Disassembly and Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the shock absorber (strut) 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 commercial service tool so that the shock absorber mounting insulator can be turned by hand.
WARNING: Make sure that the pawls of the two spring compressors are firmly hooked on the spring. The spring compressors must be tightened alternately and evenly so as not to tilt the spring.

Fig 1: Compressing Coil Spring Using Commercial Service Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove the shock absorber (strut) rod lock nut.

Fig 2: Identifying Piston Rod Lock Nut
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.