On-Vehicle Service

Check front axle and front suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear or other damage.

Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play.

Fig 1: Shaking Each Front Wheel To Check For Excessive Play
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Make sure that cotter pin is inserted.
Retighten all axle and suspension nuts and bolts to the specified torque. Refer to COMPONENTS .
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.

Fig 2: Checking Suspension Ball Joint For Grease Leakage And Ball Joint Dust Cover For Cracks Or Other Damage
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check spring height from top of wheelarch to the ground.
- 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.
- Bounce vehicle up and down several times before measuring.
  1. Standard height: Refer to WHEELARCH HEIGHT (UNLADEN*) .
- Spring height is not adjustable. If out of specification, check for worn springs or suspension parts.
Fig 3: Identifying Wheelarch Height
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Check suspension ball joint end play.
- Jack up front of vehicle and set the stands.
- Clamp dial indicator onto transverse link and place indicator tip on lower edge of brake caliper.
- Make sure front wheels are straight and brake pedal is depressed.
- Place a pry bar between transverse link and inner rim of road wheel.
- While raising and releasing pry bar, observe maximum dial indicator value.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Suspension Ball Joint End Play
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  1. Vertical end play: 0 mm (0 in)
- If ball joint movement is beyond specifications, remove and replace it.