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Car Forum / Nissan / Nissan Maxima / April 2005Spring Compressors required to remove strut????
I have a '91 Nissan maxima GXE 5spd (190K) that needs 4 new struts and one drive axle (driver's side). 2 Questions: 1. Do I need a spring compressor to remove the springs or will full droop of the wheel be enough to get the springs off? 2. Are there any "gotchas" or special tools required to replace the drive axle? TIA, Derek <> > 1. Do I need a spring compressor to remove the springs or will full > droop of the wheel be enough to get the springs off? yes you need a spring compressor be advised that replacing struts and or springs is not a job for a novice, great care needs to be taken when compressing the spring, if the spring comes loose and hits you, be prepared, it will hurt you and maybe even kill you. I'n not trying to scare you, just informing you. > 2. Are there any "gotchas" or special tools required to replace the > drive axle? a 36mm socket and a large breaker bar and big kahonies > TIA, > > Derek I have done springs before, but I know some of the rice burners don't require a compressor. I will be sure to pick one up when I buy the struts or maybe borrow one from AZ. As for the drive axle, I am assuming that socket is for the spindle nut? Thanks for all the info. Derek yes > I have done springs before, but I know some of the rice burners don't > require a compressor. I will be sure to pick one up when I buy the [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Derek I'm doing the same job right now on my 91 Maxima SE. (2 front struts and driverside axle). I got the struts off without a spring compressor, but will need it to swap spring to new strut obviously. I'm having a problem getting the axle out of the transaxle case. Chilton's says to just pry it, but I don't have a lift and prying that hard isn't easy under the car. Anyone know how hard you should have to pry to remove it? Any tricks? Thanks I pried it with a 16" crowbar, it took a bit of elbow grease. A sharp movement did it, as opposed to steady pressure. Remember that you are trying to overcome a retaining clip. I put a piece of soft wood between the crowbar and the transmission case, just to be on the safe side. Another advice I've read somewhere is to take the passenger side axle out and use a long screwdriver to push out the driver's side axle through the differential. That may be an overkill, though, unless you're doing both axles. Also, try not to damage the seals. I found www.motorvate.ca to be of great guidance while doing this job. > I'm doing the same job right now on my 91 Maxima SE. (2 front struts and > driverside axle). I got the struts off without a spring compressor, but [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Thanks Thanks much for the info on prying the halfshaft axle out - did take quite a bit of force to pop it. Not sure I'd have pryed quite that hard without your advice. Also, someone mentioned the gearoil draining when the shaft is removed (something Chilton's didn't feel necessary to mention).... VERY useful tip- I had my bucket ready! ;-) Thanks! Glad to be of help! Are you sure your tranny isn't overfilled? I didn't lose any fluid on my Max or my wife's Altima when I did the axles. Both of my cars are automatic, if you have a manual, maybe the fluid level is higher in the manual... > Thanks much for the info on prying the halfshaft axle out - did take quite > a bit of force to pop it. Not sure I'd have pryed quite that hard without [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Thanks! >I'm doing the same job right now on my 91 Maxima SE. (2 front struts and >driverside axle). I got the struts off without a spring compressor, but >will need it to swap spring to new strut obviously. Good info. As long as I can get it on a bench, I'll feel much more confident not killing myself trying to compress the spring! I'm having a problem getting the axle out of the transaxle case. Chilton's says to just pry it, but I don't have a lift and prying that hard isn't easy under the car. Anyone know how hard you should have to pry to remove it? Any tricks? I'll make sure I have a sturdy prybar before starting as Filipp suggests. Thanks again for the insight! gen...@socal.rr.com Apr 5, 9:13 am show options Newsgroups: alt.autos.nissan.maxima From: gen...@socal.rr.com - Find messages by this author Date: 5 Apr 2005 09:13:35 -0700 Local: Tues,Apr 5 2005 9:13 am Subject: Spring Compressors required to remove strut???? Reply | Reply to Author | Forward | Print | Individual Message | Show original | Remove | Report Abuse I have a '91 Nissan maxima GXE 5spd (190K) that needs 4 new struts and one drive axle (driver's side). 2 Questions: 1. Do I need a spring compressor to remove the springs or will full droop of the wheel be enough to get the springs off? 2. Are there any "gotchas" or special tools required to replace the drive axle? Thanks to all that replied, Nisstech, 91 max and Filipp. Was a super easy job. AZ loaned me all the special tools and it really helps knowng what you need to reduce part store trips. Thanks again. Derek |
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