How do you replace rear shock absorbers on a 2004 Nissan Altima?

1) Jack the car and secure with jack stands.

2) Remove the tire.

3) Remove the two nuts that are on the top of the shock. This secures a plate that holds the top of the shock.

4) Remove the bolt on the bottom of the shock. Note: one side of the bolt is welded to the shock and does not have to be held. Removing this bolt is challenging.

5) Compress the the shock to remove.

6) Transfer plate and rubber sleeve to new shock. When removing the top nut on shock, secure the very top of the shock with vise grips.

7) Make sure to remove device that keeps the shock compressed.

8) Compress shock to reinstall. Install top plate to align with bolts. As the shock is decompressing, use screw driver to hold in position to insert bolt on the bottom of shock.

9) Install nuts on top of the shock and tighten.

10) Install bolt on the bottom of shock and tighten.