Nissan Altima (L32) 2007-2012 Service Manual: Disassembly and assembly

FRONT COIL SPRING AND STRUT

Disassembly and Assembly

DISASSEMBLY

1. Install Tool to strut and secure it in a vise.

Tool number : ST35652000 ( — )

CAUTION: When installing Tool, wrap a shop cloth around strut to protect it from damage. 2. Slightly loosen piston rod lock nut.

WARNING: Do not remove piston rod lock nut completely. If it is removed completely, the coil spring can jump out and may cause serious damage or injury. 3. Compress coil spring using a commercially available spring compressor.

WARNING: Make sure that the pawls of the two spring compressors are firmly hooked on the spring. The spring compressors must be tightened alternately so as not to tilt the spring. 4. Making sure coil spring is free between upper and lower seats, then remove piston rod lock nut.

5. Remove small parts on strut.

• Remove strut spacer, strut mount insulator, strut mounting insulator bracket thrust bearing, spring upper seat, and upper rubber seat. Then remove coil spring.

6. Remove bound bumper from spring upper seat.

7. Gradually release spring compressor (commercial service tool), and remove coil spring.

ASSEMBLY

1. Compress coil spring using a spring compressor (commercial service tool), and install it onto the strut.

CAUTION: Face tube side of coil spring downward. Align lower end to spring seat as shown.

WARNING: Be sure spring compressor is securely attached to coil spring. Compress coil spring. 2. Connect bound bumper to spring upper seat.

CAUTION: • Be sure to install bound bumper to spring upper seat securely.

• When installing bound bumper, use soapy water. Do not use machine oil or other lubricants. 3. Install small parts to the strut.

• Connect upper rubber seat, spring upper seats, thrust bearing, strut mount insulator, and strut spacer.

Temporarily install piston rod lock nut.

CAUTION: Do not reuse piston rod lock nut.

4. Be sure arrows on strut mount insulator and spring upper seat are positioned as shown. Also be sure notch in the strut spacer is positioned as shown.

5. Be sure coil spring is properly set in spring rubber seat. Gradually release spring compressor.

CAUTION: Be sure upper rubber seat is properly aligned to spring upper seat and coil spring. 6. Tighten piston rod lock nut to the specified torque.

7. Remove Tool from strut.

Inspection

INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY

Strut

• Check strut for deformation, cracks, and damage, and replace if necessary.

• Check piston rod for damage, uneven wear, and distortion, and replace if necessary.

• Check welded and sealed areas for oil leakage, and replace if necessary.

Insulator and Rubber Parts

Check strut mount insulator for cracks and rubber parts for wear. Replace them if necessary.

Coil Spring

Check for cracks, wear, and damage, and replace if necessary.