### Shock Absorber

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### Altima and 240SX

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the strut assembly.

   CAUTION
   Coil springs are under extreme loads when compressed. Be sure to properly align the spring with the compressing tool to prevent personal injury from the spring releasing unexpectedly.

   NOTE: Mark the coil spring position to the strut assembly for reinstallation purposes.

3. Compress the coil spring with the proper compressor tool.
4. Remove the center retaining nut holding strut mounting insulator.
5. Slowly decompress the coil spring.
6. Remove the strut mounting insulator.
7. Remove coil spring.

   To install:

8. Install the coil spring onto the strut assembly. Be sure to align the matchmarks made during the removal procedure.
9. Install the strut mounting insulator.
10. Compress the coil spring assembly.

    NOTE: It will be necessary to use a new locknut for the center retaining nut of the coil spring.

11. Install the center retaining nut and tighten the nut to 43–56 ft. lbs. (59–76 Nm). Make sure the spring is seated properly on the strut and in the mounting insulator.
12. Slowly remove the spring compressor tool.
13. Install the strut assembly on the vehicle.
14. Perform a vehicle alignment and road test.

##### 300ZX

1. Remove the strut from the vehicle.
2. Use the strut holding fixture and mount the strut in a vise.
3. Loosen but do not remove the piston rod locknut.
4. Use a coil spring compressor and compress the coil spring until the upper spring seat can be turned by hand.
5. Remove the piston rod locknut.
6. Remove the upper spring seat and the coil spring.

   To install:

7. Install the compressed coil spring on the strut.
8. Install the upper spring seat on the coil spring.
9. Install a new self locking nut on the piston rod. Torque the nut to 13–17 ft. lbs. (18–24 Nm).
10. Carefully remove the spring compressor from the spring.
11. Install the strut assembly in the vehicle.