Choosing the best struts for nissan maxima is less about finding the longest parts list and more about matching the assembly to your Maxima’s model year, drivetrain, suspension package, and repair needs. A complete assembly can simplify installation, but an apparently attractive kit may still be wrong if it excludes a Sport Package or covers a different generation.
My first choice is Detroit Axle. It is also explicitly ready for installation without special tools, which can reduce the number of separate suspension parts and tasks involved.
My second choice is Detroit Axle Detroit Axle 4pc Struts Shocks Kit. Its stated 10-year warranty and complete front assemblies make it a particularly sensible alternative for buyers who prioritize coverage and installation convenience.
My third choice is ECCPP ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts. ECCPP ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts takes third place as a focused front-end option for 2009–2014 cars. The pre-assembled design combines the strut, spring, mount, bearing, boot, bumper, and isolator, while its lower customer-feedback volume means I would verify fitment especially carefully before ordering.
This guide compares all five options, explains what each kit includes, and separates full suspension refreshes from front-only replacements. You will also find practical advice about compatibility, installation planning, alignment, break-in expectations, maintenance, common mistakes, and the questions that matter most before buying.
Best Struts for Nissan Maxima
I selected these products for direct relevance to Nissan Maxima applications, completeness of the supplied suspension package, installation practicality, warranty information where provided, and available customer-feedback evidence. The ranking also considers useful brand and kit variety, while keeping fitment limitations visible instead of treating every assembly as interchangeable.
| # | Image | Product | Price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Detroit Axle | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Detroit Axle Detroit Axle 4pc Struts Shocks Kit | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
ECCPP ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Complete Struts COMPLETESTRUTS Front Complete Strut Assemblies Springs and Rea | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
KUIPERAUTO Pair Front Struts Shocks | Check Price |
Detroit Axle
For a 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima, this Detroit Axle package is the most comprehensive option in the group. It includes two front strut and coil spring assemblies, two rear shock absorber assemblies, and four front and rear sway bar links. That means the buyer is not simply replacing worn dampers; the kit can address several related suspension components during the same repair window.
The front assemblies arrive complete and are described as requiring no additional work or special tool for installation. That matters because handling a loose coil spring can require specialized compression equipment and introduces a safety concern for inexperienced home mechanics. A preassembled unit generally makes the job more straightforward, although normal vehicle-support, torque, and alignment procedures still apply.
The principal limitation is fitment: the supplied application specifically excludes the Sport Package. Buyers should not assume that a model year alone proves compatibility. The kit’s 8-piece count is useful for a broader refresh, but it can also be more than necessary if only the front struts are worn or if the sway bar links remain in good condition. At 4.3 stars from 7,641 customer ratings, it has substantially more feedback than most alternatives here, giving shoppers a larger evidence base while still not guaranteeing a perfect result for every car.
Pros
- Complete front, rear, and sway bar link package.
- Fits 2009–2014 Maxima applications without the Sport Package.
- Preassembled front units do not require a special spring compressor.
- Impact, wear, and fatigue testing is stated by the brand.
Cons
- Not specified for Maxima models with the Sport Package.
- May include more parts than a front-only repair requires.
- Fitment should still be confirmed by vehicle details before purchase.
My Opinion
This is the strongest all-around pick when a non-Sport 2009–2014 Maxima needs a substantial suspension refresh. Its broad package and large feedback base outweigh the fact that it may be excessive for a limited repair.
Detroit Axle Detroit Axle 4pc Struts Shocks Kit
Owners of a 2016, 2017, or 2018 Nissan Maxima need a different application from the older-generation kits, and this four-piece Detroit Axle set is tailored to those years. It supplies two front struts with coil spring assemblies and two rear shock absorbers, covering the primary damping units at all four corners without adding sway bar links.
That arrangement is appealing when the goal is a consistent replacement across the vehicle. Matching front and rear components can be more convenient than combining unrelated parts, and the complete front assemblies avoid the loose-spring handling associated with rebuilding a strut on the workbench. The stated no-special-tool installation benefit is useful for a capable home mechanic, though it should not be interpreted as meaning the job requires no tools or no mechanical preparation.
