E SUSPENSION

SECTION
FRONT SUSPENSION
FSU B

FSU
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2 SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY ....................... 10 F
Precautions .............................................................. 2 MOUNTING INSULATOR AND RUBBER PARTS... 10
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3 STRUT BEARING ............................................... 10
Special Service Tools ............................................... 3 COIL SPRING ..................................................... 10 G
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 3 Assembly ................................................................ 10
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 11
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4 Removal and Installation ........................................ 11
H
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4 REMOVAL ........................................................... 11
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ........................... 5 INSTALLATION ................................................... 11
Components ............................................................. 5 Inspection ............................................................... 12
On-vehicle Service ................................................... 6 TRANSVERSE LINK ................................................. 13 I
FRONT SUSPENSION PARTS ............................. 6 Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
Front Wheel Alignment ............................................. 6 REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
DESCRIPTION ...................................................... 6 INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 13 J
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6 INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINA- FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER ............................. 15
TION ...................................................................... 7 Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
K
TOE-IN .................................................................. 7 REMOVAL ........................................................... 15
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE ..................... 8 INSTALLATION ................................................... 17
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER ................. 9 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 18
Removal and Installation .......................................... 9 General Specifications (Front) ................................ 18 L
REMOVAL ............................................................. 9 Front Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1) ....................... 18
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 9 Lower Ball Joint ...................................................... 18
Disassembly ............................................................. 9 Wheelarch Height (Unladen*) ................................. 19 M
Inspection ............................................................... 10

Revision: March 2005 FSU-1 2005 Altima

 PRECAUTIONS

PRECAUTIONS PFP:00001

Precautions EES0016W

● When installing rubber parts, final tightening must be carried out under unladen condition* with
tires on ground.
Oil will shorten the life of rubber bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated posi-
tions.
● After installing removed suspension parts, check wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
● Lock nuts are unreusable parts; always use new ones.
When replacing, do not wipe the oil off the new lock nut before tightening.

Revision: March 2005 FSU-2 2005 Altima

 PREPARATION

PREPARATION PFP:00002
A
Special Service Tools EES0016X

The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number Description B
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool name
HT72520000 Removing outer tie-rod end and lower ball C
(J25730-A) joint
Ball joint remover

NT146
FSU
KV101J0010 Front suspension member removal
(J-47242)
Engine support table
F

WBIA0658E G

Commercial Service Tools EES0016Y

Tool name Description H

Power tool Loosening bolts and nuts

J
PBIC0190E

Attachment wheel alignment Measuring wheel alignment

a: Screw M24 x 1.5 pitch K
b: 35 mm (1.38 in) dia.
c: 65 mm (2.56 in) dia.
d: 56 mm (2.20 in)
e: 12 mm (0.47 in) L

NT148

Spring compressor Removing and installing coil spring

M

NT717

Revision: March 2005 FSU-3 2005 Altima

 Symptom

×: Applicable
Noise
Shake

Shimmy

handling
Vibration

Shudder
Reference page

PECTED PARTS

Revision: March 2005

Poor quality ride or
Possible Cause and SUS-

×
×
×
×
×
×
Improper installation, looseness FSU-5

Shock absorber deformation,

×
×
×
×
×
×
FSU-10
damage or deflection
NVH Troubleshooting Chart

Bushing or mounting
FSU-10

×
×
×
×
×
×
deterioration

Parts interference —

×
×
×
×
×
Spring fatigue FSU-10

×
×
×

FSU-4
×
×
Suspension looseness FSU-5

×
×
Incorrect wheel alignment FSU-6

Stabilizer bar fatigue FSU-12

×
DRIVE SHAFT FAX-4, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"
×
×
×

×
×
×
×
×
×

AXLE FAX-4, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

×
×
×
×
×
×

TIRES WT-2, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

×
×
×
×

ROAD WHEEL WT-2, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

×
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

BRAKES BR-5, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

×
×
×
×

STEERING PS-4, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

×
×
×
×
×
Use the following chart to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
PFP:00003

