Front Axle & Front Suspension: Go To Table of Contents Go To Quick Reference Index
Front Axle & Front Suspension: Go To Table of Contents Go To Quick Reference Index
Front Axle & Front Suspension: Go To Table of Contents Go To Quick Reference Index
FA
SBR686C
NT546
NT147
FA-2
NT065
NT115
NT115
NT360
a: 10 mm (0.39 in)
Spring compressor
NT717
FA-3
Symptom
X: Applicable
Reference page DRIVE SHAFT Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS FRONT AXLE AND FRONT SUSPENSION Noise Noise Shake Shake Judder Shimmy Vibration Noise, Vibration Poor quality ride or handling X X Excessive joint angle Joint sliding resistance Imbalance Improper installation, looseness Shock absorber deformation, damage or deflection Bushing or mounting deterioration Parts interference Spring fatigue Suspension looseness Incorrect wheel alignment Stabilizer bar fatigue Wheel bearing damage Out-of-round Incorrect air pressure Uneven tire wear Deformation or damage Non-uniformity Incorrect tire size X X X X DRIVE SHAFT X X FRONT AXLE AND FRONT SUSPENSION TIRES X X ROAD WHEEL X X X REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION X X X X BRAKES X X X X X STEERING X FA-18 FA-5, 21 FA-22 FA-22 FA-22 FA-7 FA-24 FA-7 FA-7 Refer to DRIVE SHAFT in this chart. Refer to FRONT AXLE AND FRONT SUSPENSION in this chart. Refer to TIRES in this chart. Refer to ROAD WHEEL in this chart. NVH in RA section NVH in BR section NVH in ST section X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
Noise
Shake
Shake
Judder
Shimmy
Vibration
Shimmy, Judder
Use the chart below to help you find cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
FA-4
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
SFA703B
k 1 k 2 k 3
k 4 k 5 k 6
k 7 k 8
FA-5
Check strut (shock absorber) for oil leakage or other damage. Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint dust cover for cracks or other damage. If ball joint dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace transverse link.
SFA392B
Check spring height from top of wheelarch to the ground. (1) Vehicle must be unladen*, parked on a level surface, and tires checked for proper inflation and wear (tread wear indicator must not be showing). *: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions. (2) Bounce vehicle up and down several times before measuring. Standard height: Refer to SDS (FA-26). (3) Spring height is not adjustable. If out of specification, check for worn springs or suspension parts.
SFA818AA
SFA504A
Check suspension ball joint end play. (1) Jack up front of vehicle and set the stands. (2) Clamp dial indicator onto transverse link and place indicator tip on lower edge of brake caliper. (3) Make sure front wheels are straight and brake pedal is depressed. (4) Place a pry bar between transverse link and inner rim of road wheel. (5) While raising and releasing pry bar, observe maximum dial indicator value. Vertical end play: 0 mm (0 in) (6) If ball joint movement is beyond specifications, remove and replace it.
FA-6
SFA646A
SFA575B
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Check tires for wear and improper inflation. Check wheel runout. Wheel runout: Refer to SDS (FA-27). Check front wheel bearings for looseness. Check front suspension for looseness. Check steering linkage for looseness. Check that front shock absorbers work properly. Check vehicle posture (Unladen).
TOE-IN
Measure toe-in using following procedure. WARNING: Perform following procedure always on a flat surface. Make sure that no person is in front of the vehicle before pushing it. 1. Move front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture. 2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (196.9 in). 3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) at the same height of hub center to be a measuring point.
SFA614B
FA-7
SFA234AC
7. Adjust toe-in by varying the length of steering tie-rods. (1) Loosen lock nuts. (2) Adjust toe-in by screwing tie-rods in and out. Standard length L: Refer to ST section. (3) Tighten lock nuts to specified torque. Lock nut tightening torque: Refer to ST section.
SFA486A
SFA439BA
3.
