On a 1989 nissan maxima with sonar suspension II how do you disassemble the strut assembly? the mounting bracket for sonar adapters is in the way of the strut center bolt.

Strut and Spring Assembly Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
   

1. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
   

1. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the 6mm drive hole in the front stabilizer bar link ball stud, do not use an Allen wrench to break loose or tighten to final torque the front stabilizer bar link-to-front shock absorber nut.
   Remove the stabilizer bar link retaining nut and disconnect the link from the strut.
   

1. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Over extension of the CV joint may result in the separation of internal parts, causing failure of the joint.
   Remove the strut assembly-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt. If required, slightly spread the steering knuckle to ease the removal of the strut. Pry down on the lower control arm and roll the strut base out of the knuckle. Do not pry on the halfshaft, as damage may result. Wire the steering knuckle up to prevent the halfshaft from moving outboard.
   

1. Partially lower the vehicle.
   

1. Support the strut assembly and remove the top three mount-to-strut tower nuts. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
   

1. CAUTION: The strut assembly is under spring tension. Attempting to disassemble the strut without properly compressing the spring can result in injury.
   Using a suitable spring compressing tool, slightly compress the strut spring to relieve initial tension. Loosen the upper rod nut. Continue to compress the spring until the tension is relieved. Remove the upper rod nut.
   

1. Remove all upper mounting parts, coil spring, and coil spring isolators from the strut and save them for reassembly. Carefully note the position of each part during removal to ensure proper reassembly. Inspect each part for wear and damage as it is removed.
   

Installation

1. CAUTION: The bearing and seal assembly is press-fit onto the upper mount. The mount washers must be installed in the correct orientation.
   NOTE: Be sure to check the spring insulator for damage before assembly. If the outer metal splash shield is bent or damaged, it must be carefully bent back, so it does not touch the locator on the bearing and seal assembly.
   
   NOTE: New gas struts are shipped with the rod in a locked down position. To extend the new strut, remove the external tie down and/or rotate the upper end of the rod, counterclockwise.
   
   Install the coil spring insulator, coil spring, and upper mounting parts to the new strut assembly. Make sure the spring is correctly seated in both spring seats.
   

Item Part Number Description 1 ? Dust Boot (Part of 18045) 2 N803826-S100 Front Shock Absorber Mounting Bracket Nut
(3 Req'd) 3 N803952-S100 Washer 4 N808625-S100 Front Shock Absorber Nut 5 18183 Front Shock Absorber Mounting Bracket 6 3B455 Front Suspension Bearing and Seal 7 5310 Front Coil Spring 8 5414 Front Spring Insulator 9 18045 Front Shock Absorber A ? Tighten to 35-40 Nm
(25-30 Lb-Ft) B ? Tighten to 55-63 Nm
(40-46 Lb-Ft)

1. CAUTION: Do not over tighten the lock nut; damage to the lock nut or piston rod could result.
   Install new rod lock nut and tighten it to 55-63 Nm (40-46 lb-ft).
   

1. Remove the spring compressing tool.
   

1. Position the strut assembly into the vehicle. Install the three mount-to-strut tower nuts. Tighten the nuts to 35-40 Nm (25-30 lb-ft).
   

1. Partially raise the hoist.
   

1. Position the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt and tighten it to 115-132 Nm (85-97 lb-ft).
   

1. Position the stabilizer link to the strut assembly and install the retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 90-100 Nm (66-74 lb-ft).
   

1. Install the front wheel and tire assembly.
   

1. Lower the vehicle.
   

hope this helps

-Depend on what you asked them to install for you.
-Make sure read all information in the receipt before go back to the shop.

Good luck

Mai

1994-96 VEHICLES
( see Figures 6 and 7 / click image for zoom )

Fig. 6: Oil pan mounting bolt locations-1996 3.1L engine shown

Fig. 7: Oil pan sealant application points-1996 3.1L engine shown

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   

It may be necessary to remove the hood, with the help of an assistant, for access.

1. Remove the engine mount strut and A/C compressor (if equipped) and the engine mount strut bracket assemblies.
   
2. Remove the electric cooling fan assemblies. -28467 and J 26462, or equivalent.
   
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Drain the engine oil.
   
4. Remove the front exhaust manifold pipe.
   
5. Remove the intermediate shaft bolt/screw.
   
6. Remove the oil level sensor.
   
7. Remove the engine splash shield.
   
8. Suitable support the drivetrain and front suspension with jack stands.
   
9. Remove the transaxle mount side frame retaining nuts from the drivetrain and suspension frame assembly.
   
10. Remove the engine mount side frame nuts from the drivetrain and suspension frame assembly.
    
11. Unfasten the rear drivetrain and front suspension frame bolts/screws.
    
12. If equipped, remove the lower drivetrain and front suspension frame bolts/screws.
    
13. Remove the engine mount assembly.
    
14. Remove the flywheel inspection cover.
    
15. Remove the starter.
    
16. Disconnect the transaxle mount assembly from the oil pan.
    
17. Unfasten the side bolts and screws and the retaining bolts and screws, then remove the oil pan. Remove and discard the oil pan gasket.

To install:

1. Clean the gasket mating surfaces.
   
2. Apply a small amount of sealer on either side of the rear main bearing cap, where the seal surface on the cap meets the cylinder block. Install a new gasket on the oil pan.
   
3. Position the oil pan and secure with the retaining bolts and screws. Tighten the retaining bolts and screws to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm) and the side bolts/screws using tool J 39505 or equivalent.
   