2005 Altima
EES0016Z
 FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY PFP:54010

A
Components EES00170

FSU

WEIA0148E

1. Gasket 2. Shock absorber mounting insulator 3. Shock absorber bushing

and bearing assembly
4. Upper rubber seat and spring 5. Dust cover 6. Lower rubber seat
upper seat
7. Coil spring 8. Shock absorber 9. Front suspension member
10. Cup 11. Member pin stay 12. Wheel hub and steering knuckle
assembly
13. Cotter pin 14. Transverse link 15. Connecting rod
16. Stabilizer bar 17. Driveshaft ⇐ Front

Revision: March 2005 FSU-5 2005 Altima

 FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

On-vehicle Service EES00171

FRONT SUSPENSION PARTS

Check the front axle and front suspension parts for any excessive play, cracks, wear, or other damage.
● Raise the vehicle on a hoist and shake each front wheel to
check for excessive play.
● Make sure that the cotter pin is inserted in the lower ball joint.
● Retighten all of the axle and suspension nuts and bolts to the
specified torque.
Tightening torques : Refer to FSU-5, "Components" .

SMA525A

● Check the strut for any oil leakage or other damage.

● Check the suspension ball joint for grease leakage and the ball
joint dust cover for any cracks or other damage.
If the ball joint dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace the
transverse link.

SFA392B

● Measure the wheelarch height “Hf” and “Hr” from the top of the
wheelarch to the ground.
– For proper measurement of the vehicle height, the vehicle must
be unladen*, parked on a level surface, and tires checked for
proper inflation and wear (the tread wear indicators must not be
showing).
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand
tools and mats in designated positions.
– Bounce the vehicle up and down several times before measur-
ing the height.
SFA818A
Standard height : Refer to FSU-19, "Wheelarch
Height (Unladen*)" .
– The wheelarch height is not adjustable. If the height is out of specification, check for worn springs or sus-
pension parts.
Front Wheel Alignment EES00172

DESCRIPTION
NOTE:
Before checking the front wheel alignment, be sure to make a preliminary inspection with the vehicle
Unladen*.
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
● Check the tires for wear and improper inflation.
● Check the wheel runout.
Wheel runout : Refer to FSU-10, "Inspection" .
● Check the front wheel bearings for looseness.
● Check the front suspension for looseness.

Revision: March 2005 FSU-6 2005 Altima

 FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

● Check the steering linkage for looseness.

● Check that the front struts work properly. A
● Check the vehicle height (posture) in the unladen condition. Refer to FSU-6, "FRONT SUSPENSION
PARTS" .
B
CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINATION
NOTE:
Camber, caster and kingpin inclination are preset at factory and cannot be adjusted.
C
1. Measure the camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both the
right and left wheels using suitable commercialy available
attachment tool and alignment gauge.
D
Camber, caster and : Refer to FSU-18, "Front Wheel
kingpin inclination Alignment (Unladen*1)" .
2. If the camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within specifica- FSU
tion, inspect the front suspension parts. Replace any damaged
or worn out parts.
F
SRA096A

TOE-IN
WARNING: G
● Always perform the following procedure on a flat surface.
● Make sure that no person is in front of the vehicle before pushing it.
1. Bounce the front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the vehicle height (posture). H
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both front tires
at the hub center height as shown. These marks are measuring I
points.

AFA050
L
4. Measure the distance “A” on the rear side of the front tires as
shown.
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180° M
degrees (1/2 a turn).
CAUTION:
If the wheels have rotated more than 180° degrees (1/2
turn), start this procedure again from the beginning. Never
push the vehicle backward.
6. Measure the distance “B” on the front side of the front tires at the
same marks as shown.
SFA234AC
Total toe-in : Refer to FSU-18, "Front Wheel Align-
ment (Unladen*1)" .