A notable differentiator is the stated 10-year warranty. Warranty length does not prove that a component will last that long, but it gives this kit a stronger ownership proposition than a package with no stated coverage. The item weight is listed at 50 pounds, so buyers should plan for a substantial shipment and inspect all pieces before beginning the repair. With a 4.3-star rating from 2,562 customer ratings, it has meaningful marketplace feedback, although less than the older Maxima kit. Most importantly, the year range must match the vehicle; a 2014 or 2019 Maxima should not be treated as automatically covered.
Pros
- Includes front complete strut assemblies and rear shock absorbers.
- Application is clearly listed for 2016–2018 Maxima models.
- Stated 10-year warranty adds long-term purchasing confidence.
- Preassembled front units simplify spring-related work.
Cons
- Does not include sway bar links or other extra hardware.
- Year coverage is narrower than the older-generation package.
- Listed 50-pound weight may make handling and storage less convenient.
My Opinion
This is my preferred alternative for the specified 2016–2018 model years. The four-corner coverage and stated warranty make it a well-balanced choice, provided the buyer confirms the exact vehicle year before ordering.
ECCPP ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts
ECCPP takes a different approach by concentrating on complete front strut assemblies for 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima models. Each preassembled unit combines the strut, coil spring, bearing, strut mount, bumper, boot, and isolator. Replacing these related pieces together can be useful when age-related wear is spread across the upper mount and protective components rather than isolated to the damper alone.
The practical advantage is time. A complete assembly avoids transferring an old spring and upper hardware onto a replacement damper, which can make the project faster and reduce the need for a spring compressor. It may also prevent a buyer from paying labor twice if the mount, bearing, or boot would soon need attention. ECCPP describes the spring material and surface treatment as intended to support strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance across vibration and temperature changes.
There are trade-offs. This is a front-only solution, so it does not address worn rear shocks or sway bar links. It also has a much smaller customer-feedback sample—4.6 stars from 90 ratings—than the leading Detroit Axle kit. That does not make it unsuitable, but it means the buyer should place more emphasis on the vehicle’s exact configuration and the seller’s current fitment information. The supplied buyer notice specifically calls for checking the description and compatibility chart before purchase. This is especially important if the Maxima has unusual suspension equipment or if only one side appears damaged.
Pros
- Complete front assembly includes mount, bearing, spring, boot, bumper, and isolator.
- Designed for 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima applications.
- Preassembled structure can save time and avoid loose-spring handling.
- Higher stated customer rating than several alternatives.
Cons
- Front assemblies only; rear shocks are not included.
- Smaller customer-feedback sample than the top-ranked kit.
- Compatibility must be checked carefully before purchase.
My Opinion
ECCPP is a reasonable focused choice when the front suspension is the priority and the owner wants a complete assembly rather than separate components. I would choose it over a broader kit only when the rear suspension does not need attention.
Complete Struts COMPLETESTRUTS Front Complete Strut Assemblies Springs and Rea
This COMPLETESTRUTS package covers the four principal damper positions on a 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima: two front complete struts with coil springs and two rear gas shock absorbers. It sits between a front-only purchase and a larger kit that also includes sway bar links, making it a straightforward option for owners who want all four dampers replaced without buying additional suspension links.
The front assemblies should appeal to buyers who want to avoid disassembling the original spring and mount arrangement. The rear gas shocks complete the vehicle-level replacement, which can help avoid the uneven response that may occur when new front components are paired with substantially older rear dampers. Because the package is limited to the main strut and shock units, it is also easier to understand what the purchase is intended to accomplish.
Its main stated ownership benefit is a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. That is useful protection, but it is shorter than the 10-year coverage stated for the newer Detroit Axle kit, so warranty duration may influence the final decision for long-term planners. The customer rating is 4.6 stars from 71 ratings, a favorable result but based on a modest number of responses. As with every older-generation option here, buyers should confirm that the vehicle is within the 2009–2014 range and investigate whether separate sway bar links, mounts, or other hardware also need replacement before scheduling the work.
Pros
- Set of four covers both front and rear damping positions.
- Front units include coil springs for simpler installation planning.
- Clear application for 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima models.
- Includes a stated one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Does not include sway bar links.
- Warranty is shorter than the coverage stated for the second-ranked kit.
- Customer-feedback sample is relatively small.
