2. Loosen but do not remove the piston rod nut.
3. Install the pullers and compress the springs evenly until the top mount is released.
4. Unscrew the piston rod nut, remove the washers, gasket, top mount, top spring seat and compressed spring. Remove the rubber recoil buffer and dust cap from the stand.
5. Visually inspect all rack components and replace any worn or damaged ones. Check the top mounting components especially carefully. Check the spring. If it is necessary to replace one of the rear suspension springs, it is recommended to change both springs at the same time.
6. Check the damping action of the strut. If the damping is weak, or there are oil leaks, if the piston rod is bent, has play or damage, the strut will need to be replaced.
7. Note that it is good practice to treat both rear suspension struts as a matched pair; therefore, they must be replaced at the same time, even if only one is faulty.
8. Before attempting to rebuild the strut, consult your Nissan dealer for advice. Depending on the damage, there are several options: the strut assembly is replaced completely, or only the damping parts are replaced. In the latter case, you need to prepare a repair kit for shock absorber parts and contact a specialist.
9. To reassemble the strut, clamp it in a vice and extend the piston rod all the way to the bottom of the stroke, then unscrew the packing gland nut.
10. If the strut is leaking from the packing gland nut insulation, and if it is not a cartridge type, the leak can be repaired by installing a gland insulation kit, which is available separately. See paragraphs 16 and 17 below.
11. Remove the piston rod and cartridge (if available) or rod, guide and inner cylinder, collect spilled liquid. Turn the post over and pour out the remaining liquid, then clean the pipe, check for wear or damage, especially if there are visible signs of oil leaks; if the outer frame is damaged, the post must be replaced.
12. When assembling, check that all parts are absolutely clean and dry.
13. Assemble the piston rod, guide and inner cylinder, install them on the outer pipe. Push the piston rod all the way into the outer tube, clamp the strut assembly in a vice. Fill with the exact specified amount of recommended fluid; any variations in the amount or type of fluid will affect the damping properties of the strut. Move the plunger rod very gently to remove any air bubbles.
14. Before installing the packing gland nut, push the piston rod completely into the outer tube of the strut, making sure the rod is clean. Then wrap insulating tape around the top end to protect the seal lips from damage. Apply grease to the seal lips of the oil seal and install the oil seal (see Fig. 10.24 and 10.25).
Pic. 10.24. Strut Packing Gland Clamp Nut Installation Parts
Pic. 10.25.Wrap the upper end of the strut piston rod with adhesive tape and install the packing gland nut
15. When compressing the packing gland clamp nut with the tightening force regulated Specification Note that the actual torque for the nut is given. To obtain it, the torque wrench must be used with a special adapter shown in Fig. 10.26 (Nissan №ST35490000) and apply a formula that relates the measured torque on the torque wrench to the true torque. Refer to Fig. 10.27, the measured torque can be calculated as follows:
Pic. 10.26. Special tools for tightening the strut packing nut
Pic. 10.27. Method for calculating torque when using a special adapterMT - Measured Torque (using a torque wrench); AT - Actual torque; X - Effective length of the adapter; Y = Effective torque wrench length
16. If no special tool is available, the nut can be tightened by installing a ring or double-ended wrench and applying a force measured by a steelyard attached to the outer end of the wrench. To calculate the required force, measure the distance from the center of the nut to the balance point of the mount. Please note that the torque is 100 Nm (For example) - turning force of 100 N applied to the end of the lever (wrench) 1 meter long, so the applied force must be reduced proportionally for a longer wrench, and vice versa for a shorter wrench
19. Once you have tightened the packing gland nut, prepare the rebuilt strut (not cartridge type), holding the stand vertically and pushing the piston rod all the way out, then turn it over and push the piston rod all the way in. Repeat these steps several times to bleed the main shock absorber channels.
20. Please note that the suspension struts must be stored in an upright position. If the strut is being installed after long-term storage, clamp it vertically in a vice and move the piston rod all the way up and down several times to fully restore damping action.
21. Assembly is carried out in reverse order, noting the following points. Pull the piston rod all the way out and check that the spring is properly compressed. Place the spring, upper support and upper fastener as shown in Fig. 10.28 and 10.29. Tighten the piston rod nut to the specified torque Specification, remove the spring pullers.
Pic. 10.28. Correct position of the rear suspension coil spring
Pic. 10.29. Correct locations of rear suspension upper spring mounts and upper mounts
22. Install the suspension strut and spring into the vehicle as described in Chapter 14 of this Section.