Front Suspension: Section
Front Suspension: Section
SECTION
FRONT SUSPENSION
FSU B
FSU
CONTENTS
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS ............................... 2 Inspection ................................................................11 F
Disposal ...................................................................11
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS
(NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING ............................. 2 TRANSVERSE LINK ......................................... 12
G
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ...................................... 2 Exploded View .........................................................12
Removal and Installation .........................................12
PRECAUTION ............................................... 3 Inspection ................................................................12
H
PRECAUTIONS ................................................... 3 UPPER LINK ..................................................... 14
Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System Exploded View .........................................................14
(SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TEN- Removal and Installation .........................................14 I
SIONER" ................................................................... 3 Inspection ................................................................14
Precaution Necessary for Steering Wheel Rota-
tion after Battery Disconnect ..................................... 3 FRONT STABILIZER ........................................ 16
Exploded View .........................................................16 J
Precaution for Procedure without Cowl Top Cover...... 4
Precautions for Suspension ...................................... 4 Removal and Installation .........................................16
Inspection ................................................................16
PREPARATION ............................................ 5 K
TOWER BAR ..................................................... 17
PREPARATION ................................................... 5 Exploded View .........................................................17
Special Service Tool ................................................. 5 Removal and Installation .........................................17
L
Commercial Service Tool .......................................... 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ............... 18
ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ..................... 6
FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER ..................... 18
M
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ................... 6 Exploded View .........................................................18
Inspection .................................................................. 6 Removal and Installation .........................................18
Inspection ................................................................18
WHEEL ALIGNMENT .......................................... 7 N
Inspection .................................................................. 7 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
(SDS) ............................................................ 19
ON-VEHICLE REPAIR .................................. 8 O
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT COIL SPRING AND SHOCK AB- (SDS) ................................................................. 19
SORBER .............................................................. 8 Wheel Alignment .....................................................19
Exploded View .......................................................... 8 Ball Joint ..................................................................19 P
Removal and Installation ........................................... 8 Wheelarch Height ....................................................19
Disassembly and Assembly ...................................... 8
Use chart below to find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
FSU-7
—
—
Reference page
NVH in WT section
NVH in BR section
NVH in ST section
Shock absorber deformation, damage or deflection
PROPELLER SHAFT
Stabilizer bar fatigue
Parts interference
ROAD WHEEL
Spring fatigue
STEERING
BRAKE
Noise × × × × × × × × × × ×
Shake × × × × × × × × × ×
Vibration × × × × × × × ×
Symptom FRONT SUSPENSION
Shimmy × × × × × × × × ×
Judder × × × × × × ×
Poor quality ride or handling × × × × × × × × ×
×: Applicable
The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along C
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. D
Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the “SRS AIRBAG” and “SEAT BELT” of this
Service Manual.
WARNING: FSU
• 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.
F
• 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 “SRS AIRBAG”.
• Never use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Ser- G
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 H
When working near the Airbag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Airbag System sensors while ignition switch is
ON or engine is running, never use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with a hammer.
Heavy vibration may activate the sensor(s), deploy the airbag(s), possibly cause serious injury. I
When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always turn OFF ignition switch, disconnect the battery,
and wait 3 minutes or more before performing any service.
Precaution Necessary for Steering Wheel Rotation after Battery Disconnect J
INFOID:0000000004721621
NOTE:
• Before removing and installing any control units, first turn the push-button ignition switch to the LOCK posi- K
tion, then disconnect both battery cables.
• After finishing work, confirm that all control unit connectors are connected properly, then re-connect both
battery cables. L
• Always use CONSULT-III to perform self-diagnosis as a part of each function inspection after finishing work.
If a DTC is detected, perform trouble diagnosis according to self-diagnosis results.
This vehicle is equipped with a push-button ignition switch and a steering lock unit.
If the battery is disconnected or discharged, the steering wheel will lock and cannot be turned. M
If turning the steering wheel is required with the battery disconnected or discharged, follow the procedure
below before starting the repair operation.
N
OPERATION PROCEDURE
1. Connect both battery cables.
NOTE:
Supply power using jumper cables if battery is discharged. O
2. Turn the push-button ignition switch to ACC position.
(At this time, the steering lock will be released.)
3. Disconnect both battery cables. The steering lock will remain released with both battery cables discon- P
nected and the steering wheel can be turned.
