Post by
Nelsito65 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/nelsito65-u146959.html
Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:04 pm
You might want to get a copy of the FSM for your car. It comes very handy for procedures like that one.I replaced mine a few weeks ago and it involves removing the strut assemblies from the car and compressing the springs. A spring compressor is a must and it can be rented from some autopart stores. A braker bar is handy if your nuts are prety tight. If they are also rusted you might want to soak them with PB Blaster or something similar, and let it sit for a while, preferable overnight. You will also need a torque wrench.If your car is like my 2000 maxima, to remove the strut assembly you will need to remove the bolts connecting the strut to the wheel knuckle. Remove the brake line clip from the strut. Then, from the engine bay, loosen, but do not remove, the center upper rod nut. Finally remove the 3 upper mounting nuts. At this last step, hold the assembly while you remove the last nut so it doesn't fall to the ground.Make marks on the spring and mount so you know the positions of the components and re-assembly them in the exact same orientation.Using the spring compressor, compress the spring, alternating from side to side, while tightening the compressor rods. Once you release the pressure of the spring against the strut mount, remove the upper rod nut and remove the mount.Installation is the reverse order. Final torquing is done with the car on the ground. I don't know if the torque information for your car.Most likely you'll need an alignment after completing the installation.
Modified by Nelsito65 at 2:11 PM 11/24/2009