Piston Rod Nut Removal Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Before removing the piston rod nut, secure the shock absorber and coil spring in the SSTs. Otherwise, the coil spring could fly off under tremendous pressure and cause serious injury or death, or damage to vehicle parts.

Install the shock absorber and coil spring to the SSTs using a piece of cloth in order to prevent the coil spring from being scratched.
Compress the coil spring using the SSTs and remove the piston rod nut.

Fig 1: Compressing Spring

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.