A new shock absorber upper mounting nut must be used on refitting, and it is advisable to always renew shock absorbers in pairs on the same axle. Begin by chocking the front wheels, jacking up the rear of the vehicle, and securely supporting it on axle stands. For better access, remove the appropriate rear roadwheel. Using a trolley jack, raise the rear trailing arm until the shock absorber is slightly compressed. From inside the luggage compartment, remove the cover in the side trim panel to access the shock absorber upper mounting. If fitted, remove the cap over the upper mounting nut and unscrew the nut while holding the shock absorber piston rod with a second spanner. Remove the dished washer and upper mounting rubber bush from the top of the shock absorber. Slacken the shock absorber lower mounting bolt retaining nut, withdraw the bolt, and disengage the lower part of the shock absorber from the trailing arm. Withdraw the shock absorber from under the rear of the vehicle, collecting the distance tube, mounting rubber bush, dished washer, rebound rubber, and cover. Examine the shock absorber for signs of fluid leakage, check the piston rod for pitting, and inspect the body for damage. Test the operation by moving the piston rod through full and short strokes, ensuring the resistance is smooth and continuous; if not, renewal is necessary. Also, check the rubber mounting bushes and the mounting bolt for wear or damage. For refitting, fit the rebound rubber and cover over the piston rod, followed by the dished washer, mounting rubber bush, and distance tube, ensuring the dished washer's concave side faces the mounting rubber bush. Offer the top of the shock absorber into its upper mounting location, refit the mounting rubber bush and dished washer, and fit the new retaining nut, tightening it by hand. Align the damper lower mounting with the trailing arm and refit the lower mounting bolt, also tightening it by hand. Refit the rear roadwheel, lower the vehicle to the ground, and tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque. With the vehicle on its wheels at normal ride height, tighten the upper and lower shock absorber mounting bolts/nuts to the specified torque, and finally, refit the cover in the interior side trim panel.
Posted by NissanPartsDeal Specialist 