My Opinion
This kit makes sense for a buyer who wants a basic four-corner replacement and does not need extra links. It is a practical middle ground, but the shorter warranty and limited feedback keep it below the broader Detroit Axle package.
KUIPERAUTO Pair Front Struts Shocks
KUIPERAUTO offers a pair of front complete strut assemblies for 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima S and SV models with the 3.5L V6, front-wheel drive, and no Sport Package. That detailed application information is helpful because it identifies more than just the year range. The listing also supplies replacement reference numbers, including 172605 and 172604, which can assist a buyer comparing the part against existing catalog information.
Both assemblies arrive preassembled with the necessary spring-related components, so the installation concept is a direct replacement rather than a spring-transfer project. KUIPERAUTO also describes high-performance damping valves, hydraulic fluid, high-strength springs, anti-rust coating, and reinforced welds. In practical terms, those stated design goals are aimed at controlling bumps, body motion, vibration, and exposure to harsh road conditions. They should be treated as construction claims rather than a guarantee of identical performance for every vehicle.
The pair-only format is both its strength and its limitation. It is suitable when the front struts are the worn or damaged area, but the buyer must separately address rear shocks if they are also weak. The application excludes the Sport Package and is narrower than a generic 2009–2014 description, so checking the S or SV trim, engine, drivetrain, and suspension package is essential. Its 4.3-star rating comes from 59 customer ratings, providing some feedback but less evidence than the higher-volume options.
Pros
- Detailed fitment for 2009–2014 S and SV 3.5L V6 FWD models.
- Preassembled pair avoids spring-compressor work.
- Stated anti-rust coating and reinforced welds target harsh road use.
- Replacement reference numbers support catalog cross-checking.
Cons
- Front pair only; rear shocks are not included.
- Not specified for Sport Package applications.
- Customer-feedback sample is limited to 59 ratings.
My Opinion
KUIPERAUTO is a sensible targeted purchase for a qualifying S or SV Maxima that needs front struts only. Its detailed fitment is reassuring, but buyers with a different trim or a four-corner repair should select a more appropriate package.
How I Selected These Best Struts for Nissan Maxima Options
The selection process began with application accuracy. A strut can be well made and still be the wrong purchase if it belongs to another Maxima generation, trim, drivetrain, or suspension package. I therefore separated the 2009–2014 products from the 2016–2018 kit and treated Sport Package exclusions as significant rather than minor footnotes.
Next, I compared what each package actually replaces. Complete front assemblies can reduce spring-transfer work, four-piece kits address front and rear damping, and the eight-piece Detroit Axle package adds sway bar links. Those differences affect cost, labor planning, and whether a buyer is solving one worn corner or refreshing most of the suspension.
Customer-feedback volume and stated ratings were considered as supporting evidence, not as proof of universal performance. The leading kit has far more customer ratings than the smaller listings, while some alternatives show a higher numerical score from fewer responses. Warranty information also influenced the order when it was supplied, especially where one kit states 10-year coverage and another states one year.
Fitment is the first filter. A complete assembly that does not match the Maxima’s year or suspension package is not a bargain; it is the wrong part.
Use the kit contents to match the repair, not just the product title. A front-only pair, a four-corner set, and an eight-piece suspension package serve different ownership situations.
How to Choose the Best Struts for Nissan Maxima
The right purchase depends on the repair scope and the exact vehicle. Start with the door-jamb year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and any Sport Package information, then compare those details with the application supplied for the kit. After that, decide whether the vehicle needs front assemblies, all four dampers, or related sway bar links as well.
- Confirm the Maxima’s model year and suspension package before comparing prices.
- Choose complete assemblies if you want to avoid transferring a coil spring.
- Replace front and rear dampers together when both ends show age-related wear.
- Check whether sway bar links, mounts, or other hardware are included.
- Compare warranty terms and customer-feedback volume without treating either as a guarantee.
Match the kit to the repair scope
A pair of front assemblies is appropriate when inspection shows the front dampers are the problem and the rear shocks remain serviceable. A four-piece kit is more logical when the vehicle has generally tired suspension, high mileage, or noticeably different behavior between the front and rear. The eight-piece Detroit Axle package goes further by adding sway bar links, which may be useful if those links are loose, noisy, or visibly worn.