Check stopper bolt head to see whether it contacts stopper bracket at specified outside wheel angle. If not, adjust stopper bolt to contact stopper bracket at the correct angle. Adjust protrusion of stopper bolt before placing stopper bolt cap. Apply grease to face of stopper bracket that bolt touches. Tighten stopper bolt lock nut. : 54 - 72 Nm (5.5 - 7.3 kg-m, 40 - 53 ft-lb)
AFA003
Drive Shaft
Check for grease leakage or other damage.
SFA488A
FA-8
FRONT AXLE
SFA799B
k 1 k 2 k 3 k 4 k 5 k 6
Drive shaft Inner grease seal Snap ring Knuckle Baffle plate ABS sensor
k 7 k 8 k 9 k 10 k 11
Wheel bearing assembly Snap ring Outer grease seal Hub bolt Wheel hub
k 12 k 13 k 14 k 15 k 16
Plain washer Wheel bearing lock nut Cotter pin Disc rotor Wheel nut
SFA701
FA-9
SFA247B
Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping it. Cover boots with shop towel so as not to damage them when removing drive shaft.
SFA651A
SFA803A
Loosen lower ball joint tightening nut. Separate knuckle from lower ball joint stud with Tool. Remove knuckle from transverse link.
SFA113A
INSTALLATION
Install knuckle with wheel hub. When installing knuckle to strut, be sure to hold bolts and tighten nuts. : 140 - 159 Nm (14.3 - 16.2 kg-m, 103 - 117 ft-lb) Before tightening, apply oil to threaded portion of drive shaft and both sides of plain washer. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut. : 235 - 314 Nm (24 - 32 kg-m, 174 - 231 ft-lb)
SFA652A
FA-10
SFA653A
DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION: When removing wheel hub or wheel bearing from knuckle, replace wheel bearing assembly (outer race, inner races and grease seals) with a new one.
Wheel hub
Drive out hub with inner race (outside) from knuckle with a suitable tool.
SFA116A
Wheel bearing
When replacing wheel bearing, replace wheel bearing assembly (inner races and outer race). Remove bearing inner race (outside), then remove outer grease seal.
SFA654A
SFA950A
SFA685
FA-11
SFA496A
Snap ring
Check snap ring for wear or cracks. Replace if necessary.
ASSEMBLY
1. 2. Install inner snap ring into groove of knuckle. Press new wheel bearing assembly into knuckle. Maximum load P: 29 kN (3 ton, 3.3 US ton, 3.0 Imp ton) CAUTION: Do not press inner race of wheel bearing assembly. Do not apply oil or grease to mating surfaces of wheel bearing outer race and knuckle. 3. Install outer snap ring into groove of knuckle.
SFA655A
4.
SFA747
5.
SFA656AA
FA-12
SFA657AA
7.
Press wheel hub into knuckle. Maximum load P: 49 kN (5 ton, 5.5 US ton, 4.9 Imp ton) Be careful not to damage grease seal.
SFA658A
8. Check bearing operation. (1) Add load P with press. Load P: 49 kN (5 ton, 5.5 US ton, 4.9 Imp ton) (2) Spin knuckle several turns in both directions. (3) Make sure that wheel bearings operate smoothly.
SFA672A
Drive Shaft
REMOVAL
Remove wheel bearing lock nut. Brake caliper need not be disconnected. Do not twist or stretch brake hose when moving components.
SFA649A
SFA153B
FA-13
SFA496B
1.
SFA989
2.
Remove left drive shaft from transaxle. Pry off drive shaft from transaxle as shown at left.
SFA991
SFA730
FA-14
SFA394BA
3. 4. 5.
Insert drive shaft into transaxle. Be sure to properly align the serrations and then withdraw Tool. Push drive shaft, then press-fit circular clip on the drive shaft into circular clip groove of side gear. After its insertion, try to pull the flange out of the slide joint by hand. If it pulls out, the circular clip is not properly meshed with the side gear. Install drive shaft into knuckle. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut. Refer to FRONT AXLE Wheel Hub and Knuckle (FA-9).