Revision: March 2005 FSU-7 2005 Altima

 FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

7. Adjust the toe-in by varying the length of the steering outer tie-
rods.
a. Loosen the outer tie-rod lock nuts.
b. Adjust the toe-in by screwing the outer tie-rods in or out.
Standard length “L” : Refer to PS-27, "Steering Gear
and Linkage" .
c. Tighten the outer tie-rod lock nuts to specified torque.
Lock nut : Refer to PS-13, "Removal and
Installation" . SFA486A

FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE

1. Set the front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Then move the
vehicle forward until the front wheels rest on the turning radius
gauge as shown.
2. Rotate steering wheel all the way right and left; measure the
turning angles “A” and “B” as shown.
Wheel turning angle : Refer to FSU-18, "Front Wheel
(full turn) Alignment (Unladen*1)" .

SFA439BA

Revision: March 2005 FSU-8 2005 Altima

 COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER PFP:56210

A
Removal and Installation EES00173

REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool.
B
2. Disconnect the ABS sensor wire and front brake hose from the brackets on the front strut.
3. Disconnect the connecting rod upper link using power tool.
4. Support the wheel hub and steering knuckle assembly with a suitable wire. C
5. Remove the strut lower bolts and nuts using power tool.
6. Remove the three upper strut mounting nuts using power tool.
CAUTION: D
Do not remove piston rod lock nut on vehicle.
7. Remove the strut assembly.
FSU

F
SFA956A

INSTALLATION
G
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
● After installation, check that the front wheel alignment is within specification. Refer to FSU-6, "Front
Wheel Alignment" .
H
● When installing the strut spacer, it must be positioned as shown.
● Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification using power tool. Refer
to FSU-5, "Components" .
I
WARNING:
● Always replace the strut lower mounting nuts.

● When installing strut to steering knuckle, be sure to hold

J
bolts when tightening nuts.
● Install wheel and tire. Refer to WT-5, "Rotation" .
K
WSU003

Disassembly EES00174

1. Set the strut in a vise, then loosen (without removing) the piston L
rod lock nut as shown.
CAUTION:
Do not remove piston rod lock nut at this time. M
2. Compress the spring using commercial service tool so that 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. SSU002

Revision: March 2005 FSU-9 2005 Altima

 COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

3. Remove the strut rod lock nut.

SSU003

Inspection EES00175

SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY

● Check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension.
● Check for oil leakage on welded or gland packing portions.
● Check strut rod for cracks, deformation or other damage and replace if necessary.
MOUNTING INSULATOR AND RUBBER PARTS
Check cemented rubber-to-metal portion for separation or cracks. Check rubber parts for deterioration and
replace if necessary.
STRUT BEARING
Check the strut bearing for abnormal noise or excessive rattle in axial direction and replace if necessary.
COIL SPRING
Check for cracks, deformation or other damage and replace if necessary.
Assembly EES00176

1. When installing coil spring on strut, it must be positioned as

shown.

SFA508A

2. Install upper spring seat with alignment mark facing the outer
side of vehicle, in line with strut-to-knuckle attachment points.
NOTE:
LH side shown, RH side similar.

SFA564B

Revision: March 2005 FSU-10 2005 Altima

 STABILIZER BAR

STABILIZER BAR PFP:54611

A
Removal and Installation EES00177

FSU

WEIA0147E

1. Stabilizer bar 2. Bracket 3. Bushing

G
4. Connecting rod ⇐ Front

REMOVAL
1. Remove the front suspension member. Refer to FSU-15, "FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER" . H
2. Support suspension member using suitable jack support.
3. Disconnect the connecting rod end at the stabilizer bar using
power tool. I
● Prevent the stabilizer connecting rod from turning by inserting
a hex wrench into the end of the ball stud, then remove nut.
4. Remove the two stabilizer bar clamps from the front suspension J
member using power tool.
5. Remove the front stabilizer bar.
● Remove the two stabilizer bushings as necessary. K

SFA796B
L
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
● When installing stabilizer, make sure that the clamps are facing M
in the correct direction as shown.

WEIA0073E

Revision: March 2005 FSU-11 2005 Altima

 STABILIZER BAR

● Make sure that slit in bushing is in the position as shown.

● Lubricate the inner and outer surfaces of the bushing using a sil-
icone lubricant.

