FRONT SUSPENSION

E SUSPENSION
A

SECTION

FRONT SUSPENSION

CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Precautions .............................................................. 2
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3
Special Service Tool ................................................. 3
Commercial Service Tool ......................................... 3
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ........................... 5
Components ............................................................. 5
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service .......................... 5
LOOSENESS, BACKLASH, AND DAMAGE OF
MOUNTING PARTS AND CONNECTIONS .......... 5
Wheel Alignment ...................................................... 6
INTRODUCTION ................................................... 6
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6
INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER AND
KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES ........................ 6
TOE-IN INSPECTION ........................................... 7
STEERING ANGLE INSPECTION ........................ 8
SHOCK ABSORBER .................................................. 9
Removal and Installation .......................................... 9
REMOVAL ............................................................. 9
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 9
INSPECTION ........................................................ 9

TORSION BAR SPRING ........................................... 10

Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
REMOVAL ........................................................... 10
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
INSPECTION ...................................................... 11
UPPER LINK ............................................................. 12
Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
REMOVAL ........................................................... 12
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 12
INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
TRANSVERSE LINK ................................................. 13
Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 13
INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 14
Removal and Installation ........................................ 14
REMOVAL ........................................................... 14
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 14
INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER ............................. 15
Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
REMOVAL ........................................................... 15
INSTALLATION ................................................... 15
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 16
General Specifications ............................................ 16
Wheel Alignment (Unladen * 1) .............................. 16
Ball Joint ................................................................. 16

FSU-1

FSU

PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS
Precautions

PFP:00001
EES000HI

When installing rubber parts, final tightening must be carried out

under unladen condition* with tires on ground. Oil will shorten
the life of rubber bushes. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil. *:
Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand
tools and mats in designated positions.
After installing removed suspension parts, check wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
Use flare nut wrench when removing or installing brake tubes.
Always torque brake lines when installing.
Lock nuts are unreusable parts; always use new ones. When
replacing, do not wipe the oil off the new lock nut before tightening.

FSU-2

SBR686C

PREPARATION
PREPARATION
Special Service Tool

PFP:00002

A
EES000HJ

Tool name
Tool number

Description

Preload gauge
ST3127S000

Measuring ball joint sliding torque

D
ZZA0806D

Commercial Service Tool

EES000J0

Tool name

FSU

Description

F
1.Flare nut crowfoot
2.Torque wrench
a: 10 mm (0.39 in)

Removing and installing each brake

piping

S-NT360

FSU-3

Refer to FSU-14

PROPELLER SHAFT

NVH in PR section

DIFFERENTIAL

NVH in RFD section.

REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION

NVH in RAX and RSU section.

TIRES

NVH in WT section.

ROAD WEEL

NVH in WT section.

DRIVE SHAFT

NVH in RAX section.

BRAKES

NVH in BR section.

STEERING

NVH in PS section.

NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

Stabilizer bar fatigue

PFP:00003

Refer to FSU-6

EES000IF

Incorrect wheel alignment

Refer to FSU-5

Suspension looseness

Spring fatigue

Parts interference

Bushing or mounting deterioration

Refer to FSU-9

Shock absorber deformation, damage or deflection

NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

NVH Troubleshooting Chart

Noise

Shake

Vibration

Shimmy

Judder

Poor quality ride or handling

Refer to FSU-5

Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.

Reference page

FRONT SUSPENSION

Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS

Symptom

: Applicable

FSU-4

Improper installation, looseness

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Components

PFP:54010

A
EES000HK

FSU

SEIA0117E

Anchor arm

Torsion bar spring

Upper link suspension

Upper link

Cotter pin

Washer

Bush

Washer

Shock absorber

10 Rear cam bolt

11 Front cam bolt

12 Lower link assembly

13 Lower ball joint

14 Stabilizer connecting rod

15 Stabilizer

16 Stabilizer bush

17 Stabilizer clamp

18 Suspension member

On-Vehicle Inspection and Service

EES000HL

LOOSENESS, BACKLASH, AND DAMAGE OF MOUNTING PARTS AND CONNECTIONS

With the vehicle lifted, check the items below.

FSU-5

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

1.
2.
3.

