Front Suspension: Section
Front Suspension: Section
Front Suspension: Section
B
SECTION
FRONT SUSPENSION C
FSU
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2 STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 12 F
Precautions for Supplemental Restraint System Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
(SRS) “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TEN- REMOVAL ........................................................... 12
SIONER” .................................................................. 2 INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 12 G
Precautions .............................................................. 2 INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3 UPPER LINK ............................................................. 13
Special Service Tools ............................................... 3 Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
H
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 3 REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 13
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4 INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4 LOWER LINK ............................................................ 14 I
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ........................... 5 Removal and Installation ........................................ 14
Components ............................................................. 5 REMOVAL ........................................................... 14
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ............................................. 6 INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 14 J
Front Suspension Parts ............................................ 6 INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
Front Wheel Alignment ............................................. 6 UPPER BALL JOINT AND LOWER BALL JOINT ... 15
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6 Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
K
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMEN- Inspection ............................................................... 15
DATIONS .............................................................. 6 SWINGING FORCE ............................................ 15
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS .............................. 7 TURNING FORCE ............................................... 15
CAMBER AND CASTER ....................................... 7 VERTICAL END PLAY ........................................ 16 L
TOE-IN .................................................................. 8 KNUCKLE ................................................................. 17
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE ..................... 9 On-Vehicle Inspection and Service ......................... 17
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER ............... 10 Removal and Installation ........................................ 17 M
Removal and Installation ........................................ 10 REMOVAL ........................................................... 17
REMOVAL ........................................................... 10 INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 18
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10 INSTALLATION ................................................... 19
Disassembly and Assembly ................................... 10 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 20
DISASSEMBLY ................................................... 10 General Specifications (Front) ................................ 20
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ............... 10 Spring Free Height ................................................. 20
ASSEMBLY ..........................................................11 Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1)*6 ............................. 20
Ball Joint ................................................................. 21
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*1 ) .............................. 21
PRECAUTIONS PFP:00001
Precautions for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) “AIR BAG” and “SEAT
BELT PRE-TENSIONER” EES002BT
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 and SB section of this Service Man-
ual.
WARNING:
● 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 per-
formed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.
● Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to per-
sonal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air
Bag Module, see the SRS section.
● Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or
harness connectors.
Precautions EES001IR
● When installing the rubber bushings, the final tightening must be done under unladen condition and with
the tires on level ground. Oil will shorten the life of the rubber bushings, so wipe off any spilled oil immedi-
ately.
● Unladen condition means the fuel tank, engine coolant and lubricants are at the full specification. The
spare tire, jack, hand tools, and mats are in their designated positions.
● After installing suspension components, check the wheel alignment.
● Lock nuts are not reusable. Always use new lock nuts for installation. New lock nuts are pre-oiled, do not
apply any additional lubrication.
PREPARATION PFP:00002
A
Special Service Tools EES001IS
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number Description
B
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool name
ST29020001 Removing ball joint for knuckle
(J-24319-01) a: 34 mm (1.34 in) C
Gear arm puller b: 6.5 mm (0.256 in)
c: 61.5 mm (2.421 in)
NT694
NT146
G
Commercial Service Tools EES001IT
NT148
J
Spring compressor Removing and installing coil spring
L
NT717
PBIC0190E
Noise
Shake
Shimmy
Shudder
Vibration
×
×
×
×
×
×
Shock absorber deformation,
×
×
×
×
×
×
FSU-6
damage or deflection
FSU-4
×
×
×
×
×
×
Bushing or mounting deterioration FSU-6
×
×
×
×
×
Parts interference FSU-5
×
×
×
Spring fatigue FSU-21
×
×
Suspension looseness FSU-6
×
×
Incorrect wheel alignment FSU-6
×
Stabilizer bar fatigue FSU-6
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
2006 Frontier
EES001IU
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU
WEIA0163E
Check front suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear and
other damage.
● Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play. If looseness
is noted:
– Inspect wheel bearing end play. Refer to FAX-5, "WHEEL
BEARING INSPECTION" .
– Check ball joint end play. Refer to FSU-21, "Ball Joint" .
● Make sure that the cotter pin is inserted in drive shaft end (4WD
only).
● Retighten all nuts and bolts to specification. SMA525A
SFA392B
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
WARNING:
Always adjust the alignment with the vehicle on a flat surface.
NOTE:
If alignment is out of specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn rear suspension parts before
making any adjustments.
1. Check and adjust the wheel alignment with the vehicle under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions”
means that the fuel, coolant, and lubricant are full; and that the spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in
their designated positions.
2. Check the tires for incorrect air pressure and excessive wear.
3. Check the wheels for run out and damage. Refer to WT-5, "Inspection" .
4. Check the wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-5, "WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION" .
