Disassembly and Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Nissan Titan. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the shock absorber in a vise, then loosen (without removing) the piston rod lock nut as shown.
CAUTION: Do not remove piston rod lock nut at this time.
Compress the spring using tool until the shock absorber mounting insulator can be turned by hand.
WARNING: Make sure that the pawls of the two tools are firmly hooked on the spring. The spring compressors must be tightened alternately and evenly so as not to tilt the spring.

Fig 1: Loosening Piston Rod Lock Nut
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the piston rod lock nut.
- Discard the piston rod lock nut, use a new nut for assembly.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Piston Rod Lock Nut
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.