Best Nissan Maxima Struts: 8 Kits for 2012 Models Guide

Replacing worn struts is one of the fastest ways to make an older Nissan Maxima feel safer, smoother, and more controlled. If your car bounces over bumps, dives during braking, wanders on the highway, or wears tires unevenly, the struts and related suspension parts should be high on your checklist.

In this guide, you’ll find replacement struts and suspension kits for 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima models, with special attention to common 2012 Maxima needs. The goal is simple: help you choose between a full suspension refresh, a front strut pair, or a quick-install kit that fits your repair plan and budget.

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Top Picks

How I Picked These Struts

The strongest picks match the 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima fitment range, include clear front or rear coverage, and help solve common symptoms like bounce, sagging, vague steering, body roll, and uneven tire wear.

I favored complete strut assemblies because they arrive with key parts already installed, which can reduce installation time and help you avoid spring-compressor work. I also looked for useful kit coverage, such as front struts with rear shocks or sway bar links, because replacing related worn parts together often gives a more complete ride-quality improvement.

Because aftermarket listings can change, always confirm your year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and OEM part numbers before ordering. For a 2012 Nissan Maxima, many options in this guide fit well, but some products cover a narrower year range than others.

Detroit Axle 8pc Strut & Shock Kit

This Detroit Axle kit is the best match if your Maxima needs more than a front-end touch-up. It refreshes the front struts, rear shocks, and sway bar links, so you are not pairing new front parts with worn rear or link components.

For daily driving, this type of kit can help reduce bounce, steering shimmy, body roll, and that loose highway feel that often appears as suspension parts age. It is also a practical choice before a longer road trip if you want the car to feel more planted.

Who should buy this: Maxima owners who want the broadest repair in one box.

Who should avoid this: Drivers who only need a front strut pair and do not want to replace rear shocks or sway links right now.

Key Benefits

• Full kit includes front struts, rear shocks, and sway bar links
• Good choice when the whole suspension feels tired
• Can help reduce bounce, shimmy, road harshness, and body roll
• Ready-to-install front assemblies reduce extra spring work
• Useful for DIY installs or a single shop visit

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Detroit Axle Complete Strut & Shock Kit

This Detroit Axle kit makes sense if you want front struts and rear shocks but do not need sway bar links. That gives you broad ride-quality coverage while keeping the parts list simpler than the 8-piece kit.

It is a strong option when your Maxima feels floaty over highway dips, bouncy over potholes, or unsettled during lane changes. Since the front assemblies come ready to install, you can reduce the extra work that comes with rebuilding old struts.

Who should buy this: Drivers who want front and rear damping parts in one kit.

Who should avoid this: Buyers who already know their sway bar links are worn and want links included.

Key Benefits

• Includes 2 front ready-to-install strut assemblies and 2 rear shocks
• Good middle ground between a front-only pair and a full 8-piece kit
• Helps reduce bounce and float from worn damping parts
• Front assemblies arrive pre-built for easier installation
• Vehicle-specific fitment for 2009-2014 Maxima sedans should still be confirmed before purchase

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PM Auto Quick Complete Strut Set (4-Pack)

The PM Auto set is built for shoppers who want a simple, broad replacement path. Instead of buying front and rear parts separately, you get a matched set aimed at restoring ride height, damping, and control in one repair.

It is especially useful if your Maxima has both front-end bounce and rear-end looseness. For daily driving, it can help the car feel more settled over potholes and less floaty on the highway.

Who should buy this: DIYers or shop customers who want a ready-to-install front and rear set.

Who should avoid this: Buyers who only need front struts or who prefer a kit with sway bar links included.

Key Benefits

• Front and rear coverage in one set
• Complete assemblies can simplify installation
• Helpful for restoring a tired daily-driver ride
• Can improve steering response and highway stability when old parts are worn
• Good option when you want broad coverage without a larger sway-link kit

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KUIPERAUTO Front Pair Struts

The KUIPERAUTO front pair is a practical pick if your main complaint is a worn front end. Since the assemblies come pre-built with springs and mounts, the repair is simpler than rebuilding old struts piece by piece.

