Table of contents: Removal ↓ Disassembling the shock absorber…↓ Assembling the shock absorber strut ↓ Installing a shock absorber strut ↓
Removal
Front suspension view from one side.
As you can see from the illustration above, the new Nissan-developed front suspension has an unusual appearance. Although shock absorber struts with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers are used, the underside of the shock absorber strut is equipped with a mount that is usually used on the rear shock absorber. Removal and installation are very simple thanks to this design solution.
It should be remembered that the shock absorber strut cannot be disassembled, i.e. if the shock absorber has lost its shock absorbing properties, the entire strut should be replaced.
1. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel.
3. Place a lift under the wishbone and lift it slightly.
4. From the inside of the engine compartment, loosen the three nuts that hold the shock absorber strut to the support at the top. Do not remove the nut in the middle, as it holds the shock absorber strut assembled. If you are replacing parts of the shock absorber strut, you can unscrew it.
5. Loosen the bolt and nut on the underside of the shock absorber, knock out the bolt and release the shock absorber.
6. Slowly lower the lift, while simultaneously disengaging the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
Disassembling the shock absorber strut
If it is necessary to disassemble the shock absorber strut, the following points must be taken into account before starting work:
The coil springs of the various models described in this Manual differ from each other. In addition, different springs are installed depending on the engine installed. This should be remembered when ordering new parts. The springs are color-coded. Also, the springs must not be mixed up if both springs are removed.
The shock absorber does not need to be disassembled to replace it. If the shock absorber properties are lost or the piston rod is worn out, the entire shock absorber strut should be replaced.
When replacing the coil spring, be careful not to allow dirt to enter the shock absorber strut.
Never clamp the shock absorber strut in a vice, but make a plate to which the strut can be screwed. The plate can be clamped in a vice.
The illustration below shows the replacement parts of the shock absorber.
Individual elements of the shock absorber strut
1 - upper rubber bushing; 2 - nut, 45-55 Nm; 3 - gasket; 4 - upper spring support; 5 - upper rubber cushion; 6 - upper rubber bushing; 7 - cup; 8 - dust cuff; 9 - compression stroke buffer; 10 - coil spring; 11 - shock absorber strut
A spring compressor is required for disassembly.
1. Using the illustration below as a guide, compress the spring until the upper strut support can no longer be turned by hand. The two hooks of the compressor can be used for this purpose.
Loosening the piston rod nut. The spring is compressed by the compressor and a wrench is used to hold the rod.
2. Loosen the piston rod nut on the inside of the upper support while holding the piston rod with a wrench as shown in the illustration.
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3. Based on illustrations remove all upper support parts and then the coil spring from the shock absorber strut. Be careful not to scratch or damage the piston rod.
4. Clean the parts thoroughly in washing gasoline and dry with compressed air. Make sure that all parts are free of dust and dirt. Check the parts carefully. The worn or damaged parts shown in the assembly diagram can be replaced with new ones.
Assembling the shock absorber strut
Guided by illustration, assemble the shock absorber strut, taking into account the following instructions:
1. Bleed the air out of the shock absorber by moving the piston up and down several times, making sure the piston goes through its entire stroke each time. Pull the piston rod out if the knuckle side is down. Push the piston in if the knuckle side is up.
2. Compress the spring with a spring compressor and place it on the shock absorber strut. Make sure it fits correctly in the cup.
3. Put on all the parts shown in order illustrations, onto the shock absorber strut. Put the compression buffer, dust seal and cup onto the piston rod in the correct direction. Before putting on the upper support of the shock absorber strut, you need to find the recess on the outer circumference. Put on the support so that the recess with the shock absorber strut installed faces the inside of the car. In this regard, watch the fastening of the shock absorber. There is an arrow stamped into it, which should face backwards on the left side and forwards on the right side. The recess and the arrow should be oriented relative to each other.
4. Screw on the new piston rod nut while holding the rod as shown illustrations and tighten the nut to 18-24 Nm.
5. Slowly release the spring compressor and check that the spring enters the cup on the shock absorber strut.
Installing a shock absorber strut
The shock absorber strut is installed in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that the brake hose is not twisted when connected.
1. After installation, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and check that the hose does not come into contact with any parts of the car. The tightening torque values are given in Specifications at the beginning of the Chapter.
2. Tighten the three shock absorber upper support nuts to the body mount to 45-53 N·m. Drive the shock absorber bolt on the underside to the wishbone.
3. Finally, bleed the brake system if the brake hose was disconnected.