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.
CAUTION: When installing the strut attachment to strut assembly, wrap a shop cloth around strut to protect from damage.

Fig 1: Securing Strut Assembly In Vise
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Using a spring compressor (A) (commercial service tool), compress coil spring between strut mounting bearing and lower seat (strut assembly) until coil spring with a spring compressor is free.
CAUTION: Be sure a spring compressor is securely attached to coil spring. Compress coil spring.
Check coil spring with a spring compressor between strut mounting bearing and lower 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.

Fig 2: Compressing Coil Spring Between Strut Mounting Bearing And Lower Seat (On Strut Assembly)
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove strut mounting insulator and strut mounting bearing, and bound bumper from strut.
After removing coil spring with a spring compressor, then gradually release a spring compressor.
CAUTION: Loosen while making sure coil spring attachment position does not move.
Remove the strut attachment [SST: ST35652000 ( - )] from strut.