Disassembly And Assembly: Disassembly

CAUTION:

Never damage strut assembly piston rod when removing components from strut assembly.

Install strut attachment (A) [SST: ST35652000 (-)] to strut assembly and secure it in a vise.

Fig 1: Shock Absorber Attachment
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:
When installing the strut attachment to strut assembly, wrap a shop cloth around strut to protect from damage.
Using a spring compressor (A) (commercial service tool), compress coil spring between strut mounting bearing and lower rubber seat (on strut assembly) until coil spring with a spring compressor is free.

Fig 2: Compressing Coil Spring Between Spring Upper Seat And Lower Seat Using Spring Compressor
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:
Be sure a spring compressor is securely attached to coil spring. Compress coil spring.
Make sure coil spring with a spring compressor between strut mounting bearing and lower rubber seat (strut assembly) is free. And then remove piston rod lock nut while securing the piston rod tip so that piston rod does not turn.
Remove strut mounting insulator and strut mounting bearing, and bound bumper from strut.
After remove coil spring with a spring compressor (commercial service tool), and then gradually release a spring compressor.
CAUTION:
Loosen while making sure coil spring attachment position does not move.
Remove lower rubber seat from strut.
Remove the strut attachment [SST: ST35652000 (-)] from strut.