For commuting, these front struts are aimed at reducing bounce, restoring front ride height, and tightening steering feel. They are also a good option if your rear shocks still feel acceptable and you do not want to buy a larger kit.

Who should buy this: Maxima owners who want a value-focused complete front pair.

Who should avoid this: Drivers who need rear shocks, sway bar links, or a full suspension kit.

Key Benefits

• Complete front assemblies with springs and mounts
• Good choice for a front-only repair
• Designed for 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima Sedan FWD 3.5L fitment
• Helps restore ride height, reduce bounce, and firm up steering feel
• Pre-assembled design helps simplify the job

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OREDY Front Pair Struts

The OREDY front pair is a solid fit if you want an affordable way to restore the front suspension without buying rear parts. It is best for a Maxima that feels harsh, bouncy, or loose up front but does not need a full four-corner repair yet.

Because the assemblies include coil springs, you avoid the extra work of compressing and transferring old springs. That can save time for a capable DIYer and may reduce labor for a shop install.

Who should buy this: Budget-focused buyers who need a complete front pair.

Who should avoid this: Drivers who want rear shocks, premium damping, or a full kit.

Key Benefits

• Complete front assemblies with coil springs
• Good lower-cost choice for front suspension repair
• Vehicle-specific fitment for 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima models should still be confirmed before ordering
• Can reduce bounce and sharpen steering feel when old struts are worn
• Useful for driveway repairs or shop installation

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Detroit Axle Front Strut & Sway Bar Kit

This Detroit Axle front kit is a smart choice when your front struts and sway bar links both need attention. If you hear clunks, feel steering looseness, or notice extra body roll, replacing the front assemblies and links together can make more sense than doing only one part of the repair.

It does not cover the rear shocks, so it is best for a focused front-end repair rather than a full vehicle suspension refresh.

Who should buy this: Drivers with front-end bounce, clunks, or steering looseness.

Who should avoid this: Buyers who need rear shocks included.

Key Benefits

• Includes 2 front strut assemblies and 2 sway bar links
• Good option when front suspension noise and looseness appear together
• Ready-to-install front assemblies reduce spring work
• Can help tighten steering feel and reduce front-end float
• More complete than a basic front strut pair

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Detroit Axle Front Pair Struts

This front pair is best when you want Detroit Axle coverage but do not need sway bar links or rear shocks. It targets the common front-end symptoms: sagging, excess bounce, vague steering, and a rougher ride over potholes.

Because the units are complete assemblies, the install path is simpler than rebuilding the original struts. It is a good middle choice between a low-cost front pair and a larger multi-part kit.

Who should buy this: Drivers who need a front pair from a recognizable aftermarket suspension brand.

Who should avoid this: Buyers who want rear shocks or links included in the same box.

Key Benefits

• Complete front strut pair with coil springs
• Simple choice for front-only replacement
• Designed for 2009-2014 Nissan Maxima models
• Can improve front-end control when old struts are worn
• Does not force you to buy rear shocks or sway links if you do not need them

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A-Premium Front Complete Strut & Coil Spring Assembly (2-Pack)

The A-Premium 2-pack is a front-only option for Maxima owners who want complete strut and coil spring assemblies. It is especially relevant if you are shopping for a 2012 Maxima and want a ready-to-install front pair.

The main caution is fitment range. Because this listing is narrower than many 2009-2014 options, confirm your exact model year and part numbers before ordering, especially if you own a 2013 or 2014 Maxima.

Who should buy this: 2009-2012 Maxima owners who want a complete front pair.

Who should avoid this: 2013-2014 Maxima owners unless Amazon’s fitment checker and part numbers confirm compatibility.