Check the mounting portion of the components for looseness, free play, and damage.
Check the end play of the lower ball joint.
Attach a dial gauge so that the contact rests on the brake caliper.
Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.
Measure the axial end play by placing an iron bar, etc. between the lower link and steering knuckle.
Axial end play

4.

: 0 mm (0 in)

CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.
If the axial end play is outside the specified range, remove the lower link and check the lower ball joint.

Wheel Alignment

EES000HM

INTRODUCTION

Measure the wheel alignment under unladen condition. Unladen condition means that fuel, coolant, and
lubricant are filled up to the specified amount. Spare tire, jack, and hand tools shall be unloaded from the
vehicle.

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Check the tires for improper air pressure and wear.

Check road wheels for run out.
Check wheel bearing axial end play.
Check lower ball joint axial end play.
Check the operation status of shock absorber.
Check each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
Check each link and arm for cracks, deformation and other damage.
Check that the vehicle posture is correct.

INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES

Before checking camber, caster or kingpin inclination, move vehicle
up and down on turning radius gauge to minimize friction. Ensure
that the vehicle is in correct posture.

Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right and

left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge and adjust in accordance with the following procedures.Camber, Caster and Kingpin inclination: Refer to FSU-16, "SERVICE DATA AND
SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)"
.
SFA894

FSU-6

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

1.
2.

In the following two cases, temporarily tighten the adjusting bolts

while aligning the matching marks with the slits as shown in the
figure at the left and measure the camber, caster and kingpin
inclination:
When replacing the upper link or other suspension parts with
new ones
When matching marks were not painted on adjusting bolts
before suspension disassembly procedures
If matching marks were already painted during suspension disassembly, align the matching marks with the slits, then temporarily tighten the adjusting bolts. Measure the camber, caster
and kingpin inclination.

FSU

SFA817B

M
SEIA0102E

TOE-IN INSPECTION
Measure toe-in using the following procedure.
WARNING:

Always perform the following procedure on a flat surface.

Make sure that no one is in front of the vehicle before pushing it.
1. Bounce front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.

SFA614B

FSU-7

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).

Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both tires at
the same height of hub center. This mark is a measuring point.
Measure distance A (rear side).
Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180 degrees
(1/2 turn).
If the wheels have rotated more than 180 degrees (1/2turn),
try the above procedure again from the beginning. Never
push vehicle backward.
Measure distance B (front side).
Toe-in

7.

SFA234AC

: In 4mm (0.16 in) to in 2 mm (0.08 in)(2WD models flat floor)

Adjust toe-in by varying the length of both steering tie-rods.

STEERING ANGLE INSPECTION

1.
2.

Set wheels in straight-ahead position. Move vehicle to set front wheels on turning radius gauge.
Turn steering wheel fully to right and left, and measure steering angle. Refer to PS-38, "SERVICE DATA
AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)" .

FSU-8

SHOCK ABSORBER
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal and Installation

PFP:56210

A
EES000IP

REMOVAL
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.

Support the lower link with a jack, etc.

CAUTION:
Use a piece of wood or something similar to prevent damage to the lower link.
Remove the mounting bolts on the lower portion of shock absorber.
Remove the mounting bolts on the upper portion of shock absorber.
Remove washer and bushing.
Remove shock absorber from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION

Install in the reverse order of removal.

FSU

INSPECTION

Check the shock absorbers for oil leak, cracks, or damage. If any non-standard condition is found, replace
it.
Check the bushing for cracks or damage. If any non-standard condition is found, replace it.

FSU-9

TORSION BAR SPRING

TORSION BAR SPRING
Removal and Installation

PFP:54010
EES000IW

REMOVAL
1.
2.

Raise the vehicle.

Put a mating mark between the torsion bar spring and arms.
CAUTION:
Use paint, etc. for mating marks to prevent damage on the
parts.

SEIA0103E

3.

4.
5.

Remove the anchor bolt nuts.

CAUTION:
At this time, remove them after confirming that the torsion
force of torsion bar spring is released.
Remove the torsion bar spring together with the anchor arm
from the vehicle.
Remove the mounting bolts and nuts. Then remove torque arm
from the lower link.

SEIA0104J

INSTALLATION
1.
2.
3.

