Nissan Repair: 2001 Sentra SE Strut Assembly Replacement, control arm bushings, upper control arm

Question
Hello again Calvin,
It's time for another repair to my trusty Sentra(01 SE).  I noticed that I'm getting some friction noise(when going over speed bumps and general up and down movement)from my front right side wheel well area.  I'm assuming it's a strut starting to go bad. Could be the bushings that have dried out?  Anyway, can you give me the entry level replacement info for the assembly? I understand that if I replace the assembly then I won't have to deal with compressing the spring? Also, I understand that I'm dealing five bolts and some may need to be heated to free?  Anyway, any info that you can supply will be helpful.  Jus trying to get the needed info before I jump into it.  Thanks in advance.
Tim

Answer
Hi Tim -

Before condemning the struts, I would check the following first:

I am assuming these noises are coming from the front?
If so,

Lower control arm bushings
Upper control arm bushings
Lower ball joint

For the bushings, I would spray them with a heavy dose of WD40 and drive around for a day or so. If the noise goes away, then replace the bushing (helps to spray one at a time so you know which one is making the noise).

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin