Front Suspension: Section
Front Suspension: Section
SECTION
FRONT SUSPENSION
FSU B
FSU
CONTENTS
PRECAUTION ............................................... 2 Component ............................................................... 9 F
FSU-1
PRECAUTIONS
< PRECAUTION >
PRECAUTION
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONER" INFOID:0000000001716875
The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. This system includes seat belt switch inputs and dual stage front air bag modules. The SRS
system uses the seat belt switches to determine the front air bag deployment, and may only deploy one front
air bag, depending on the severity of a collision and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted.
Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of this Service Man-
ual.
WARNING:
• To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in
the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be performed by
an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.
• Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal
injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air Bag
Module, see the SR section.
• Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or har-
ness connectors.
Precaution for Procedure without Cowl Top Cover INFOID:0000000001716876
When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover
the lower end of windshield.
WEIA0178E
Cautions INFOID:0000000001716877
• When installing rubber bushings, the final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
on ground. Oil might shorten the life of rubber bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.
- Unladen conditions mean that fuel, engine coolant and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and
mats are in designated positions.
• After servicing suspension parts, be sure to check wheel alignment.
• Self-lock nuts are not reusable. Always use new ones when installing.
FSU-2
PREPARATION
< PREPARATION >
PREPARATION A
PREPARATION
Special Service Tool INFOID:0000000001716878
B
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special tools illustrated here.
J
ZZA0807D
NT146 P
FSU-3
PREPARATION
< PREPARATION >
Commercial Service Tool INFOID:0000000001716879
S-NT717
LST025
PBIC0190E
FSU-4
Symptom
×: Applicable
Reference page
Noise
Shake
Shimmy
Shudder
Vibration
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
×
×
×
×
×
×
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
×
×
×
×
×
×
Bushing or mounting deterioration —
×
×
×
×
×
×
Parts interference —
×
×
×
×
×
FSU-5
Spring fatigue —
×
×
×
Suspension looseness FSU-9
×
×
Incorrect wheel alignment FSU-6
×
×
Stabilizer bar fatigue FSU-14
×
FRONT AXLE FAX-4, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"
×
×
×
×
×
×
FRONT SUSPENSION "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"
×
×
×
×
×
× TIRES WT-4, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
L
F
P
K
B
A
N
H
D
C
O
G
M
FSU
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >
ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service INFOID:0000000001716890
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component conditions
(wear, damage) are normal.
INSPECTION OF LOWER BALL JOINT END PLAY
1. Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.
2. Place an iron bar or similar tool between transverse link and steering knuckle.
3. Measure axial end play by prying it up and down.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
WARNING:
Always adjust the alignment with the vehicle on a flat surface.
NOTE:
If alignment is out of specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn rear suspension parts before
making any adjustments.
1. Check and adjust the wheel alignment with the vehicle under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions”
means that the fuel, coolant, and lubricant are full; and that the spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in
their designated positions.
2. Check the tires for incorrect air pressure and excessive wear.
3. Check the wheels for run out and damage. Refer to WT-5, "Inspection" .
4. Check the wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-5, "On-Vehicle Inspection and Service" .
5. Check the shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
6. Check each mounting point of the suspension components for any excessive looseness or damage.
7. Check each link, arm, and the suspension member for any damage.
8. Check the vehicle height. Refer to FSU-18, "Wheelarch Height (Unladen*)" .
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A Four-Wheel Thrust Alignment should be performed.
• This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN vehicle.
• The four-wheel “thrust” process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel
is centered.
• The alignment machine itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN vehicle.
• The alignment machine should be checked to ensure that it is level.
2. Make sure the alignment machine is properly calibrated.
• Your alignment machine should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.
• Check with the manufacturer of your specific alignment machine for their recommended Service/Cali-
bration Schedule.
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
IMPORTANT: Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual. Refer to FSU-17, "Wheel
Alignment (Unladen*)" .
1. When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use “indicators”: (Green/red, plus or
minus, Go/No Go). Do NOT use these indicators.
FSU-6
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >
• The alignment specifications programmed into your alignment machine that operate these indicators
may not be correct. A
• This may result in an ERROR.
2. Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an optional “Rolling Compensation” method to “com-
pensate” the sensors (alignment targets or head units). Do NOT use this “Rolling Compensation” B
method.
• Use the “Jacking Compensation” method. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the
vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.
• See Instructions in the alignment machine you are using for more information. C
1. Remove three wheel nuts, and install the guide bolts to hub bolt.
2. Screw the adapter into the plate until it contacts the plate tightly. G
3. Screw the center plate into the plate.
4. Insert the plate assembly on the guide bolt. Put the spring in,
and then evenly screw the three guide bolt nuts. When fastening H
the guide nuts, do not completely compress the spring.
SEIA0240E
FSU-7
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both tires at
the same height of hub center. These are measuring points.
AFA050
SFA234AC
Total toe-in = A - B
For total toe-in specification, refer to FSU-17, "Wheel Alignment (Unladen*)" .
• If the total toe-in is outside the specification, adjust toe-in by varying the length of between steering
outer socket and inner socket.
FSU-8
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >
ON-VEHICLE REPAIR A
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Component INFOID:0000000001716896
B
NOTE:
LHD shown RHD similar.
C
FSU
WEIA0211E
FSU-9
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >
FSU-10
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION A
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Removal and Installation INFOID:0000000001716901
B
REMOVAL
1. Separate intermediate shaft from steering gear pinion shaft. Refer to ST-9, "Removal and Installation". C
2. Remove front tires from vehicle using a power tool.
3. Remove wheel sensor from steering knuckle. Refer to BRC-182, "Removal and Installation".
CAUTION: D
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.
4. Remove the nut on the upper side of stabilizer connecting rod
(1) with a power tool, and then remove stabilizer connecting rod FSU
(1) from strut assembly.
SGIA1297E
H
5. Loosen steering outer socket (1) nut.
6. Remove steering outer socket (1) from steering knuckle (2) so
as not to damage ball joint boot (3) using Tool. I
CAUTION:
Temporarily tighten the nut to prevent damage to threads
and to prevent the Tool from suddenly coming off.
J
Tool number : HT72520000 (J-25730-A)
K
SGIA1298E
7. Remove rear torque rod. Refer to EM-89, "Exploded View" (HR16DE), EM-207, "Component" (HR18DE) L
and EM-302, "Exploded View" (K9K).
8. Remove transverse link ball joint nut and bolt. Then, remove transverse link from steering knuckle.
9. Set jack under front suspension member. M
10. Remove upper side bolts of upper link.
11. Remove the bolts of member stay, and then remove member stay from vehicle.
12. Gradually lower a jack to remove front suspension assembly. N
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• For tightening torque, refer to FSU-9, "Component". O
• Perform final tightening of each of parts (rubber bushing), under unladen conditions, which were removed
when removing front suspension assembly. Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Wheel Alignment
Inspection". P
• Check wheel sensor harness for proper connection. Refer to BRC-182, "Removal and Installation".
FSU-11
COIL SPRING AND STRUT
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
COIL SPRING AND STRUT
Removal and Installation INFOID:0000000001716888
REMOVAL
1. Remove cowl top panel. Refer to EXT-20, "Removal and Installation" .
2. Remove front tires using power tool.
3. Remove harness of wheel sensor from strut assembly. Refer to BRC-182, "Removal and Installation" .
CAUTION:
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.
4. Remove brake hose lock plate. Refer to BR-14, "Front Brake Tube and Hose" .
5. Remove the nut on the upper side of stabilizer connecting rod using power tool, and then remove stabi-
lizer connecting rod from strut assembly.
6. Remove nuts and bolts, and then remove steering knuckle from
strut assembly. Refer to FSU-9, "Component" .
7. Remove the strut mounting insulator bolts, then remove strut
assembly.
WEIA0179E
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• For tightening torque, refer to FSU-9, "Component" .
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the strut assembly lower side (rubber bushing) under unladen
conditions with tires on level ground. Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Wheel Alignment Inspection".
• Check wheel sensor harness for proper connection. Refer to BRC-182, "Removal and Installation" .
• Attach strut mounting insulator as shown.
