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How to Replace Rear Shocks 2000-04 Nissan Frontier and XTerra

Created on: 2013-10-18

Check out this video and learn how to replace the rear shocks on your 00-04 Hyundai Elantra. 1A Auto shows you step by step!

  1. step 1 :Removing the Shock
    • Apply penetrating oil to the shock nuts
    • Remove the lower 18mm nut from the shock
    • Remove the upper 18mm nut from the shock
    • Pry off the shock with a pry bar
  2. step 2 :Installing the Shock
    • Apply pressure to the shock
    • Pull off the retaining strap
    • Allow the shock to expand
    • Clean the shock mounting studs with a wire brush
    • Put the shock into place, starting at the top
    • Press the shock as you put it onto the lower shock stud
    • Fasten the lower 18mm nut onto the shock
    • Fasten the upper 18mm nut onto the shock
    • Tighten both 18mm nuts

Tools needed

  • Floor Jack

    18mm Socket

    Rust Penetrant

    Jack Stands

    Pry Bar

    Ratchet

    Wire Brush

Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.

Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.

In this video, we're going to show you how to replace the rear shocks on this 2003 Nissan Frontier. This process is pretty much the same for Nissan Frontier and Xterra from '98 to 2004, and even more years than that. We're going to show you replacing the driver side; the passenger side's the same. We always recommend replacing them in pairs. You're going to need new shocks from 1AAuto.com, 18mm socket and ratchet (or a large wrench would work), penetrating oil, pry bar, and jack and jack stands.

Apply some penetrating oil to the nut and stud there on the bottom, and then on the top of the rear shocks. I'm using an 18mm socket and socket wrench to remove the lower nut there. I will fast forward as I take that off. I'm using the same socket and socket wrench there for the upper nut, and I'll fast forward as I take that off. It can be kind of tough to get that shock off the post there, so I'm using a pry bar to pry between the leaf spring shackle that holds it to the axle and up there between the shock and the frame itself. Once I get the bottom free, I'll be able to wiggle it off the top.

The new shock is going to come compressed with a little plastic retaining wrap. In order to get that off, just apply some pressure to it and pull it off. Then, you can see here that a new shock, or properly working shock, will compress and then decompress as well. You'll see in just a moment what the old shock does. You can see here, after being compressed, the old shock did not come back out, which means that it was definitely in need of replacement.

Clean the shock mounting points with some emery cloth or steel wool or a wire brush, and then apply a little oil just to help you get the shock back on. I'm putting the new shock in. Make sure that you route it the correct way. I'm going to put the top in first. Once I've done that I'll be able to press up on the bottom of that shock, pressing it a little bit so that I can get the lower post on. I'll fast forward as I do that. Now, I'm going to put the washer and nut back on that bottom post. I'm going to do the same for the top, now. Once I've got those both on I will go ahead and fast forward as I tighten those up with the 18mm socket and socket wrench.

We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.

2000 - 2004  Nissan  Xterra
2000 - 2001  Nissan  Frontier
1969 - 1987  Toyota  Land Cruiser
2000 - 2004  Nissan  Frontier
1981 - 1987  Isuzu  Pup Pickup
1984 - 1984  Isuzu  Trooper
1986 - 1986  Jeep  Comanche
1984 - 1986  Isuzu  Trooper
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