1991 Nissan Maxima strut replacement?

Question

I want to replace my front and rear struts .
To remove the strut does it have to compressed first or can I just take out the strut . It looks like the spring is not compressed when I jack up the car . Please advise on procedure .
I am very mechanically inclined but want to make sure on doing this type of job .

Answer 1

Three nuts on the strut mount on top and two horizontal bolts strut to steering knuckle. Remove the strut then compress the spring and replace the shock. NO don't remove the center nut the spring is under compression even jacked up and is dangerious! And do the rubber bellows and the turning bearing and any torn rubber strut mounts at the same time. Doing the complete job now is important don't want to go back in and re compress the spring latter.. Plan to get really dirty and please place the car up on four jack stands. Don't want you pinned under the car that fell on you. I think the rear strut tops are behind the back seat good luck, Air powered ratchet wrench really helps.

Answer 2

You can take the strut out of the car without compressing spring. The reason you compress the spring is when you need to take the top bolt out and remove the strut mount. If spring is not compressed at this point, it will pop and shoot it across the garage.

Answer 3

You can remove the strut and spring together without compressing it. The strut and spring are held together by a bolt over the top hat. You must compress the spring before removing that bolt to separate the strut and the spring.

Answer 4

No a wheel alignment isn't require or needed after changing a marvel or strut. some manuals will say in any different case do in basic terms not pay any interest. justchronic it. If each and every thing feels the comparable and it drives super save the money. in case you experience the driving is definitely undesirable and definitely off and wearing your tires erratically then get it finished.