Check trim, drivetrain, and Sport Package details
Do not rely on a broad phrase such as “fits Nissan Maxima.” One listing specifically covers 2009–2014 cars while excluding the Sport Package. KUIPERAUTO narrows its stated application to S and SV 3.5L V6 FWD models without that package. If your car falls outside those descriptions, use the compatibility chart or obtain confirmation before ordering.
Think about complete assemblies versus separate components
A complete front strut assembly normally saves the buyer from dismantling the original spring and transferring the mount, bearing, boot, bumper, or isolator. That can reduce labor and make a home project more approachable. The trade-off is that the buyer receives a bundled spring and hardware arrangement rather than selecting every component separately. For a first-time suspension job, the simpler assembly may be worth prioritizing.
Use warranty information as a tie-breaker
Warranty coverage matters most when two otherwise suitable kits have similar contents. The 2016–2018 Detroit Axle package states a 10-year warranty, while COMPLETESTRUTS states one year. Read the current warranty terms, exclusions, and claim process before assuming the duration covers every part or every type of failure.
Compatibility Checks Before Ordering
Suspension fitment is more detailed than matching a brand and year. Write down the exact Maxima year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and whether it has a Sport Package. If the product page provides part numbers, compare them with the vehicle’s existing catalog information or ask a parts specialist to verify the application.
Also check whether the listing is for one side, a pair, or a complete vehicle set. The ECCPP and KUIPERAUTO options focus on the front, while the Detroit Axle and COMPLETESTRUTS packages cover front and rear positions. A buyer who orders a pair expecting four corners may still need a second purchase and a second installation appointment.
Before placing the order, confirm that the shipment includes all components shown in the current listing. Product packages can change, and a written contents list is more reliable than assuming that every photo or generalized title represents the exact kit being sold.
Installation Planning for a First-Time Buyer
Preassembled struts reduce the most hazardous part of the job: compressing and transferring a loaded coil spring. They do not eliminate the need for safe vehicle support, suitable hand tools, correct fastener torque, and enough workspace. A floor jack alone is not an adequate support strategy while working beneath a vehicle.
Plan to replace suspension components in axle pairs. Installing a new front assembly on only one side can create inconsistent damping and spring behavior between left and right. Before removing anything, compare the new parts with the old ones, including mounting points, connectors, spring orientation, and overall shape.
Keep the packaging until the installation is complete and the parts have been checked. If a component appears bent, damaged, incomplete, or different from the advertised application, stop before disassembly and resolve the issue. This is far easier than discovering a mismatch with the vehicle already immobilized.
After-installation alignment
Any front strut replacement can affect wheel alignment because the strut is part of the wheel-location system. Arrange an alignment after the work, even if the steering wheel appears centered. Correct alignment supports predictable handling and can help prevent uneven tire wear.
After the first short drive, listen for unusual clunks, rubbing, or spring movement and confirm that the vehicle tracks normally. Recheck accessible fasteners according to the vehicle service information. If the car pulls, vibrates, or behaves unpredictably, stop driving it until the installation and alignment are inspected.
How to Make New Struts Last Longer
Struts and shocks work hardest when the vehicle repeatedly encounters potholes, rough pavement, overloaded cargo, or damaged suspension hardware. Smooth, defensive driving cannot eliminate road impacts, but reducing unnecessary hard hits can lower stress on the springs, mounts, and dampers.
- Slow down before potholes, broken pavement, and sharp driveway transitions.
- Avoid carrying loads beyond the vehicle’s stated capacity.
- Keep tires properly inflated according to the vehicle’s recommended information.
- Repair worn sway bar links, mounts, and related hardware rather than ignoring noise.
- Inspect for fluid leakage, damaged boots, corrosion, or uneven ride height.
- Maintain wheel alignment and address unusual tire wear promptly.
Road salt and moisture can accelerate corrosion, especially around exposed hardware and spring surfaces. During routine maintenance, inspect the assemblies visually instead of waiting for a loud symptom. A damaged boot or developing leak does not necessarily identify the entire cause, but it is a reason to investigate before handling worsens.
When Should Nissan Maxima Struts Be Replaced?
