I have a 96. I was told that the rears are more like
shocks than struts. I was wondering if anyone out there
has replaced them themselves. Is it more difficult than
a standard shock job?
Thanks,
Pete O.

 

The rear shock assembly on our cars resembles a McPherson Strut. Where as the spring needs to be removed to get at the shock. You don't really need a spring compressor to take them apart, (REARS ONLY) there is some preload, but it's minimal. The fronts however, you definately need a spring compressor for, the preload is intense.

To reassemble the shock and spring, push down hard with all your body weight (I weigh 200 lbs) and you should be able to compress the spring enough to catch the top nut onto the shock shaft. I've done a few 4th gen Maximas this way. Works every time.

 

the rear shocks are much easier then the front ones, remove your wheel spray some WD40 on that 17MM bolt, pop your trunk remove the liner and get yourself a 12MM deep socket and remove those two nuts and now go down and remove that 17MM bolt and thats it, here comes your shock and spring.

 

i just lowerd my car and the fronts are still super strong but the rears feel like junk, if i put agx's on the rears on a soft setting until i can afford fronts as well, will it cause any problems to the fronts or rest of the car?

 

You could, but I wouldn't. Kinda like putting two super sticky tires up front but leaving worn out crap in the rear.... not good.

I'd only replace suspension pieces in full sets (i.e. all struts, all springs, etc).

-RMB

 

The rear suspension is a very easy job. Even for a novice. You just ned to exercise some patience.