Install the torque arm to the lower link. Tighten the mounting bolts and nuts to the specified torque.
Fully apply grease (Nissan MP Special Grease No. 2) to the serration of the torsion bar spring, torque
arm, and anchor arm.
Install the torsion bar spring to the torque arm by aligning the
mating mark.
CAUTION:
There are stamp marks on the edge surface of the torsion
spring as shown in the figure so that installation must be
performed after checking to prevent wrong installation.

SEIA0121E

4.

Install the anchor arm so that the anchor arm plate and line A
at vehicle side are vertically aligned.

SEIA0106E

FSU-10

TORSION BAR SPRING

5.

Install the anchor bolts, and tighten the lock nut to the specified
torque.

C
SEIA0104J

6.
a.
b.

Under unladen conditions with the tires on the ground, adjust the
vehicle posture.
Shake the vehicle up and down several times so that the parts fit
with each other.
Adjust the dimension H to be within the specified range. (a - b)
Dimension H

FSU

: 111 - 115 mm (4.37- 4.53 in)

If the anchor bolt is too loose, first loosen the screw, and then
adjust it in the tightening direction.
After adjusting the vehicle posture, fully tighten the lock nut to
the specified torque.

c.

G
SEIA0105E

INSPECTION

Check the torsion bar spring for deformation, cracks or damage. If any non-standard condition is found,
replace it.
Check the torque arm and anchor arm for deformation, cracks or damage. If any non-standard condition is
found, replace them.
Check the boot for deformation, cracks or damage. If any non-standard condition is found, replace it.

FSU-11

UPPER LINK
UPPER LINK
Removal and Installation

PFP:54524
EES000HP

REMOVAL
1.
2.
3.

4.

Remove the shock absorber.

Remove the cotter pin on the ball joint.
Using a tie rod end lifter (commercial service tool), remove the upper ball joint.
CAUTION:
Because the tie rod end lifter (commercial service tool) may come off suddenly, temporarily
tighten the lock nut.
Put a mating mark on the upper link and upper link pin. Remove the upper link pin, and then remove the
upper link from the vehicle.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Visual Inspection
Check the upper link for deformation, cracks, or damage. If any non-standard condition is found, replace it.

Ball Joint Inspection

CAUTION:
Before measurement, move the ball joint by hand ten times or more to check for smooth operation of
the ball joint.

Oscillating Torque Inspection

Fix the upper link, and hook the spring scale onto the cotter pin
mounting hole. Check that the spring scale value when the ball
stud begins moving is within the specified range.
Oscillating
torque
Measured
value of spring
scale

: 4.9 Nm (0.5 kgm,43 inlb) or less

: 79 N (8.1 kg,17.9 lb) or less

If it is outside the specified range, replace the upper link.

SEIA0122E

Sliding Torque Inspection

Temporarily tighten the mounting nut to the ball joint. Using a

preload gauge (special service tool), check that the sliding
torque is within the specified range.
Sliding torque

: 4.9 Nm (0.5 kgm,43inlb) or less

If it is outside the specified range, replace the upper link.

FAC1021D

INSTALLATION
1.

Tighten the ball joint and nut on the installation part in the suspension member to the specified torque.
Then install the cotter pin.
CAUTION:
The cotter pin is not reusable. Always use a new one when installing.
2. Temporarily tighten the nut and washer on the installation part of the third link. Then under unladen condition with tires on the ground, tighten them to the specified torque.

FSU-12

TRANSVERSE LINK
TRANSVERSE LINK
Removal and Installation

PFP:54500

A
EES000HQ

REMOVAL
1.

2.
3.
4.

Loosen the mounting nut between the lower link and steering knuckle.
CAUTION:
Loosen the nut to the degree that it can be turned by hand, and leave it temporarily.
Remove the mounting bolts on the lower portion of shock absorber.
Remove the mounting nut on the lower portion of stabilizer connecting rod.
Remove the lower link from the suspension member.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Visual Inspection

Check the transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks, or damage. If any non-standard condition is
FSU
found, replace the transverse link as an assembly.

Ball Joint Inspection

CAUTION:
Before measurement, move the ball joint by hand ten times or more to check for smooth operation of
the ball joint.