Wheel side
SFA483-A
FA-15
SFA602B
k 1 k 2 k 3 k 4 k 5 k 6 k 7 k 8 k 9
Joint assembly Boot Boot band Circular clip Drive shaft Dynamic damper band Dynamic damper Boot Boot band
k 10 k 11 k 12 k 13 k 14 k 15 k 16 k 17 k 18
Snap ring Inner race Cage Ball Snap ring Slide joint housing Dust shield Circular clip Slide joint housing with extension shaft
k 19 k 20 k 21 k 22 k 23 k 24 k 25
Snap ring Dust shield Support bearing Support bearing retainer Bracket Snap ring Dust shield
SFA476
FA-16
SFA514A
Wheel side
CAUTION: The joint on the wheel side cannot be disassembled. Before separating joint assembly, put matchmarks on drive shaft and joint assembly. Separate joint assembly with a suitable tool. Be careful not to damage threads on drive shaft. Remove boot bands.
SFA092A
Support bearing
Remove dust shield.
SFA442B
SFA692
SFA693
FA-17
SFA617
INSPECTION
Thoroughly clean all parts in cleaning solvent, and dry with compressed air. Check parts for evidence of deformation or other damage.
Drive shaft
Replace drive shaft if it is twisted or cracked.
Boot
Check boot for fatigue, cracks, or wear. Replace boot with new boot bands.
Joint assembly
Replace joint assembly if it is deformed or damaged.
Support bearing
Make sure wheel bearing rolls freely and is free from noise, cracks, pitting or wear.
ASSEMBLY
After drive shaft has been assembled, ensure that it moves smoothly over its entire range without binding. Use NISSAN GENUINE GREASE or equivalent after every overhaul.
Wheel side
1. Install boot and new small boot band on drive shaft. Cover drive shaft serration with tape so as not to damage boot during installation.
SFA800
FA-18
SFA130A
3. 4.
Pack drive shaft with specified amount of grease. Specified amount of grease: 135 - 145 g (4.76 - 5.11 oz) Make sure that boot is properly installed on the drive shaft groove. Set boot so that it does not swell and deform when its length is L1. Length L1: 96 - 98 mm (3.78 - 3.86 in)
SFA456B
5.
Lock new larger and smaller boot bands securely with a suitable tool.
SFA443B
Dynamic damper
1. 2. Use new damper band when reinstalling. Install dynamic damper from stationary-joint side while holding it securely. Length (Left side only): A: 205 - 215 mm (8.07 - 8.46 in) B: 50 mm (1.97 in)
SFA138B
Transaxle side
1. Install boot and new small boot band on drive shaft. Cover drive shaft serration with tape so as not to damage boot during installation.
SFA800
FA-19
SFA514A
4. 5. 6.
7.
SFA149A
Pack drive shaft with specified amount of grease. Specified amount of grease: 165 - 175 g (5.82 - 6.17 oz) Install slide joint housing, then install new snap ring. Make sure that boot is properly installed on the drive shaft groove. Set boot so that it does not swell and deform when its length is L2. Length L2: 97 - 99 mm (3.82 - 3.90 in) Lock new larger and smaller boot bands securely with a suitable tool.
Support bearing
Press bearing into retainer.
SFA618
SFA694
SFA444B
FA-20
SFA800B
k 1 k 2 k 3 k 4 k 5 k 6 k 7 k 8 k 9 k 10
Spacer Strut mounting insulator Strut mounting insulator bracket Strut mounting bearing Upper spring seat Upper spring rubber seat Bound bumper Coil spring (Polyurethane tube) Strut assembly
k 11 k 12 k 13 k 14 k 15 k 16 k 17 k 18 k 19
Suspension member Rebound stopper Stabilizer clamp Stabilizer bar Link bushing pin Transverse link Connecting rod Compression rod bushing clamp Cotter pin
k 20 k 21 k 22 k 23 k 24 k 25 k 26 k 27 k 28
Drive shaft Cap Stopper bolt Cotter pin Knuckle ABS sensor Plain washer Wheel bearing lock nut Cotter pin
FA-21
SFA956A
DISASSEMBLY
1. Set strut assembly on vise, then loosen piston rod lock nut. Do not remove piston rod lock nut. 2. Compress spring with tool so that the strut 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 so as not to tilt the spring.
