Disassembly and Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan 350Z. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Make sure piston rod on shock absorber is not damaged when removing components from shock absorber.

Install strut attachment (SST) to shock absorber and fix it in a vise.
CAUTION: When installing strut attachment (SST) to shock absorber, wrap a shop cloth around shock absorber to protect it from damage.
Using a spring compressor (commercial service tool), compress coil spring between spring upper seat and spring lower seat (on shock absorber) until coil spring is free.

Fig 1: Compressing Coil Spring Between Spring Upper Seat & Spring Lower Seat Using Spring Compressor
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CAUTION: Be sure spring compressor (commercial service tool) is securely attached to coil spring. Compress coil spring.
Check that coil spring between spring upper seat and spring lower seat is free and then secure piston rod tip so that piston rod does not turn, and remove piston rod lock nut.
Remove mounting insulator, bound bumper, spring upper seat. Then remove coil spring from shock absorber.
Gradually release spring compressor (commercial service tool), and remove coil spring.

Fig 2: Piston Rod Tip
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CAUTION: Loosen while making sure coil spring attachment position does not move.
Remove strut attachment (SST) from shock absorber.