Front Suspension: Section
Front Suspension: Section
                                                                                       SECTION
                                                                                             FRONT SUSPENSION
                                                                                                                   FSU                                                 B
                                                                                                                                                                       FSU
                                                                   CONTENTS
                       REGULAR GRADE                                                PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ......................... 8                                   F
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
NVH Troubleshooting Chart                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   INFOID:0000000010837451
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     B
Use chart below to find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
FSU-14
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         FSU-19
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             FSU-9
                                                                                                                                                                          —
                                                                                                                                                                                                              —
 Reference
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     FSU
NVH in WT section
NVH in BR section
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 NVH in ST section
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     F
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I
 Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  PROPELLER SHAFT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      J
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ROAD WHEEL
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Spring fatigue
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 STEERING
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     K
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             BRAKE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     L
                                              Noise                                          ×                                            ×                                            ×                             ×                  ×                          ×                                                                                     ×                         ×                            ×                   ×                   ×
                                              Shake                                          ×                                            ×                                            ×                             ×                                             ×                                                                                     ×                         ×                            ×                   ×                   ×
                                              Vibration                                      ×                                            ×                                            ×                             ×                  ×                                                                                                                ×                         ×                                                                    ×            M
 Symptom        FRONT SUSPENSION
                                              Shimmy                                         ×                                            ×                                            ×                             ×                                                                                 ×                                                                           ×                            ×                   ×                   ×
                                              Judder                                         ×                                            ×                                            ×                                                                                                                                                                                           ×                            ×                   ×                   ×
                                              Poor quality ride or handling                  ×                                            ×                                            ×                             ×                  ×                                                              ×                          ×                                                ×                            ×
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     N
×: Applicable
PRECAUTION
PRECAUTIONS
FOR USA AND CANADA
FOR USA AND CANADA : Precautions for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR
BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"                                                                   INFOID:0000000010837452
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 “SRS AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT” of this
Service Manual.
WARNING:
Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation.
• To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in
  the event of a collision that 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 “SRS AIR BAG”.
• Never use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Ser-
  vice Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness
  connectors.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS
WARNING:
Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation.
• When working near the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Air Bag System sensors with the
  ignition ON or engine running, never use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with
  a hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor(s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing
  serious injury.
• When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always switch the ignition OFF, disconnect the
  battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service.
FOR USA AND CANADA : Precaution for Battery Service                                                  INFOID:0000000010837453
Before disconnecting the battery, lower both the driver and passenger windows. This will prevent any interfer-
ence between the window edge and the vehicle when the door is opened/closed. During normal operation, the
window slightly raises and lowers automatically to prevent any window to vehicle interference. The automatic
window function will not work with the battery disconnected.
FOR USA AND CANADA : Precaution for Procedure without Cowl Top Cover
                                                                                                     INFOID:0000000010837454
When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover
the lower end of windshield with urethane, etc to prevent damage to
windshield.
PIIB3706J
                                                                                                                               A
• When installing rubber bushings, the final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
  on ground. Spilled 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                   B
  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. Since new self-lock nuts are pre-oiled,
  tighten as they are.                                                                                                         C
FOR USA AND CANADA : Precautions for Removing Battery Terminal INFOID:0000000011144961
• When removing the 12V battery terminal, turn OFF the ignition                                                                D
  switch and wait at least 30 seconds.
  NOTE:
  ECU may be active for several tens of seconds after the ignition                                                             FSU
  switch is turned OFF. If the battery terminal is removed before ECU
  stops, then a DTC detection error or ECU data corruption may
  occur.
• For vehicles with the 2-batteries, be sure to connect the main bat-                                                          F
  tery and the sub battery before turning ON the ignition switch.
  NOTE:
  If the ignition switch is turned ON with any one of the terminals of                                                         G
                                                                                                            SEF289H
  main battery and sub battery disconnected, then DTC may be
  detected.
• After installing the 12V battery, always check "Self Diagnosis Result" of all ECUs and erase DTC.                            H
  NOTE:
  The removal of 12V battery may cause a DTC detection error.
FOR MEXICO
                                                                                                                                I
FOR MEXICO : Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and
"SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"                                                                            INFOID:0000000010837456
                                                                                                                                J
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. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the “SRS AIR BAG” and                    K
“SEAT BELT” of this Service Manual.
WARNING:
Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation.
                                                                                                                               L
• To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in
  the event of a collision that 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                          M
  injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air Bag
  Module, see “SRS AIR BAG”.
• Never use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Ser-                      N
  vice Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness
  connectors.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS                                                               O
WARNING:
Always observe the following items for preventing accidental activation.
• When working near the Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Air Bag System sensors with the                                 P
  ignition ON or engine running, never use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with
  a hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor(s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing
  serious injury.