5. Check the shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
6. Check each mounting point of the suspension components for any excessive looseness or damage.
7. Check each link, arm, and the suspension member for any damage.
8. Check the vehicle height. Refer to FSU-21, "Wheelarch Height (Unladen*1 )" .
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. 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 machine itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN vehicle.
● Your alignment machine should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.
● Check with the manufacturer of your specific alignment machine for their recommended Service/Cali- A
bration Schedule.
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
B
IMPORTANT: Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual. Refer to FSU-20, "Wheel
Alignment (Unladen*1)*6" .
1. When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use “indicators”: (Green/red, plus or
minus, Go/No Go). Do NOT use these indicators. C
● The alignment specifications programmed into your alignment machine that operate these indicators
may not be correct.
D
● This may result in an ERROR.
2. 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. FSU
● Use the “Jacking Compensation” method. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the
vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.
● See Instructions in the alignment machine you are using for more information. F
WEIA0115E
Rear adjusting
1 In 1 Out 1 In 1 Out 0 0 1 In 1 Out
bolt
Front adjusting
1 Out 1 In 1 In 1 Out 1 In 1 Out 0 0
bolt
Camber
Degree minute 0' (0°) 0' (0°) 7' (0.12°) - 7' (-0.12°) 3' (0.05°) - 3' (-0.05°) 3' (0.05°) - 3' (-0.05°)
(Decimal degree)
Caster
Degree minute - 12' (-0.20°) 12' (0.20°) 0' (0°) 0' (0°) 6' (0.10°) - 6' (-0.10°) - 6' (-0.10°) 6' (0.10°)
(Decimal degree)
3. Tighten the adjusting bolt nuts to specification. Refer to FSU-5, "Components" .
TOE-IN
WARNING:
● Always perform the following procedure on a flat surface.
● Make sure that no person is in front of the vehicle before pushing it.
1. Bounce the front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the vehicle height (posture).
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both front tires
at the same height as hub center as shown. These marks are
measuring points.
AFA050
4. Measure the distance “A” on the rear side of the front tires as
shown.
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180°
degrees (1/2 a turn).
CAUTION:
If the wheels have rotated more than 180° degrees (1/2
turn), start this procedure again from the beginning. Never
push the vehicle backward.
6. Measure the distance “B” on the front side of the front tires at the
same marks as shown. Total toe-in is calculated as “A” – “B”.
SFA234AC
Total toe-in : Refer to FSU-20, "Wheel Alignment
(Unladen*1)*6" .
7. Adjust the toe-in by varying the length of the steering outer tie-
rods.
a. Loosen the outer tie-rod lock nuts.
b. Adjust the toe-in by screwing the outer tie-rods in or out.
Standard length “L” : Refer to FSU-20, "Wheel Align-
ment (Unladen*1)*6" .
c. Tighten the outer tie-rod lock nuts to specification.
Lock nut : Refer to PS-17, "Disassembly and
Assembly" . SFA486A
REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool.
2. Support the lower link using a suitable jack.
3. Remove connecting rod upper joints from stabilizer bar using power tool. Refer to FSU-5, "Components" .
● Swing stabilizer bar down, repositioning it out of the way to access shock absorber lower mount.
4. Remove the shock absorber lower bolt and nut using power tool.
5. Remove the three shock absorber upper mounting nuts using
power tool.
6. Remove the coil spring and shock absorber assembly.
● Turn steering knuckle out to gain enough clearance for
removal.
WEIA0116E
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
● The step in the strut assembly lower seat faces outside of vehicle.
● Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. Refer to FSU-5, "Components" .
● When installing wheel and tire, refer to WT-7, "Rotation" .
Disassembly and Assembly EES001IZ
DISASSEMBLY
1. Set the shock absorber in a vise, then loosen (without removing)
the piston rod lock nut as shown.
CAUTION:
Do not remove piston rod lock nut at this time.
2. Compress the spring using commercial service tool until the
shock absorber 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 and evenly so as not to tilt the
spring. SSU002
SSU003
SFA508A
H
WEIA0117E
REMOVAL
1. Remove engine undercover using power tool.
2. Remove connecting rod nuts using power tool, as shown.
3. Loosen top bolts for stabilizer bar mounting brackets, then
remove lower bolts from mounting brackets and remove stabi-
lizer bar.
4. Remove bushings from stabilizer bar.
WEIA0118E
REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool.
B
2. Support the lower link using a suitable jack.
3. For the LH side only, remove the steering gear pinch bolt from
the lower joint shaft, then reposition the lower joint shaft out of
C
the way.
CAUTION:
● Do not damage the lower joint.
D
FSU
LGIA0029E
F
4. Remove cotter pin and nut from upper link ball joint.
5. Separate upper link ball joint stud from steering knuckle using
Tool.