4. Perform the necessary repair operation.
5. When the repair work is completed, re-connect both battery cables. With the brake pedal released, turn
the push-button ignition switch from ACC position to ON position, then to LOCK position. (The steering
wheel will lock when the push-button ignition switch is turned to LOCK position.)
6. Perform self-diagnosis check of all control units using CONSULT-III.
When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover
the lower end of windshield with urethane, etc.
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.
FSU
ZZA0807D
ZZA0806D
H
PBIC0190E L
Spring compressor Removing and installing coil spring
N
S-NT717
MOUNTING INSPECTION
Make sure 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. Measure axial end play by playing and moving up/down with iron bar or equivalent between transverse
link or upper link and steering knuckle. .
Standard
Axial end play : Refer to FSU-19, "Ball Joint".
CAUTION:
• Never depress brake pedal when measuring.
• Never perform with tires on level ground.
• Be careful not to damage ball joint boot. Never damage the installation position by applying
excessive force.
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.
• Road wheels for runout. Refer to WT-92, "Inspection". F
• Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-5, "Inspection".
• Transverse link or upper link ball joint axial end play. Refer to FSU-12, "Inspection" or FSU-14, "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
• Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an “optional Rolling Compensation” method to “com-
pensate” the sensors (alignment targets or head units). Never use this “Rolling Compensation” method.
- Use the “Jacking Compensation Method”. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the vehi-
cle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways. O
- See Instructions in the alignment machine you're using for more information on this.
JPEIA0166GB
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires with power tool.
2. Remove wheel sensor and harness connector from shock absorber. Refer to BRC-92, "FRONT WHEEL
SENSOR : Exploded View".
3. Remove brake hose bracket. Refer to BR-20, "FRONT : Exploded View".
4. Remove stabilizer connecting rod. Refer to FSU-16, "Exploded View".
5. Separate upper link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-6, "Exploded View"
6. Remove shock absorber assembly and gusset.
NOTE:
If removing shock absorber is difficult, loosen upper link mounting bolts (vehicle side).
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.
• 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:0000000004500909
DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION:
Never damage shock absorber piston rod when removing components from shock absorber.
JPEIA0006ZZ
D
2. Using a spring compressor (A) (commercial service tool), com-
press coil spring between rubber seat and shock absorber until
coil spring with a spring compressor is free.
FSU
CAUTION:
Be sure a spring compressor is securely attached coil
spring. Compress coil spring.
3. Remove piston rod lock nut while securing the piston rod tip so F
that piston rod does not turn.
CAUTION:
Make sure coil spring with a spring compressor between G
rubber seat and shock absorber is free. JPEIA0168ZZ
O
PEIA0108E
JPEIA0009ZZ
5. Insert bound bumper into shock absorber mounting bracket, and then install it to shock absorber together
with rubber seat.
JPEIA0072ZZ
A
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY
Shock absorber
B
Check the following items, and replace the part if necessary.
• Shock absorber for deformation, cracks or damage.
• Piston rod for damage, uneven wear or distortion.
• Oil leakage. C
Shock absorber Mounting Bracket and Rubber Parts Inspection
Check shock absorber mounting bracket for cracks and rubber parts for wear. Replace it if necessary.
D
Coil Spring
Check coil spring for cracks, wear or damage. Replace it if necessary.
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION FSU
1. Check wheel sensor harness for proper connection. Refer to BRC-92, "FRONT WHEEL SENSOR :
Exploded View".
2. Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-7, "Inspection". F
3. Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to BRC-8, "ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING ANGLE
SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION : Special Repair Requirement".
G
Disposal INFOID:0000000004544078
1. Set shock absorber horizontally with the piston rod fully extended.
H
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.
NOTE:
I
• Drill vertically in this direction ( ).
• Directly to the outer tube avoiding brackets.
J
A : 20 – 30 mm (0.79 – 1.18 in)
3. Position the drilled hole downward and drain oil by moving the
piston rod several times.
K
CAUTION: JPEIA0161ZZ
• Wear eye protection (safety glasses).
• Wear gloves.
• Be careful with metal chips or oil blown out by the compressed gas. L
• Dispose of drained oil according to the law and local regulations.
NOTE:
The gas is clear, colorless, odorless, and harmless. M
JPEIA0186GB
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires with power tool.