MEIA0014E
FSU-12
TRANSVERSE LINK
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
TRANSVERSE LINK
A
Removal and Installation INFOID:0000000001716885
REMOVAL B
1. Remove front tires using power tool.
2. Remove transverse link ball joint nut and bolt. Then, remove transverse link from steering knuckle.
C
3. Remove transverse link nuts and bolts, then remove transverse
link from front suspension member.
NOTE:
When removing LH transverse link it may be necessay to lower D
the suspension member in order to remove bolts to avoid con-
tact with the transaxle.
a. Set jack under front suspension member. FSU
b. Loosen RH upper link bolts, LH upper link bolt (front suspension
member side), front suspension member bolts (left/right). Lower
the front suspension member in order to remove transverse link F
bolts. MEIA0017E
Swing torque
: 0.5 - 4.9 N·m (0.06 - 0.49 kg-m, 5 - 43 in-lb) L
Spring balance measurement
: 15.4 - 150.8 N (1.6 - 15.4 kg-f, 3.5 - 40 lb-f)
M
• If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link assem-
bly. SEIA0523E
FSU-13
STABILIZER BAR
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
STABILIZER BAR
Removal and Installation INFOID:0000000001716884
REMOVAL
1. Separate intermediate shaft from steering gear pinion shaft. Refer to ST-9, "Removal and Installation" .
2. Remove front tires using power tool.
3. Remove the nut on the lower side of stabilizer connecting rod using power tool, and then remove stabilizer
connecting rod from stabilizer bar.
4. If necessary remove stabilize connecting rod upper nut using power tool. Separate stabilizer connecting
rod and strut.
5. Loose steering outer socket (1) nut.
6. Remove steering outer socket (1) from steering knuckle (2) so
as not to damage ball joint boot (3) using the ball joint remover
or suitable tool.
CAUTION:
Temporarily tighten the nut to prevent damage to threads
and to prevent the ball joint remover (suitable tool) from
suddenly coming off.
WEIA0181E
11. Remove the bolts of stabilizer clamp, and then remove stabilizer
clamp and stabilizer bushing.
12. Remove stabilizer bar.
WEIA0182E
FSU-14
COIL SPRING AND STRUT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY A
COIL SPRING AND STRUT
Disassembly and Assembly INFOID:0000000001716887
B
DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION: C
Do not damage strut piston rod when removing components from strut assembly.
1. Install Tool (A) to strut and secure it in a vise.
D
Tool number : ST35652000 ( — )
CAUTION:
When installing the strut attachment to strut, wrap a shop FSU
cloth around strut to protect it from damage.
WEIA0180E
G
2. Using a spring compressor (commercial service tool), compress
coil spring between strut mounting bearing and spring lower
seat (on strut) until coil spring is free.
CAUTION: H
Be sure the spring compressor is securely attached to the
coil spring before compressing coil spring.
3. Make sure coil spring with spring compressor between strut I
mounting bearing and spring lower seat (strut) is free. Then
remove piston rod lock nut while securing the piston rod tip so
that piston rod does not turn.
J
4. Remove strut mounting insulator, strut mounting bearing, and SEIA0297E
FSU-15
COIL SPRING AND STRUT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
1. Install the Tool (A) to strut and secure it in a vise.
WEIA0180E
SEIA0297E
CAUTION:
• Face tube side of coil spring downward. Align the lower
end to spring lower seat as shown.
• Be sure spring compressor is securely attached to coil
spring. Compress coil spring.
3. Apply soapy water to bound bumper. Insert bound bumper into
strut mounting insulator.
CAUTION:
Do not use machine oil.
MEIA0016E
MEIA0014E
FSU-16
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
< SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) A
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
Wheel Alignment (Unladen*) INFOID:0000000001716881
B
SFA234AC N
Minimum 0 mm (0 in)
Distance (A - B) Nominal 1 mm (0.04 in)
O
Maximum 2 mm (0.08 in)
Total toe-in
Minimum 0° 0′ (0°)
Angle (left or right, each side)
Nominal 0° 3′ (0.05°) P
Degree minute (Decimal degree)
Maximum 0° 6′ (0.10°)
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
FSU-17
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
< SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
Ball Joint INFOID:0000000001716882
Unit: mm (in)
LEIA0085E
*: Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
FSU-18