Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Shock absorber

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL

1. Remove the rear wheel and tire using power tool. Refer to WT-60, "Adjustment".
2. Set a jack under rear lower link to relieve the rear suspension spring tension.
3. Remove the rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt with a power tool.
4. Gradually lower the jack to disconnect the rear shock absorber from the rear axle housing.
5. Remove the rear shock absorber upper nuts ( ) with a power tool, and then remove the rear shock absorber from vehicle.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

• Check the rear shock absorber for deformation, cracks, and damage. Replace if necessary.
• Check welded and sealed areas for oil leakage. Replace if necessary.

INSTALLATION

• Installation is the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION: Do not reuse the rear shock absorber upper nuts.

• Perform the final tightening of the rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt under unladen condition with tires on level ground. Refer to RSU-15, "Exploded View".
• Check wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Refer to RSU-6, "Inspection and Adjustment".
• Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor after checking the wheel alignment. Refer to BRC-6, "ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION : Special Repair Requirement".

Disassembly and Assembly

DISASSEMBLY

CAUTION: Make sure the piston rod is not damaged when removing components from the rear shock absorber.

1. Remove the rear shock absorber cap from the strut mount insulator.
2. Wrap a shop cloth around the lower flanges of the rear shock absorber and secure the lower flanges in a vise. CAUTION: Do not set the cylindrical part of shock absorber in a vise.
3. Secure the piston rod tip so that piston rod does not turn, and remove piston rod lock nut.
4. Remove the strut mount insulator, the shock absorber mount seal, and the rear suspension bound bumper from the rear shock absorber.

INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY

Rear Suspension Bound Bumper and Shock Absorber Mount Seal

Check the rear suspension bound bumper and the shock absorber mount seal for cracks and damage.

Replace if necessary.

Rear Shock Absorber

• Check for uneven operation through a full stroke for both compression and extension.
• Check the rear shock absorber for deformation, cracks, or other damage. Replace if necessary.
• Check the piston rod for damage, uneven wear, and distortion. Replace if necessary.
• Check for oil leakage on the welded or gland packing portions.

ASSEMBLY

Installation is the reverse order of removal. For tightening torque, refer to RSU-15, "Exploded View".

CAUTION: Do not reuse the piston rod lock nut.

Make sure the piston rod is not damaged when attaching components to the rear shock absorber.

Disposal

1. Set the rear shock absorber horizontally with the piston rod fully extended.
2. Drill 2 - 3 mm (0.08 - 0.12 in) hole at the position ( ) from top as shown to release gas gradually.

CAUTION:

•  Wear eye protection (safety glasses).
•  Wear gloves.
•  Be careful with metal chips or oil blown out by the compressed gas.

NOTE:

•  Drill vertically in this direction ( ).
•  Directly to the outer tube avoiding brackets.
•  The gas is clear, colorless, odorless, and harmless.

(A) : 20 - 30 mm (0.79 - 1.18 in)

3. Position the drilled hole downward and drain oil by moving the piston rod several times.

CAUTION: Dispose of drained oil according to the law and local regulations.