Ok so I took my Xterra into the dealership, because I got a recall notice on some rear ABS sensor. In the process of getting this taken care of I told them I needed a 4-wheel alignment (it was pulling right). So I get the call this morning from the dealership, "Oh ya by the way when we removed the rear tires we noticed your rear shocks were leaking". I am not a car expert by any means, but I figured most shocks usually last at least 60k miles, right? I dont do any crazy 4 wheeling and I dont load the back with any heavy loads on a regular basis(im on about 36k Miles). What do you think? Am i getting shafted from the dealership or is this just a freak occurrence or is this about as long as factory shocks should last?
Anyways to make a long story short I told them to go ahead with it, I was hoping to eventually put some aftermarket heavy duty shocks on it, but I don't have the time or money to do that right now. Any suggestions on some good aftermarket shocks for the xterrra (2001, 4x4)for future reference?

shocks should be covered by the waranty !
36K/3Y

4 wheel alighment ? whats that ?
Xterra can only have 2 front wheel aligment

If you do a search in this forum, you'll find a lot of threads that explain that the stock shocks are crap. Most people favor the Bilstein shocks for aftermarket.

People often don't change shocks until something like 60K, but 30K is about the recommended change interval (for cheap factory shocks), so you're really not too far out of line. One thing: did you actually see the leaking shocks? Replacements depend on how much you want to spend. There are many past threads on the board about this you can search. Do yourself a favor, though, and do not replace with really cheap shocks. The ride and handling qualities of the X are greatly improved by quality shocks. Bilsteins are the most highly regarded, but Tokico's and Ranchos have been used with success as well.

My shocks were shot around 45k, but I wasn't exactly kind to them on the trail.

Brent

My shocks lasted to 22,000. Offroading is very hard on them. Get the +10% or +20% Bilstiens.

I'm still confused with the proper stiffness rating, but I ordered B46-1099-H2 (4X4 10% ??)
due to a mistake, got B46-1099-H0 (4X4 20% ?? valved for ARB & winch) and installed them anyway.. without an ARB nor winch on my X, I find them a bit too stiff in the city, but better ride on the highway than stock.

I have some for sale.

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=25;t=001607

2003 Shocks are warranty covered for life...!
An improvement made on the 2003 not listed anywhere.

Maybe NISSAN 2003 shocks are for you?

I'd go KYB, KONI or the XOC Famous Bilsteins...All of which have lifetime garauntee.

OK guys thanks for the info, come to find out they were covered with the warranty. I think once I get some more money and time I will invest in some after market shocks. Thankfully the only thing I had to pay for was the alignment (2wheel).

Has anyone else gotten the factory recall on the rear ABS sensor, and if so did they have a problem?

Quite a few people have had the ABS recall done, including me. No one has reported having an actual problem that I can remember.

My stock shocks were dead, lifeless, gone and deceased before 30,000 highway miles. Replaced with Bilsteins.

Had the abs recall done two weeks ago. Two days later , the rear right stock shock massively leaked out in the parking lot. Took it down to the dealer and they replaced it immediately. Have only 15.000 miles on the truck. The replacement was covered under warranty. Will replace with better shocks once the warrantly period is up.

2002 4x4 xe
Molten Lava

If it helps form a consensus, I can add that mine just blew out at 32,000. Dropped it off to get the 30K service (a little late, I know) and the shop called me immediately. I planned to take it to a dealership next week for the ABS sensor recall, so I'll have them fix the shocks at the same time. I now definitely plan on upgrading once they go out a second time, thanks for the information guys.