I've just learned that my X needs both springs replaced. I am not a mechanic, just a city guy loving my X using it to get to work and often pulling a small popup camper when headed to the woods to escape. I have a buddy who is experienced at doing the work, I just need to know about the parts. I would rather buy new parts than replace them from a junk yard...I don't need or want a lift on my X, just a replacement of the standard springs on both sides. Where is a good place to get these without breaking the bank. I will replace the shocks at the same time and have already ordered them from Summit...Bilstein 4100 series. Can you help me with advice? And, I want to give my buddy cash for the labor, what is a fair amount to pay for this? I am not DIY guy, I need your help and advice please. Thanks in advance.

WoW, 60 views and not one reply.
I really could use some help and advice please.

I just think it is unusual for these springs to go when I use my X mainly on the freeway driving to work...and a few times (6-9 weekends) a year towing my small Pop-Up camper (the Palomino Pony, one of the smallest campers they make!) I mean I bought the X because it could tow 5,000 pounds, it is built for that! Why would these springs go bad in just five years? I do NOT beat on my Xterra, I waited several years to be able to buy it new because I wanted one so bad. I take good care of my X and have it serviced regularly. I know I have a lot of miles but I thought it was just "broken in" now, I expect to get another 100k miles.

Do GM or Ford trucks or SUVs have these kinds of suspension problems?

Thanks for your help and advice.

Sorry Dave for your misfortune. I really don't have any advice other that the springs are already sofft from factory and it is a common problem.

Thanks for your kind response.
I visited the "Stealer" last night for an estimate. My buddy was right, both are broken. They quoted me $299.00 for each side for the leaf kit parts and a few more bucks for the related hardware needed to install. Of course the Labor is over $100 a hour too...since my friend tells me he can do this repair I am on the hunt now for the parts. If anyone has some suggestions there that would be helpful. I also thought I would visit a local suspension/spring shop that has been around for over 100 years, they make custom leafs for all kinds of vehicles so I am sure they can repair mine. With a repair of this expense I feel it is a good idea to "shop around" a little since I am not Donald Trump. (I have much less hair...on my head) My local Nissan dealer who gave me the estimate last night also suggested that I write a letter to Nissan and express my feelings. Keep in mind that this 4x4 is only just five years old. It has never been taken officially off-road. (sorry to admit that here to everyone) I bought this SUV because I thought it was rugged and also looked rugged. My little pop-up camper could not have done this damage...it is the second smallest one they make (Palomino Pony). And I am only able to camp during the summer months here in good old Minnesota and I don't make more than 6 or so trips a year....I work too much. Now that my X is paid for, I guess I am swapping payments for repairs? Thanks to everyone here for listening to me whine about it.

If you choose, you can order these parts from Courtesy Nissan. Their prices are usually comptetive, even with shipping. Or you can look at RockAuto.com

Great News!

I got a reply from Nissan....stayed tuned for further developments!


"Thank you for contacting Nissan North America, Inc. regarding your concern with your 2008 Nissan Xterra. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may have caused you.

Please be advised that we have forwarded your case to a regional specialist for individual handling. You will be contacted by the end of next business day. We greatly appreciate your patience in this matter.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be of service.

Sincerely,

Nissan North America, Inc."

Well all be, wonders never cease.

Bad news....Nissan called to say they would be unable to help me with any of the repairs. They claimed with the mileage I am too far beyond the warranty period for them to be able to offer me any assistance.

I plan to appeal the decision to the corporate office.

They promote and sell the Xterra for rough off-road capabilities.
Apparently mine would never make it off-road.

If they don't cover this repair I will personally campaign all over the internet to every Xterra, 4x4 and automotive website I can find to share my story.

Yes, I am that angry.

I sent my appeal letter and got another rejection.
It appears that Nissan does not understand the situation.
They seem to think I want this covered under a basic warranty claim.
They can deny the claim because I am beyond the mileage for a warranty claim. That is plain and simple. Further, talking to them on the phone they had an attitude and were very condescending. So much for great customer service.

What they don't seem to understand is that I am pointing out a flaw or defect in the parts. I have taken my X to a spring specialist in my area who told me this kind of failure should never have happened to a vehicle that is only five years old. Further, they agreed with me that since I have never been off-road and this still happened...they should not be claiming in their sales brochure that the Xterra features "rigid leaf springs" that can handle the toughest rocks when off-roading if it cannot even handle simple freeway driving without a failure.

I sent them complete specs of the small camper I tow about six times a year for camping...it weighs about half of the rated towing capacity of the Xterra which as you may know is 5,000 lbs.

Lucky for me, I also then appealed to my servicing Dealer, Luther Nissan of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. I have had all of my service done at this dealership and have been very happy with the services I have received there.
I appealed to them for help and they offered to do the repair at a very reduced cost and they apologized that Nissan was unable to help me. This is something I won't forget.

Lessons Learned:

Once you go past 100,000 miles, no auto manufacturer is going to care about your problems....apparently no matter what it is.

New vehicle sales brochures have inflated claims about the durability of their products and the parts on their vehicles. Best to review the websites where actual owners post their reviews.

Great customer service is not something to expect from Nissan corporate. There are plenty of other horror stories about them, mostly about about the Xterra (and other models) and the radiator problems.

While the dealer shop might be expensive, they know what they are doing and are fully trained. It pays to take the time to ask for help in these difficult situations. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

Nissan "Support" twitter site and web support are not actually supportive.
They don't take the time to fully listen and understand your story. I found it best to put it in writing. After I complained about the denial of my case they dropped me as a "friend".

The Xterra Owners Club is a great group of people.
Thanks for your support.

I am happy to report that the repair is completed and my Xterra is now restored! Driving it to work today was a breeze, the ride is greatly improved.
With my new Bilstein 4600 series shocks and the two new leaf springs everything is taken care of now. I am anxious to get out camping again.

Have a great fall and thank you again to everyone here.