• When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always switch the ignition OFF, disconnect the
  battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service.
Before disconnecting the battery, lower both the driver and passenger windows. This will prevent any interfer-
ence between the window edge and the vehicle when the door is opened/closed. During normal operation, the
window slightly raises and lowers automatically to prevent any window to vehicle interference. The automatic
window function will not work with the battery disconnected.
FOR MEXICO : Precaution for Procedure without Cowl Top Cover                                     INFOID:0000000010837458
When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover
the lower end of windshield with urethane, etc to prevent damage to
windshield.
PIIB3706J
• When installing rubber bushings, the final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
  on ground. Spilled 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. Since new self-lock nuts are pre-oiled,
  tighten as they are.
FOR MEXICO : Precautions for Removing Battery Terminal                                           INFOID:0000000011144962
• When removing the 12V battery terminal, turn OFF the ignition
  switch and wait at least 30 seconds.
  NOTE:
  ECU may be active for several tens of seconds after the ignition
  switch is turned OFF. If the battery terminal is removed before ECU
  stops, then a DTC detection error or ECU data corruption may
  occur.
• For vehicles with the 2-batteries, be sure to connect the main bat-
  tery and the sub battery before turning ON the ignition switch.
  NOTE:
  If the ignition switch is turned ON with any one of the terminals of
                                                                                                        SEF289H
  main battery and sub battery disconnected, then DTC may be
  detected.
• After installing the 12V battery, always check "Self Diagnosis Result" of all ECUs and erase DTC.
  NOTE:
  The removal of 12V battery may cause a DTC detection error.
PREPARATION                                                                                                                                                A
PREPARATION
Special Service Tool                                                                                                             INFOID:0000000010837460
                                                                                                                                                           B
The actual shapes of TechMate tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
   Tool number
   (TechMate No.)                                                                                      Description                                         C
   Tool name
   ST35652000                                                                                          Disassembling and assembling shock
   ( – )                                                                                               absorber                                            D
   Shock absorber attachment
FSU
ZZA0807D
                                                                                 ZZA0806D
                                                                                                                                                           H
                                                                                PBIC0190E                                                                  L
 Spring compressor                                                                                 Removing and installing coil spring
                                                                                                                                                           N
                                                                                S-NT717
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Inspection                                                                              INFOID:0000000010837462
COMPONENT PART
Check the mounting conditions (looseness, backlash) of each component and component conditions (wear,
damage) are normal.
Ball Joint Axial End Play
1.   Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position.
2.   Move axle side of transverse link and upper link in the axial
     direction by hand. Check there is no end play.
JSEIA0444ZZ
Shock absorber
Check for oil leakage, damage. Replace it if necessary.
DESCRIPTION                                                                                                                 B
CAUTION:
• Camber, caster, kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.
• If camber, caster, or kingpin inclination angle is outside the standard, check front suspension parts                     C
  for wear and damage. Replace suspect parts if a malfunction is detected.
• Kingpin inclination angle is reference value, no inspection is required.
• Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions.
NOTE:                                                                                                                       D
“Unladen conditions” means that fuel, engine coolant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and
mats are in designated positions.
PRELIMINARY CHECK                                                                                                           FSU
Check the following:
• Tires for improper air pressure and wear. Refer to WT-54, "Tire Air Pressure".
• Road wheels for runout.                                                                                                   F
• Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-6, "Inspection".
• Transverse link or upper link ball joint axial end play. Refer to FSU-8, "Inspection".
• Shock absorber operation.
                                                                                                                            G
• Each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
• Each of suspension member, shock absorber, upper link and transverse link for cracks, deformation and
  other damage.
• Vehicle height (posture).                                                                                                 H
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• A four-wheel thrust alignment should be performed.
- This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN/INFINITI vehicle.                                                     I
- The four-wheel “thrust” process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel is
  centered.
- The alignment rack itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN/INFINITI vehicle.                                      J
- The rack should be checked to ensure that it is level.
• Make sure the machine is properly calibrated.
- Your alignment equipment should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.
                                                                                                                            K
- Check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment for their recommended Service/Calibration Sched-
  ule.
ALIGNMENT PROCESS                                                                                                           L
IMPORTANT:
Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual.
• When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use “indicators”: (Green/red, plus or
  minus, Go/No Go). Never use these indicators.                                                                             M
- The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be cor-
  rect.
- This may result in an ERROR.                                                                                              N
• Most camera-type alignment machines are equipped with both “Rolling Compensation” method and optional
  “Jacking Compensation” method to “compensate” the alignment targets or head units. “Rolling Compensa-
  tion” is the preferred method.
- If using the “Rolling Compensation” method, after installing the alignment targets or head units, push or pull            O
  on the rear wheel to move the vehicle. Do not push or pull on the vehicle body.