2. Remove under cover with power tool.
3. Remove stabilizer connecting rod. Refer to FSU-16, "Exploded View".
4. Remove steering outer socket from steering knuckle. Refer to ST-18, "Exploded View".
5. Remove transverse link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-6, "Exploded View".
6. Set suitable jack under transverse link.
7. Remove transverse link.
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.
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the front suspension member installation and shock absorber
lower side (rubber bushing), under unladen conditions with tires on level ground.
Inspection INFOID:0000000004500913
Standard
Swing toque : Refer to FSU-19, "Ball C
Joint".
• If swing torque exceeds standard range, replace transverse link
assembly. D
JPEIA0005ZZ
Standard G
Rotating toque : Refer to FSU-19, "Ball
Joint".
• If rotating torque exceeds standard range, replace transverse link H
assembly.
PDIA1258E
Standard
Axial end play : Refer to FSU-19, "Ball K
Joint".
• If axial end play exceeds standard range, replace transverse link assembly.
L
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
1. Check wheel sensor harness for proper connection. Refer to BRC-92, "FRONT WHEEL SENSOR :
Exploded View".
M
2. Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-7, "Inspection".
3. Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to BRC-8, "ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING ANGLE
SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION : Special Repair Requirement".
N
JPEIA0186GB
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires with power tool.
2. Remove shock absorber assembly. Refer to FSU-8, "Exploded View".
3. Remove upper link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-6, "Exploded View".
4. Remove upper link and stopper rubber.
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the vehicle installation position (rubber bushing), under unladen
conditions with tires on level ground.
Inspection INFOID:0000000004500916
Standard B
Swing torque : Refer to FSU-19, "Ball
Joint".
• If swing torque exceeds standard range, replace upper link assem- C
bly.
JPEIA0005ZZ
D
Axial End Play Inspection
1. Move the ball joint at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.
2. Move tip of ball stud in axial direction to check for looseness. FSU
Standard
Axial end play : Refer to FSU-19, "Ball F
Joint".
• If axial end play exceeds standard range, replace upper link assembly.
G
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
1. Check wheel sensor harness for proper connection. Refer to BRC-92, "FRONT WHEEL SENSOR :
Exploded View". H
2. Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-7, "Inspection".
3. Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to BRC-8, "ADJUSTMENT OF STEERING ANGLE
SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION : Special Repair Requirement". I
JPEIA0167GB
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires with power tool.
2. Remove under cover with power tool.
3. Remove stabilizer connecting rods.
CAUTION:
Apply a matching mark to identify the installation position.
4. Remove stabilizer clamps and stabilizer bushings.
5. Remove stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Check the matching mark when installing.
• Tighten the mounting nut to the specified torque while holding a hexagonal part of stabilizer connecting rod
side.
Inspection INFOID:0000000004500919
FSU
JPEIA0173GB
G
1. Front tower bar assembly
Refer to GI-4, "Components" for symbols in the figure.
REMOVAL
I
1. Remove cowl top cover center. Refer to EXT-20, "Exploded View".
2. Remove front tower bar assembly mounting nuts and bolts.
3. Remove front tower bar assembly from vehicle. J
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 K
above level ground.
JPEIA0171GB
1. Front suspension member 2. Suspension member stay 3. Suspension member sub stay
Refer to GI-4, "Components" for symbols in the figure.
REMOVAL
1. At first, remove engine and transmission assembly with front suspension member downward. Then sepa-
rate engine, transmission assembly and front supension menber. Refer to EM-68, "Exploded View".
2. Remove the following parts.
• Steering knuckles and wheel hub and bearing assemblies. Refer to FAX-6, "Exploded View".
• Steering gear assembly and hydraulic line. Refer to ST-18, "Exploded View", ST-32, "Exploded View".
• Stabilizer bar and stabilizer connecting rods. Refer to FSU-16, "Exploded View".
• Transvers links. Refer to FSU-12, "Exploded View".
• Remove suspension member stay.
• Remove suspension member sub stays.
INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the vehicle installation position (rubber bushing), under unladen
condition with tires on level ground.
Inspection INFOID:0000000004500922
Item Standard
C
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) 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:0000000004500925
O
Item Standard
Wheel size 18 inch 19 inch
P
Front (Hf) 711 mm (27.99 in) 708 mm (27.87 in)
SFA818A