SFA604B

Inspection EES00178

● Check the stabilizer bar for deformation or cracks and replace if

necessary.
● Check the bushings for deterioration or cracks. Replace if nec-
essary.
● Check that the ball joint can rotate in all directions. If movement
is not smooth and free, replace stabilizer bar connecting rod.

ARA027

Revision: March 2005 FSU-12 2005 Altima

 TRANSVERSE LINK

TRANSVERSE LINK PFP:54500

A
Removal and Installation EES00179

REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool.
B
2. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin and remove the lower ball joint nut using power tool.
CAUTION:
Discard the cotter pin and use a new cotter pin for installation.
C
3. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using
Tool as shown.
Tool number : HT72520000 (J25730-A) D

FSU

F
WEIA0103E

4. Remove the member stay pin nut and two bolts using power tool, and remove the member stay pin.
5. Remove the two transverse link pivot bolts using power tool. G
6. Remove the transverse link bolt and remove the transverse link from the front suspension member.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL H
Visual Check
● Check the transverse link for damage, cracks or deformation. Replace it if necessary.
● Check the bushing for damage, cracks and deformation. Replace the transverse link if necessary. I
Lower Ball Joint
● Check the ball joint for excessive play. Replace the transverse link assembly if any of the following exists: J
● Lower ball joint stud is worn.
● Lower ball joint is hard to swing.
● Lower ball joint play in axial directions or end play is excessive. K
Swinging Force
NOTE:
Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball L
joint is properly broken in.
Swinging force “A” (mea- : 7.8 - 54.9 N (0.8 - 5.6 kg-f,
suring from cotter pin 1.8 - 12.3 lb-f) M
hole of ball stud)

SFA858A

Turning Force
NOTE:
Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball
joint is properly broken in.

Revision: March 2005 FSU-13 2005 Altima

 TRANSVERSE LINK

Turning torque “B” : 0.49 - 3.43 N·m (5.0 - 35.0 kg-cm,

4.3 - 30.4 in-lb)

SFA858A

Vertical End Play

Check dust cover for damage. Replace it and the cover clamp if necessary.
NOTE:
Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball
joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball joint is properly broken in.
Vertical end play “C” : 0 mm (0 in)

SFA858A

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
● Tighten the transverse link mounting bolts to specified torque. Refer to FSU-5, "Components" . During
installation, the final tightening must be done with the vehicle in unladen* condition and the tires on the
ground.
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
CAUTION:
Discard the old cotter pin and use a new cotter pin for installation of the lower ball joint nut.
● Install wheel and tire. Refer to WT-5, "Rotation" .
● After installation, check the wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Front Wheel Alignment" .

Revision: March 2005 FSU-14 2005 Altima

 FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER

FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER PFP:54401

A
Removal and Installation EES0017A

FSU

WEIA0105E
K
1. Front engine mount 2. Rear engine mount 3. Member pin stay, RH
4. Member pin stay, LH 5. Front suspension member 6. Cup
7. LH transaxle mounting insulator (VQ35DE) L
REMOVAL
1. Remove wheels and tires using power tool.
2. Remove engine cover and undercover. M
3. For vehicles equipped with the VQ35DE engine, install the
engine slingers into the front of the left cylinder head, and the
right rear cylinder head as shown. Then support the engine from
the engine slingers using suitable tool.

SEM807G

Revision: March 2005 FSU-15 2005 Altima

 FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER

SEM808G

4. Remove the splash shields.

5. For vehicles equipped with the VQ35DE engine, remove the two
LH transaxle mounting insulator bolts.

WEIA0106E

6. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin and remove the lower ball joint nut using power tool.
CAUTION:
Discard the cotter pin and use a new cotter pin for installation.
7. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using
Tool as shown.
Tool number : HT2520000 (J25730-A)

WEIA0103E

8. Remove the front exhaust tube using power tool. Refer to EX-7, "Removal and Installation" .
9. Remove the power steering line bracket from the front suspension member.
10. Remove the mounting bolts on the lower side of the steering gear.
11. Disconnect the front and rear engine mount electrical connectors, if equipped.