Replacement timing should follow condition rather than a single universal mileage number. Common warning signs include excessive bouncing after a bump, nose-diving under braking, increased body roll, uneven tire wear, a visibly leaking damper, or a ride that feels less controlled than before. Clunks can also point to mounts, links, bushings, or loose hardware rather than the strut alone.
Compare symptoms on both sides of the vehicle and inspect the tires and springs at the same time. A vehicle that has one damaged spring or one failed mount may need more than a simple damper replacement. Conversely, replacing every part in a large kit may be unnecessary if inspection confirms that some components remain sound.
When the suspension has been disassembled for an older vehicle, replacing closely related worn parts can reduce the chance of paying for the same labor again. That decision should be based on condition and the kit contents, not on the assumption that every included component must be defective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Maxima Struts
Most avoidable problems happen before installation: incorrect fitment, incomplete planning, or confusing a front pair with a full-vehicle kit. A few minutes spent checking the application can prevent a delayed repair and an immobilized Maxima.
- Ordering by year alone without checking trim, drivetrain, or Sport Package status.
- Assuming a front pair includes rear shocks.
- Choosing a package with sway bar links without checking whether the vehicle needs them.
- Installing only one side of a pair when both sides are being replaced.
- Skipping the post-installation alignment.
- Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Discarding packaging before confirming that every part fits and is undamaged.
Never begin a suspension teardown until the replacement parts have been compared with the vehicle and the correct support equipment is ready.
Ride Expectations After Replacement
New struts may make the Maxima feel more controlled, but they cannot correct every source of noise or looseness. Tire condition, wheel alignment, springs, control-arm bushings, sway bar links, and upper mounts all affect the final result. If a symptom remains after installation, avoid assuming the new assemblies failed before checking the rest of the suspension.
A firmer sensation is not automatically a problem, especially when old dampers had become soft. However, persistent harshness, repeated bouncing, steering instability, or metallic knocking deserves inspection. The goal is controlled wheel movement and predictable handling, not simply the stiffest possible ride.
FAQS About Best Struts for Nissan Maxima
Which strut kit is best for a 2009–2014 Nissan Maxima?
The Detroit Axle 8pc Struts Shocks Kit ranks highest for a 2009–2014 Maxima without the Sport Package because it includes front assemblies, rear shocks, and sway bar links. ECCPP, COMPLETESTRUTS, and KUIPERAUTO may be better when the repair is limited to the front or when a smaller package is preferred.
Are these Maxima strut kits compatible with the Sport Package?
The supplied applications specifically exclude the Sport Package for the Detroit Axle 2009–2014 kit and the KUIPERAUTO pair. Do not assume compatibility; verify the exact suspension package with the product compatibility information before ordering.
Which option fits a 2016, 2017, or 2018 Nissan Maxima?
The second-ranked Detroit Axle 4pc Struts Shocks Kit is specifically listed for 2016–2018 Nissan Maxima models. Confirm the exact year and current application details before purchase, particularly if the vehicle has unusual equipment.
Do complete Maxima strut assemblies require a spring compressor?
The supplied complete assemblies are described as ready for installation without a special tool or spring compressor. Normal repair tools, safe vehicle support, correct torque procedures, and an alignment are still required.
Should I replace Nissan Maxima struts in pairs?
Replacing front struts as a left-and-right pair generally provides more consistent damping and spring behavior. The same principle applies when replacing rear shocks, especially if both sides have similar age and wear.
Do these kits include sway bar links?
The Detroit Axle 8pc kit includes four front and rear sway bar links. The other supplied options are described as front assemblies, four primary dampers, or front and rear shock components without sway bar links, so check the exact contents.
Will a strut replacement require a wheel alignment?
A front strut replacement can change wheel alignment, so an alignment after installation is strongly recommended. It also provides an opportunity to identify bent or worn suspension parts that could affect tire wear and handling.
Final Thoughts
For most non-Sport 2009–2014 owners, the Detroit Axle 8pc Struts Shocks Kit is the strongest overall choice because it covers the most suspension components. The 2016–2018 Detroit Axle 4pc Struts Shocks Kit is the clear alternative for its stated model years, while ECCPP Complete Struts Spring Assembly Front Struts is the focused front-end option. Choose among them only after confirming fitment, repair scope, and whether the vehicle needs front assemblies, rear shocks, or sway bar links.