- If using the “Jacking Compensation” method, after installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the
  vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.                                                                         P
  NOTE:
  Do not use the “Rolling Compensation” method if you are using sensor-type alignment equipment.
- Follow all instructions for the alignment machine you're using for more information.
Adjustment                                                                                        INFOID:0000000010837464
TOE-IN
FSU
                                                                                                             JPEIA0166GB
                                                                                                                                            H
     1.   Piston rod lock nut                   2.   Gusset                            3.   Vehicle body
     4.   Mounting seal                         5.   Shock absorber mounting bracket   6.   Bound bumper
     7.   Rubber seat                           8.   Coil spring                       9.   Shock absorber                                   I
     Refer to GI-4, "Components" for symbols in the figure.
REMOVAL
1.    Remove tires with power tool.                                                                                                         K
2.    Remove wheel sensor and harness connector from shock absorber. Refer to BRC-110, "FRONT WHEEL
      SENSOR : Exploded View".
3.    Remove brake hose bracket. Refer to BR-24, "FRONT : Exploded View".                                                                   L
4.    Remove stabilizer connecting rod. Refer to FSU-19, "Exploded View".
5.    Separate upper link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-7, "Exploded View"
6.    Remove shock absorber assembly and gusset.                                                                                            M
      NOTE:
      If removing shock absorber is difficult, loosen upper link mounting bolts (vehicle side).
                                                                                                                                            N
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Never tap on the ball joint cap of the stabilizer connecting rod with a hammer or a similar item when inserting
  the stabilizer connecting rod into the transverse link.                                                                                   O
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the shock absorber lower side (rubber bushing), under unladen
  conditions with tires on level ground.
Disassembly and Assembly                                                                                          INFOID:0000000010837467
                                                                                                                                            P
DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION:
Never damage shock absorber piston rod when removing components from shock absorber.
JPEIA0006ZZ
PEIA0108E
JPEIA0009ZZ
                                                                                                                              D
5.    Insert bound bumper into shock absorber mounting bracket, and then install it to shock absorber together
      with rubber seat.
                                                                                                                              FSU
                                                                                                                              L
                                                                                                  JPEIA0072ZZ
1.   Set shock absorber horizontally with the piston rod fully extended.
2.   Drill 2 – 3 mm (0.08 – 0.12 in) hole at the position ( ) from top
     as shown in the figure to release gas gradually.
     CAUTION:
     • Wear eye protection (safety glasses).
     • Wear gloves.
     • Be careful with metal chips or oil blown out by the com-
       pressed gas.
     NOTE:
     • Drill vertically in this direction ( ).
     • Directly to the outer tube avoiding brackets.
     • The gas is clear, colorless, odorless, and harmless.                                            JPEIA0161ZZ
FSU
                                                                                                                               G
                                                                                                JPEIA0282GB
REMOVAL
1.    Remove tires with power tool.                                                                                             J
2.    Remove under cover with power tool.
3.    Remove stabilizer connecting rod. Refer to FSU-19, "Exploded View".
                                                                                                                               K
4.    Remove steering outer socket from steering knuckle. Refer to ST-20, "Exploded View".
5.    Remove transverse link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-7, "Exploded View".
6.    Set suitable jack under transverse link.                                                                                 L
7.    Remove transverse link.
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.                                                               M
• Never tap on the ball joint cap of the stabilizer connecting rod with a hammer or a similar item when inserting
  the stabilizer connecting rod into the transverse link.
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the front suspension member installation and shock absorber                    N
  lower side (rubber bushing), under unladen conditions with tires on level ground.
Inspection                                                                                           INFOID:0000000010837472
                                                                                                                               O
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Appearance
Check the following items, and replace the part if necessary.                                                                  P
• Transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks or damage.
• Ball joint boot for cracks or other damage, and also for grease leakage.
Ball Joint Inspection
Manually move ball stud to confirm it moves smoothly with no binding.
Swing Torque Inspection
NOTE:
JPEIA0005ZZ
PDIA1258E
FSU
                                                                                                                               G
                                                                                                JPEIA0282GB
REMOVAL
1.    Remove tires with power tool.                                                                                             J
2.    Remove shock absorber assembly. Refer to FSU-11, "Exploded View".
3.    Remove upper link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-7, "Exploded View".
                                                                                                                               K
4.    Remove upper link and stopper rubber.
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.                                                               L
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the vehicle installation position (rubber bushing), under unladen
  conditions with tires on level ground.
Inspection                                                                                           INFOID:0000000010837475   M
JPEIA0005ZZ
FSU
                                                                                                                                 G
                                                                                                  JPEIA0167GB
REMOVAL
1.    Remove tires with power tool.                                                                                               J
2.    Remove under cover with power tool.
3.    Remove stabilizer connecting rods.
      CAUTION:                                                                                                                   K
      Apply a matching mark to identify the installation position.