12. Disconnect the connecting rod from the front strut using power
tool.

SFA796B

Revision: March 2005 FSU-16 2005 Altima

 FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER

13. Set Tool under the front suspension member, then remove the mounting nuts from the front suspension
member using power tool. A
Tool number : KV101J0010 (J-47242)
14. Remove the mounting bolts from the front suspension member pin stay on the vehicle body side using B
power tool.
15. Remove the through bolts from the front and rear engine mounts.
16. Lower the suspension member slowly. C
● If necessary, remove the exhaust hanger bracket from the front suspension member.

● If necessary, remove the front and rear engine mounts.

● If necessary, remove the transverse link. D

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
FSU
● For vehicles equipped with the VQ35DE engine, tighten the two LH transaxle mounting insulator bolts to
specification.
● Install the stabilizer bar bushings and clamps in the specified orientation. Refer to FSU-11, "INSTALLA-
F
TION" .
● Tighten the stabilizer bar and connecting rod nuts and bolts to specification. Refer to FSU-11, "Removal
and Installation" .
G
● Tighten the steering gear mounting bolts to specification. Refer to PS-13, "Removal and Installation" .
● Install wheel and tire. Refer to WT-5, "Rotation" .
● Check the wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Front Wheel Alignment" . H

Revision: March 2005 FSU-17 2005 Altima

 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) PFP:00030

General Specifications (Front) EES0017B

Suspension type Independent MacPherson strut

Shock absorber type Double-acting hydraulic
Stabilizer bar Standard equipment

Front Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1) EES0017C

Tire size 215/60R16 215/55R17 225/45R18

Camber Minimum −1°00′ (−1.00°)
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
Nominal −0°15′ (−0.25°)
Maximum 0°30′ (0.50°)
Left and right differ-
45′ (0.75°) or less
ence
Caster Minimum 2°05′ (2.08°)
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
Nominal 2°50′ (2.83°)
Maximum 3°35′ (3.58°)
Left and right differ-
45′ (0.75°) or less
ence
Kingpin inclination Minimum 13°50′ (13.83°)
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
Nominal 14°35′ (14.58°)
Maximum 15°20′ (15.33°)
Total toe-in Minimum −0.5 (−0.02)
Distance (A − B)
Nominal 0.5 (0.02)
mm (in)
Maximum 1.5 (0.06)
Minimum −0° 4′ (−0.07°)
Angle (left, right)
Nominal 0° 2′ (0.03°)
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
Maximum 0° 8′ (0.13°)
Wheel turning angle Minimum 34°30′ (34.5°) 32°00′ (32.0°) 32°00′ (32.0°)
Full turn*2 Inside
Nominal 38°00′ (38.0°) 35°30′ (35.5°) 35°30′ (35.5°)
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
Maximum 39°00′ (39.0°) 36°30′ (36.5°) 36°30′ (36.5°)
Outside
Nominal 30°30′ (30.5°) 29°00′ (29.0°) 29°00′ (29.0°)
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
*1: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
*2: On power steering models, wheel turning force (at circumference of steering wheel) of 98 to 147 N (10 to 15 kg, 22 to 33 lb) with
engine idle.

Lower Ball Joint EES0017D

Swinging force “A”

7.8 - 54.9 (0.8 - 5.6, 1.8 - 12.3)
(Measuring point: cotter pin hole of ball stud) N (kg-f, lb-f)
Turning torque “B” N·m (kg-cm, in-lb) 0.49 - 3.43 (5.0 - 35.0, 4.3 - 30.4)
Vertical end play “C” mm (in) 0 (0)

Revision: March 2005 FSU-18 2005 Altima

 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)

Wheelarch Height (Unladen*) EES0017E

SFA818A C

Engine QR25DE VQ35DE

Model All SL SE SE-R
D

Tire size 215/60R16 215/60R16 215/55R17 225/45R18

Front (Hf) mm (in) 722 (28.43) 717 (28.23) 721 (28.39) 721 (28.39) FSU
Rear (Hr) mm (in) 695 (27.36) 696 (27.40) 698 (27.48) 695 (27.36)
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
F

Revision: March 2005 FSU-19 2005 Altima

 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)

Revision: March 2005 FSU-20 2005 Altima