🔧 Altima - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

This guide covers replacing the rear shock absorbers on your Altima. Rear shocks control bouncing and keep the tires planted; worn shocks can cause poor ride quality, longer stopping distance, and uneven tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on flat, solid ground only. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands. A jack stand is a fixed support that safely holds the vehicle after lifting.
• ⚠️ Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear of your Altima.
• ⚠️ Do not remove coil springs for this repair. The rear shock is separate from the spring on this Altima.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so both sides respond the same way.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for rear shock absorber replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug nut socket
• 18mm socket
• 18mm wrench
• Ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Flat trim tool
• Penetrating oil spray
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mounting nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Altima on level ground and shift to Park.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels.
• Open the trunk and clear out items around the side trim panels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower rear shock bolts and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
• Take photos before removing parts.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use a 21mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen the rear lug nuts one turn while the tires are still on the ground.
• Do not fully remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loose first, lift second.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack rated 2-ton minimum at the rear center jacking point or approved rear lift point.
• Raise the rear of your Altima high enough to remove both rear wheels.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the approved rear side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Lightly shake the vehicle by hand to confirm it is stable before working.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 21mm lug nut socket to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and place them flat under the vehicle edge as an extra safety backup.

Step 4: Access the Upper Shock Mounts

• Open the trunk.
• Use a flat trim tool to carefully move the trunk side trim away from the upper shock mounting area.
• The upper shock mount has two small nuts at the top of each rear shock.
• A trim tool is a plastic pry tool that helps remove panels without scratching them.

Step 5: Support the Rear Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum lightly under the rear lower suspension arm near the shock mount.
• Raise the jack just enough to support the arm. Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stand.
• This removes tension from the lower shock bolt.

Step 6: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use penetrating oil spray on the lower shock bolt if it looks rusty.
• Use a wire brush to clean exposed threads if needed.
• Use an 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
• If the bolt feels tight, rock the suspension arm slightly with the jack until the bolt slides out more easily.
• Do not force a loaded bolt.

Step 7: Remove the Upper Shock Nuts

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive to remove the two upper shock mounting nuts from inside the trunk area.
• Hold the shock with one hand as the last nut comes off so it does not drop.
• Remove the old shock absorber from under the vehicle.

Step 8: Install the New Rear Shock

• Position the new rear shock absorber into place with the upper studs going through the body mounting holes.
• Start the new upper mounting nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive to snug the upper nuts.
• Do not fully torque them yet.

Step 9: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to raise or lower the rear suspension arm until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Install the new lower mounting bolt and nut by hand.
• Use an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to snug the lower bolt.
• Do not final-tighten with the suspension hanging. Final torque should be done near normal ride height.

Step 10: Torque the Shock Mounting Hardware

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to raise the lower suspension arm until it is close to normal ride height.
• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive, 18mm socket, and 18mm wrench to tighten the lower shock bolt. Torque to 100 Nm (74 ft-lbs).
• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 18mm socket to tighten the upper shock nuts. Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).
• Torque means final measured tightness.

Step 11: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat Steps 4 through 10 on the opposite rear shock absorber.
• Use the same 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, floor jack rated 2-ton minimum, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive.

Step 12: Reinstall the Wheels

• Place each rear wheel back on the hub.
• Start all lug nuts by hand.
• Use the 21mm lug nut socket and ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 13: Lower the Vehicle and Torque Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
• Use the torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 21mm lug nut socket to tighten the rear lug nuts in a star pattern. Torque to 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs).

Step 14: Refit the Trunk Trim

• Use your hands and the flat trim tool to gently place the trunk side trim back into position.
• Make sure the trim clips are seated and no tools are left in the trunk.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner of your Altima by hand. It should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Drive slowly at first and listen for clunks, rattles, or rubbing noises.
• ✅ Recheck the rear lug nut torque after 25-50 miles using a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 21mm lug nut socket.
• ✅ If the steering wheel is off-center, tires are wearing unevenly, or the vehicle pulls, have the alignment checked.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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