Coil Spring and Shock Absorber: Disassembly and Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Suzuki Equator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the shock absorber in a vise, then loosen (without removing) the piston rod lock nut as shown.

Fig 1: Installing Shock Absorber In Vise
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

CAUTION: Do not remove piston rod lock nut at this time.
Compress the spring using commercial service tool until the shock absorber mounting insulator can be turned by hand.
WARNING: Make sure that the pawls of the two spring compressors are firmly hooked on the spring. The spring compressors must be tightened alternately and evenly so as not to tilt the spring.
Remove the piston rod lock nut.

Fig 2: Removing Piston Rod Lock Nut
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
- Discard the piston rod lock nut, use a new nut for assembly.
Remove the components from the shock absorber.
- Keep the spring compressed in the commercial service tool if reusing it for assembly.