Nissan Altima L32. Instruction — part 769

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

FSU-7

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ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

Inspection and Adjustment

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INSPECTION

Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component conditions

(wear, damage) are normal.

LOWER BALL JOINT END PLAY

1. Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.
2. Place an iron bar or similar tool between upper link and steering knuckle.
3. Measure axial end play by prying it up and down.Refer to

FSU-17, "Ball Joint"

.

CAUTION:

Be careful not to damage ball joint boot. Do not damage the installation position by applying

excessive force.

SHOCK ABSORBER

Check for oil leakage, damage and replace if malfunction is detected.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Description

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions.

NOTE:

"Unladen conditions" means that fuel, engine coolant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and

mats are in designated positions.

General Information and Recommendations

• A four-wheel thrust alignment should be performed.

- This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN vehicle.

- The four-wheel "thrust" process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel is

centered.

- The alignment rack itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN vehicle.

- 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.

- Check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment for their recommended Service/Calibration Sched-

ule.

Preliminary Check

Check the following:
1. Tires for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Road wheels for runout. Refer to

WT-70, "Road Wheel"

.

3. Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to

FAX-27, "Wheel Bearing"

.

4. Transverse link ball joint axial end play. Refer to

FSU-10, "Removal and Installation"

.

5. Shock absorber operation.
6. Each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
7. Each of suspension member, shock absorber, upper link and transverse link for cracks, deformation and

other damage.

8. Vehicle height (posture).

Alignment Process

IMPORTANT:

Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Instruction.

• When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use "indicators" Do not use these indi-

cators.: (Green/red, plus or minus, Go/No Go).

- The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be cor-

rect.

FSU-8

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

- This may result in an ERROR.

• Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an optional "Rolling Compensation" method to "com-

pensate" the sensors (alignment targets or head units). Do not use this "Rolling Compensation" 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.

- See Instructions in the alignment machine you're using for more information on this.

ADJUSTMENT

Camber, Caster and Kingpin Inclination Angles

CAUTION:

Camber, caster, kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.

FRONT COIL SPRING AND STRUT

FSU-9

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ON-VEHICLE REPAIR

FRONT COIL SPRING AND STRUT

Removal and Installation

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REMOVAL

1. Remove wheel and tire. Refer to

WT-66, "Adjustment"

.

2. Remove brake caliper and reposition aside using wire. Refer to

BR-30, "BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY :

Exploded View"

.

CAUTION:

Avoid depressing brake pedal with brake caliper removed.

3. Remove wheel sensor electrical harness from strut. Refer to

BRC-63, "Removal and Installation"

(ABS),

BRC-134, "Removal and Installation"

(TCS/ABS),

BRC-236, "Removal and Installation"

(VDC/TCS/ABS).

4. Remove brake hose lock plate.
5. Remove steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts. Refer to

FSU-12, "Exploded View"

.

6. Remove bolt on strut tower bar then bolts on strut tower and remove strut from vehicle.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check the strut for any oil leakage or other damage and replace as necessary.

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

• Refer to

FSU-12, "Exploded View"

for tightening torque.

• Be sure arrows on strut mount insulator and spring upper seat are

positioned as shown. Also be sure notch in strut spacer is posi-

tioned as shown. Then install strut.

• Assemble upper mounting plate with its notch facing toward the

outside.

SEIA0123E

FSU-10

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TRANSVERSE LINK

TRANSVERSE LINK

Removal and Installation

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REMOVAL

1. Remove wheel and tire. Refer to

WT-66, "Adjustment"

.

2. Remove steering knuckle from transverse link. Refer to

FSU-12, "Exploded View"

.

3. Remove mounting nuts and washers on lower portion of stabilizer connecting rod.
4. Slightly loosen transverse link mounting bolts.
5. Remove transverse link bolts and nuts, and remove transverse link from suspension member.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Visual Inspection

Check transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks, and other damage. Replace the entire transverse

link assembly if cracks, deformation or any other damage is found.

Ball Joint Inspection

CAUTION:

Before measurement, move the ball joint at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.

Swing Torque Inspection

• Hook spring scale at cotter pin mounting hole. Confirm spring

scale measurement value is within specifications when ball stud

begins moving.

• If the value is outside the standard, replace transverse link.

Rotating Torque Inspection

• Attach nut to ball stud. Check that rotating torque is within specifications using Tool.

• If the value is outside the standard, replace transverse link.

Axial Endplay Inspection

• Move tip of ball joint in axial direction to check for looseness.

• If any looseness is noted, replace transverse link.

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

• Refer to

FSU-12, "Exploded View"

for tightening torque.

• Tighten transverse link bolts with vehicle unladen and all four tires on flat, level ground.

• After installation, check wheel alignment. Refer to

FSU-7, "Inspection and Adjustment"

.

Swing force:

0.50 - 3.4 N·m (0.06 - 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)

Measurement on spring balance:

7.94 - 53.97 N (0.81 - 5.50 kg, 1.79 - 12.2 lb)

SEIA0122E

Tool number

: ST3127S000 (J-25765-A)

Rotating torque:

0.50 - 3.4 N·m (0.06 - 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)

FAC1021D

Axial endplay

: 0.1 mm (0.004 in) or less