hydraulic fluid to leak past internal pistons, reducing damping force. Fluid breakdown from heat exposure changes viscosity and reduces effectiveness. External seals fail, allowing visible fluid leakage down the damper body. Mounting bushings wear from constant movement. Gas-charged dampers lose pressure over time, diminishing performance.

Recognizing Failed Dampers

Bouncing more than once after hitting bumps indicates insufficient damping force to control springs. Body sway during lane changes or turns suggests inadequate roll control. Cupped tire wear develops when tires bounce instead of maintaining road contact. Genuine Nissan shocks and struts provide calibrated damping curves engineered specifically for your vehicle that generic parts cannot replicate.

Midway Nissan has all the parts you need for your project and will be there to answer any questions.