4.    Remove stabilizer clamps and stabilizer bushings.
5.    Remove stabilizer bar.                                                                                                     L
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.                                                                 M
• Check the matching mark when installing.
• Tighten the mounting nut to the specified torque while holding a hexagonal part of stabilizer connecting rod
  side.
                                                                                                                                 N
Inspection                                                                                             INFOID:0000000010837478
JPEIA0173GB
REMOVAL
1.    Remove cowl top cover center. Refer to EXT-29, "Exploded View".
2.    Remove front tower bar assembly mounting nuts and bolts.
3.    Remove front tower bar assembly from vehicle.
INSTALLALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the vehicle installation position, under condition with all tires
  above level ground.
FSU
                                                                                                                                  G
                                                                                                   JSEIA0751GB
     1.   Front suspension member               2.   Suspension member stay   3.   Suspension member sub stay
     Refer to GI-4, "Components" for symbols in the figure.
                                                                                                                                  H
                                                                                                                                   I
REMOVAL
1.    At first, remove engine and transmission assembly with front suspension member downward. Then sepa-
      rate engine, transmission assembly and front suspension member. Refer to EM-74, "Exploded View".                             J
2.    Remove the following parts.
      • Steering knuckles and wheel hub and bearing assemblies. Refer to FAX-7, "Exploded View".
      • Steering gear assembly and hydraulic line. Refer to ST-20, "Exploded View", ST-34, "Exploded View".                       K
      • Stabilizer bar and stabilizer connecting rods. Refer to FSU-19, "Exploded View".
      • Transverse links. Refer to FSU-15, "Exploded View".
      • Remove suspension member stay.
                                                                                                                                  L
      • Remove suspension member sub stays.
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.                                                                  M
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the vehicle installation position (rubber bushing), under unladen
  condition with tires on level ground.
Inspection                                                                                              INFOID:0000000010837483   N
                                         Item                                                                Standard
                                                        Minimum                                           –1° 25′ (–1.41°)
                                  Item                                                                 Standard
                                           Transverse link                          0.5 – 3.6 N·m (0.06 – 0.36 kg-m, 5 – 31 in-lb)
 Swing torque
                                           Upper link                                  0 – 2.0 N·m (0 – 0.20 kg-m, 0 – 17 in-lb)
                                           Transverse link                             7.8 – 56.3 N (0.8 – 5.7 kg, 1.8 – 12.6 lb)
 Measurement on spring balance
                                           Upper link                                    0 – 61.5 N (0 – 6.2 kg, 0 – 13.8 lb)
 Rotating torque                           Transverse link                          0.5 – 3.9 N·m (0.06 – 0.39 kg-m, 5 – 34 in-lb)
 Axial end play                                                                                       0 mm (0 in)
              Item                                                                  Standard
 Wheel size                                             18 inch                                                19 inch
 Front (Hf)                                       711 mm (27.99 in)                                      708 mm (27.87 in)
                                                                                                                                    FSU
                                                                                    SFA818A
JKKIA0064GB
Rigidity of the front tower bar increased, equipped with nismo logo.
FSU
                                                                                                                          N
                                                                                           JKKIA0065GB
                                                                                                                          P
REMOVAL
CAUTION:
• Perform the work in a level place while the vehicle is unladen in running order.
• Never tighten bolts while the vehicle is raised or jacked up.
1. Remove front bumper fascia.
2. Remove the bolts and nuts from the front performance damper.
JKKIA0066GB
                                         Item                                                                Standard
                                                                                                                                                          C
                                                    Minimum                                              –1° 30′ (–1.50°)
                                  Item                                                                 Standard
                                            Transverse link                        0.5 – 3.6 N·m (0.06 – 0.36 kg-m, 5 – 31 in-lb)                         L
 Swing torque
                                            Upper link                               0 – 2.0 N·m (0 – 0.20 kg-m, 0 – 17 in-lb)
                                            Transverse link                          7.8 – 56.3 N (0.8 – 5.7 kg, 1.8 – 12.6 lb)
 Measurement on spring balance                                                                                                                            M
                                            Upper link                                  0 – 61.5 N (0 – 6.2 kg, 0 – 13.8 lb)
 Rotating torque                            Transverse link                        0.5 – 3.9 N·m (0.06 – 0.39 kg-m, 5 – 34 in-lb)
 Axial end play                                                                                     0 mm (0 in)                                           N
Wheelarch Height                                                                                                                INFOID:0000000011144796
                                                                                                                                                          O
                        Item                                                                Standard
 Front (Hf)                                                                            704 mm (27.72 in)
                                                                                                                                                          P
SFA818A