SSU002
3.
SSU003
Thrust bearing
Check thrust bearing parts for abnormal noise or excessive rattle in axial direction. Replace if necessary.
Coil spring
Check for cracks, deformation or other damage. Replace if necessary.
FA-22
SFA508A
Install upper spring seat with its cutout facing the outer side of vehicle.
SFA664A
Stabilizer Bar
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Remove stabilizer bar.
SFA317B
When installing stabilizer, make sure that paint mark and clamp face in their correct directions.
SFA318B
Make sure that slit in bushing is in the position shown in the figure.
SFA604B
FA-23
SFA605B
SFA449BB
INSPECTION
Check stabilizer for deformation or cracks. Replace if necessary. Check rubber bushings for deterioration or cracks. Replace if necessary. Check ball joint can rotate in all directions. If movement is not smooth and free, replace stabilizer bar connecting rod.
ARA027
5.
Separate lower ball joint stud from knuckle with suitable tool. Refer to FRONT AXLE Wheel Hub and Knuckle (FA-9).
SFA113A
FA-24
INSPECTION
Check transverse link for damage, cracks or deformation. Replace it if necessary. Check rubber bushing for damage, cracks and deformation. Replace transverse link if necessary.
SFA858A
Check ball joint for play. Replace transverse link assembly if any of the following cases occur. Ball stud is worn, play in axial direction is excessive or joint is hard to swing. Before checking, turn ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that ball joint is properly broken in. Swinging force A: (measuring point: cotter pin hole of ball stud): 7.8 - 54.9 N (0.8 - 5.6 kg, 1.8 - 12.3 lb) Turning torque B: 0.49 - 3.43 Nm (5.0 - 35 kg-cm, 4.3 - 30.4 in-lb) Vertical end play C: 0 mm (0 in) Check dust cover for damage. Replace it and cover clamp if necessary.
FA-25
STRUT
Applied model Piston rod diameter mm (in) All 22 (0.87)
DRIVE SHAFT
Applied model Joint type Transaxle side DS90 ZF100 mm (in) 97 - 99 (3.82 - 3.90) 96 - 98 (3.78 - 3.86) Nissan genuine grease or equivalent g (oz) 165 - 175 (5.82 - 6.17) 135 - 145 (4.76 - 5.11) All
Wheel side Boot length Transaxle side L2 Wheel side L1 Grease Capacity
SFA818A
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions. *1: Models equipped with 205/65 R15 tires *2: Models equipped with 215/60 R15 tires
FA-26
*1: Fuel, radiator 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.
WHEEL BEARING
Wheel bearing axial end play limit mm (in) Wheel bearing lock nut tightening torque Nm (kg-m, ft-lb) 0.05 (0.0020)
WHEEL RUNOUT
Wheel type Aluminum wheel
FA-27
SUSPENSION
SECTION
FA
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARATION............................2 Precautions ..................................................................2 Special Service Tools ..................................................2 Commercial Service Tools ...........................................3 NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING .....................................................4 NVH Troubleshooting Chart.........................................4 FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM ....................................5 Components.................................................................5 ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ..................................................6 Front Axle and Front Suspension Parts ......................6 Front Wheel Bearing....................................................7 Front Wheel Alignment ................................................7 Drive Shaft ...................................................................8 FRONT AXLE ..................................................................9 Wheel Hub and Knuckle..............................................9 Drive Shaft .................................................................13 FRONT SUSPENSION ..................................................21 Components...............................................................21 Coil Spring and Strut Assembly.................................22 Stabilizer Bar .............................................................23 Transverse Link and Lower Ball Joint .......................24 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ..........26 General Specifications...............................................26 Inspection and Adjustment ........................................27