G
Tool number : ST29020001 (J-24319-01)
WEIA0119E
WEIA0120E
M
REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool.
2. Remove lower shock absorber bolt.
3. Remove stabilizer bar connecting rod lower nut using power tool, then separate connecting rod from lower
link. Refer to FSU-12, "Removal and Installation" .
4. On 4WD model, remove the drive shaft. Refer to FAX-7, "Removal and Installation" .
5. Remove pinch bolt from steering knuckle using power tool, then
separate lower link ball joint from steering knuckle.
LEIA0097E
6. Remove lower link adjusting bolts and nuts, then the lower link.
NOTE:
Some vehicles may be equipped with straight (non-adjustable)
lower link bolts and washers. In order to adjust camber and
caster on these vehicles, first replace the lower link bolts and
washers with adjustable (cam) bolts and washers.
WEIA0115E
The ball joints are part of the upper and lower links. Refer to FSU-13, "Removal and Installation" (upper link),
FSU-14, "Removal and Installation" (lower link). B
Inspection EES001J4
● Check the ball joint for excessive play. Replace the upper or lower link assembly if any of the following
C
exists:
● Ball joint stud is worn.
● Ball joint is hard to swing. D
● Ball joint play in axial directions or end play is excessive.
SWINGING FORCE
NOTE: FSU
Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball
joint is properly broken in.
1. Measure the ball joint swinging force using a suitable tool. F
● Measure at the cotter pin hole for upper ball joint as shown.
WEIA0076E I
SFA858A M
TURNING FORCE
NOTE:
Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball
joint is properly broken in.
Turning torque “B”
Upper : 0.5 - 4.9 N·m (0.05 - 0.49 kg-m, 5 - 43 in-lb)
Lower : 0.5 - 6.4 N·m (0.05 - 0.65 kg-m, 5 - 56 in-lb)
SFA858A
SFA858A
KNUCKLE PFP:40014
A
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service EES001J5
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, backlash) of each component and component status (wear,
damage) are within specifications. Refer to FSU-21, "Ball Joint" . B
Removal and Installation EES001J6
FSU
H
WDIA0228E
REMOVAL
1. Remove wheel and tire from vehicle using power tool. J
2. Without disassembling the hydraulic lines, remove brake caliper using power tool. Reposition it aside with
wire. Refer to BR-23, "Removal and Installation of Brake Caliper Assembly and Disc Rotor" .
NOTE: K
Avoid depressing brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.
3. Put alignment marks on disc rotor and wheel hub and bearing
assembly, then remove disc rotor. L
WDIA0044E
SDIA1434E
8. Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly bolts using power tool.
9. Remove splash guard and wheel hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle.
CAUTION:
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.
10. Remove cotter pin and nut from upper link ball joint.
11. Separate upper link ball joint from steering knuckle using Tool.
Tool number : ST29020001 (J-24319-01)
WEIA0119E
12. Remove pinch bolt from steering knuckle using power tool, then
separate lower link ball joint from steering knuckle.
LEIA0097E
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal. A
● For 4WD models, refer to FAX-7, "Removal and Installation" for drive shaft lock nut tightening torque.
CAUTION:
Always replace drive shaft lock nut and cotter pin. B
● Refer to PS-15, "Removal and Installation" for outer socket nut tightening torque.
● Refer to FSU-5, "Components" for front suspension tightening torques.
C
● When installing disc rotor on wheel hub and bearing assembly,
align the marks.
NOTE:
D
When not using the alignment mark, refer to BR-22, "Compo-
nents" .
● When installing wheel and tire, refer to WT-7, "Rotation" .
FSU
● Perform wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Front Wheel Align-
ment" .
F
WDIA0044E
VQ40DE
Unit: mm (in)
Drive type 2WD 4WD
Front spring free height 336 (13.23) 346 (13.62)
QR25DE
Unit: mm (in)
Front spring free height 346 (13.62)
SFA234AC
FSU
SFA858A WEIA0076E
F
Swinging force “A” (Measurement point at either cotter pin Upper 8.1 - 79 N (0.83 - 8.1 kg-f, 1.82 - 17.8 lb-f) at hole
hole or groove of ball stud.) Lower 11.4 - 145.5 N (1.16 - 14.84 kg-f, 2.56 - 32.71 lb-f) at groove
Upper 0.5 - 4.9 N·m (0.05 - 0.49 kg-m, 5 - 43 in-lb) G
Turning torque “B”
Lower 0.5 - 6.4 N·m (0.05 - 0.65 kg-m, 5 - 56 in-lb)
Vertical end play “C” 0 mm (0 in)
H
1
Wheelarch Height (Unladen* ) EES001XX
King Cab
Unit: mm (in) I
LEIA0085E
Crew Cab
Unit: mm (in)
LEIA0085E