4. Fasten the transaxle mount assembly to the oil pan.
   
5. Install the starter motor.
   
6. Install the flywheel inspection cover.
   
7. Install the engine mount assembly.
   
8. Carefully raise the drivetrain and front suspension assembly. Install the rear drivetrain and front suspension frame bolts/screws.
   
9. Fasten the engine mount frame side nuts to the drivetrain and front suspension frame assembly. Install the transaxle mount frame side nuts to the drivetrain and suspension frame assembly.
   
10. Remove the jackstands from the drivetrain and front suspension frame assembly.
    
11. Install the engine splash shield and the oil level sensor.
    
12. Install the intermediate steering shaft bolt/screw. Connect the front exhaust manifold pipe.
    
13. Carefully lower the vehicle.
    
14. Remove the engine support tools.
    
15. Install the electric cooling fan assemblies.
    
16. Install the engine mount strut and A/C compressor, bracket and the engine mount strut bracket.
    
17. If removed, install the hood assembly.
    
18. Fill the crankcase to the correct level. Connect the negative battery cable. Run the engine to normal operating temperature and check for leaks.

Hope this helps (remember to rate this answer).

struts

its actually a shock with a strut like assembly strut cartridge top and shock mount on the bottom I guess its a mutt...

No, usually struts come without springs. Some aftermakets are available as complete assembly with strut, sping, and mount. This is the best way to buy if you doing them yourself. A little more expensive but you are replacing everything and will not have to take them to a shop to have spings changed over. I would not attempt to do this yourself even with rented sping compressor because it is extreamly dagerous. Strut spings can kill you, play it safe. Good Luck

Raise the car and remove the wheels. Loosen the bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle. Before removing them, remove the strut mount bolts under the hood. Then remove the other bolts, the entire strut assembly will slide out. You can either install a complete new strut and spring assembly (more expensive), or you can use a coil spring compressor to remove the spring from the old strut and install it on a new one (less expensive but you must have access to a spring compressor). Make sure when installing the spring that it is aligned correctly on the new strut. A compressed spring is very dangerous, be sure to follow the instructions with the spring compressor. Re-install the strut assembly. Make sure that the knuckle bolts are torqued to spec.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
   
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Unfasten the retainer(s), then remove the hydraulic flex hose bracket from the strut bracket. If equipped with ABS, the wheel speed sensor cable routing clip is also attached to the strut assembly bracket.

1. Support the rear knuckle, suspension and brake components before removing the clevis bracket-to-knuckle attaching bolts. Do NOT allow the weight of the knuckle and related components hang without support when the strut is removed.


WARNING The knuckle-to-strut attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Remove the nuts while holding the bolts stationary in the knuckle.

1. Hold the bolt with a wrench, then unfasten the 2 clevis bracket nuts attaching the strut to the knuckle.

Fig. Fig. 2: Location of the knuckle-to-clevis bracket bolts

1. Carefully lower the vehicle, then open the trunk. Access to the rear upper strut mount-to-strut tower attaching bolts is through the trunk of the car.
2. If necessary, remove the carpet from the top of the strut tower. Then, remove the rubber dust shield from the top of the strut tower for easier access to the upper strut nuts.

1. Loosen, but do not remove the 4 upper strut mounting nuts. Then, while supporting the strut assembly, fully remove the 4 strut mount attaching nuts.

1. Remove the strut assembly from the knuckle by sliding the knuckle out of the clevis bracket on the strut, then remove it from the vehicle.

Carefully pull the strut assembly out of the vehicle
To install:

1. Position the strut back into the vehicle with the 4 studs on the strut mount assembly through holes in the strut tower of the vehicle. Install the 4 strut mount-to-body attaching nuts onto the mount studs. Tighten the nuts to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).
2. Install the dust shield into the opening on top of the strut tower. Install the carpeting back on top of the rear strut tower.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Install the knuckle into the clevis bracket on the strut assembly. Install the 2 clevis bracket-to-knuckle attaching bolts and nuts. Hold the bolts with a wrench while tightening the nuts to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm).
5. Install the brake hose bracket to the strut bracket and secure with the retaining bolts. If equipped with ABS, the wheel speed sensor cable routing clip is also attached to the strut bracket.
6. Install the wheel and tire assembly on the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts evenly, in sequence, to 100 ft. lbs. (135 Nm).
7. Carefully lower the vehicle.
8. Have the toe checked and adjusted as necessary.

Make sure you get a spring compressor and I reccomend replacing both struts, dust boots, mounts and bearings. Usualyl due to age the mount/bearing will cause noise/steering issuse and the dust boots are there to help the struts last longer by not letting water/dirt ruin the strut seals

there are 4 nuts on the top under the hood where the strut mounts to the fender, remove these. CAUTION:....DO NOT REMOVE CENTER NUT ON STRUT ASSEMBLY!!!!! jack the vehicle up and support with a jack standCAUTION:...NEVER WORK ON A VEHICLE NOT SUPPORTED BY JACK STANDS!!!!! remove the wheel/tire there you will see (2) bolts/nuts for the lower bracket of strut assembley.(one will have a slotted hole and one will have a regular hole in the bracket) using a marking pen, mark the position of the slotted bolt on the bracket(this is for alignment purposes) then remove both bolts Note:... these are metric 18mm nuts . now use a pry bar to move the strut assembly from the hub assembly this will allow the strut to fall down from fender mount. You will now need a coil spring compression tool to remove the strut from the coil spring. Installation is in reverse order. remember do not remove the nut on the strut shaft unless you have the compression tool in place and clamped down....please rate this solution........thanks