Oscillating Torque Inspection

Hook the spring scale onto the cotter pin mounting hole. Check
that the spring scale value when the ball stud begins moving is
within the specified range.
Oscillating torque
Measured value of
spring scale

: 4.9 Nm (0.5 kgm,43 inlb)

: 79 N (8.1 kg,17.9 lb)
I

If it is outside the specified range, replace the ball joint.

J
SEIA0122E

Sliding Torque Inspection

Install the mounting nut to the ball stud. Using a preload gauge
(special service tool), check the sliding torque is within the specified range.

Sliding torque

: 4.9 Nm (0.5 kgm,43 inlb)

If it is outside the specified range, replace the ball joint.

M

FAC1021D

Axial End Play Inspection

Push the ball joint tip in the axial direction to check free play.
Axial end play

: 0.2 mm (0.008 in) or less

If there is free play, replace the ball joint.

INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" for each tightening torque, etc. Tighten in the reverse order of removal.
Tighten the lower link mounting bolts to the specified torque under unladen condition with tires on the
ground.
After installation, check the wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Wheel Alignment" in Front suspension
assembly.

FSU-13

STABILIZER BAR
STABILIZER BAR
Removal and Installation

PFP:54611
EES000IG

REMOVAL
1.
2.
3.

Remove mounting nuts on upper portion of stabilizer connecting rod.

Remove stabilizer clamp mounting bolts.
Remove stabilizer from the vehicle.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check stabilizer, connecting rod, bushing and clamp for deformation, cracks and damage, and replace if necessary.

INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" for each tightening torque, etc. Tighten in the reverse order of removal.
Because the stabilizer uses the pillow ball type connecting rod,
install the ball joint so that the case on the pillow ball head
becomes parallel to the stabilizer.

SFA449B

FSU-14

FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER

FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER
Removal and Installation

PFP:54401

A
EES000HS

REMOVAL
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Remove tires. Raise the vehicle, and remove caliper and sensor.
Remove front exhaust tube.
Remove torsion bar spring.
Remove front propeller shaft.
Remove stabilizer.
Remove mounting part of steering gear and knuckle arm.
Remove steering gear mounting bolts from the suspension member.
Hang steering gear.
Remove front differential assembly from suspension member.
Support engine or transmission with a transmission jack.
Remove suspension member mounting bolt and lower link.
Set a transmission jack under suspension member, and remove suspension member mounting nuts.
Slowly lower transmission jack to remove suspension member from vehicle.

FSU

INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" in Front suspension assembly for each tightening torque, etc. Tighten in
the reverse order of removal.
After installation, perform final tightening of each part under unladen conditions with tires on the ground.
Check wheel alignment.

FSU-15

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
General Specifications
Suspension type

PFP:00030
EES000IZ

Independent double wishbone torsion bar spring

Shock absorber type

Double-acting hydraulic

Stabilizer

Standard equipment

Wheel Alignment (Unladen * 1)

EES000HT

Camber
Degree minute (Decimal degree)

Minimum

045(0.75)

Nominal

000(0.00)

Maximum

045(0.75)

Left and right difference

Caster
Degree minute (Decimal degree)

45(0.75)or less

Minimum

215(2.25)

Nominal

315(2.25)

Maximum

415(4.25)

Left and right difference

Kingpin inclination
Degree minute (Decimal degree)

Total toe-in

Distance (a - b)

Radial tire

60(1.00) or less

Minimum

1315(13.25)

Nominal

1400(14.00)

Maximum

1445(14.75)

Minimum

2 mm (0.08 in)

Nominal

3 mm (0.12 in)

Maximum

4 mm (0.16 in)

Vehicle posture Lower arm pivot height (H)

111 - 115 mm (4.37 -4.53 in)

SEIA0105E

*1: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.

Ball Joint

EES000HU

Upper link
Oscillating torque

Lower link

4.9 Nm (0.5 kgm,43 inlb) or less

Measured value of spring scale

(Cotter pin hole position)

79 N (8.1 kg,17.9 lb)

Sliding torque

4.9 Nm (0.5 kgm,43 inlb) or less

Axial end play

0 mm (0 in)

FSU-16