Key Benefits

• Complete front strut and coil spring assemblies
• Useful for 2009-2012 Maxima front-end repair
• Good option for 2012 Maxima shoppers who confirm fitment
• Can help reduce bounce, sagging, and loose steering feel
• Front-only design keeps the repair focused and simpler

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How to Choose the Right Struts for a 2012 Nissan Maxima

Start with the repair scope. If your whole car feels loose, a kit with front struts and rear shocks may be worth it. If the problem is mainly front-end bounce, nose dive, or steering vagueness, a complete front pair may be enough.

Next, check included parts. A front strut pair is not the same as a full kit. Some kits include sway bar links, while others include only front struts and rear shocks. If your mechanic says the links are worn, choose a kit that includes them or buy them separately.

Finally, think about installation. Complete strut assemblies are usually easier than bare struts because the spring and mount are already assembled. That can save time, but you still need safe tools, proper torque, and a wheel alignment after the job.

Before You Install New Struts

• Compare the product’s year range with your Maxima’s year and trim.
• Use Amazon’s vehicle fitment checker and compare OEM part numbers when available.
• Replace left and right struts together when possible.
• Check sway bar links, control arm bushings, tires, and alignment before blaming struts alone.
• Inspect all parts for bent brackets, damaged threads, missing hardware, or leaking shocks before installation.
• Schedule a professional alignment after replacing struts.

FAQ

Will New Struts Make My 2012 Nissan Maxima Feel Brand New?

New struts can make a worn Maxima feel much fresher, especially if the old parts are sagging, leaking, bouncing, or causing poor steering response. They can reduce nose dive, improve control over bumps, and help the car track better.

They will not fix every suspension issue. Worn control arm bushings, bad sway bar links, old tires, or poor alignment can still make the car feel loose. Inspect related parts before and after the strut replacement.

Should I Replace Front Struts in Pairs?

Yes, replacing front struts in pairs is usually the safer and more balanced approach. A new strut on one side and a worn strut on the other can create uneven damping, uneven ride height, and inconsistent handling.

Do I Need a Wheel Alignment After Replacing Struts?

Yes, plan on an alignment after strut replacement. Strut removal can affect suspension geometry, and an alignment helps protect tire wear, steering feel, and highway stability.

Are Complete Strut Assemblies Easier to Install?

Complete strut assemblies are usually easier because the spring, mount, and related pieces are already assembled. That can reduce installation time and help you avoid spring-compressor work. You still need proper tools, safe lifting practices, and torque specs.

Which Kit Should I Choose?

Choose the Detroit Axle 8pc kit if you want the most complete refresh. Choose the Detroit Axle Complete Strut & Shock Kit or PM Auto set if you want front and rear damping coverage. Choose KUIPERAUTO, OREDY, Detroit Axle Front Pair, or A-Premium if you only need front struts.

Buyers Top Picks

When choosing between these Maxima strut options, focus on coverage first. A front pair is cheaper and simpler, but a front-and-rear kit may solve more ride-quality problems. If your car also clunks or rolls more than it should, a kit with sway bar links may be the better long-term value.

Wrapping Up

The best struts for a 2012 Nissan Maxima depend on how much of the suspension you want to refresh. For most buyers who want the most complete repair, the Detroit Axle 8pc Strut & Shock Kit is the strongest overall pick because it covers front struts, rear shocks, and sway bar links.

If you want a value-focused front repair, the KUIPERAUTO Front Pair Struts or OREDY Front Pair Struts are easier choices. If you want front and rear damping without a larger link kit, consider the Detroit Axle Complete Strut & Shock Kit or PM Auto Quick Complete Strut Set.

Before you order, confirm fitment, inspect related suspension parts, and plan for an alignment after installation. That gives your Maxima the best chance of riding smoother, steering better, and wearing tires more evenly.

This roundup is reader-supported. When you click through links, we may earn a referral commission on qualifying purchases.