1987 NISSAN PULSAR oil

160 Front Suspension

(2) Disconnect the flexible brake hoses from the
suspension unit bracket.
(3) Using quick drying paint, place mating
marks on the camber adjustin g cam head bolt and the
suspension unit lower mounti ng as an aid to installa-
tion. (4) Remove the bolts and nuts retaining the
suspension unit lower mounting to the steering
knuckle. (5) Open the bonnet and remove the nuts
retaining the suspension unit upper mounting to the
inner mudguard panel and remove the suspension
unit assembly from the vehicle. Use care when
removing not to damage the drive shaft boot.

(6) Remove the dust cover and loosen the piston
rod nut but do not remove it at this stage. (7) Install a spring compressor to the
suspension
unit assembly. Compress the coil spring and remove
the piston rod nut. (8) Remove the washer, upper mounting assem-
bly, the thrust washer, spring seat, insulator, coil
spring, bump rubber and dust cover from the suspen-
sion unit. (9) Check the operation of the suspension unit.
With the suspension unit in a vertical position, move
the piston rod up and down a number of times. A

Dismantled view of the front suspension unit.
uniform resistance should be felt with no abnormal
slack spots or noise evident. If the suspension unit is
defective, it should be renewed.

NOTE: It is recommended that the suspen-
sion unit on the opposite side be renewed at
the same time.

(10) Check the upper mounting assembly for
damage and fatigue. Check the thrust washer for wear.
Check all rubber components, the spring seat and
insulator for wear, damage and deterioration. Renew
worn or damaged components. (11) Check the coil spring for fatigue by compar-
ison with a new spring. Al so check the spring for
cracks and damage. If the coil spring is defective, it is
recommended that the springs on both sides be
renewed.
TO ASSEMBLE AND INSTAL

Assembly and installation is a reversal of the
removal and dismantling procedure with attention to
the following points:
View of the front suspension unit with the spring
compressor installed.

Front Suspension 161


View of the suspension unit and knuckle assembly removed as a unit to show the cam head bolt.
(1) With the piston rod fully extended, install the
coil springs. Ensure that the spring compressor is
tightened sufficiently.

NOTE: The flat coiled end of the spring
should face the top and the lower end of the
spring should be located correctly.

(2) Install the dust cover, bump rubber, insulator,
spring seat, thrust washer and mounting assembly
ensuring that the arrow on the spring seat will face the
outside of the vehicle when the suspension unit
assembly is installed.
(3) Install the piston rod nut and tighten the nut
securely.
(4) Remove the coil spring compressor from the
suspension unit assembly and tighten the piston rod
nut to the specified torque. (5) Install the suspension unit assembly to the
vehicle, holding it in position by loosely installing the
upper mounting retaining nuts. (6) Install the suspension unit assembly lower
mounting to the steering knuckle, align the mating
marks on the cam head bolt and tighten the nuts and
bolts to the specified torque.
NOTE: If the cam head bolt is not installed

in its original position, a wheel alignment
must be performed.

(7) Tighten the upper retaining nuts to the
specified torque.
(8) Install the brake hoses to the suspension unit.
Lower the vehicle to the ground.
(9) Check the front wheel alignment and adjust
as necessary. Refer to the Suspension and Steering
Angles heading in this section.
5. CONTROL ARM
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Ball Joint and Control Arm Bushes —
Press, suitable t ubes and mandrels
To Test Ball Joint — Small torque wrench or
preload gauge, spring scale

TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Loosen the front wheel nuts, raise the front
of the vehicle and support it on chassis stands.
Remove the front wheel.

(2) Remove the split pin from the ball joint
retaining nut and remove the nut.
(3) Disconnect the ball joint from the control
arm using a suitable puller, or alternatively place a
suitable dolly against one si de of the control arm eye
and strike the opposite side with a hammer until the
ball joint stud is free from the control arm eye. (4) Remove the nut retaining the stabilizer link
to the control arm.

(5) Remove the nut and through bolt from the
front control arm bush. (6) Remove the bolts from the rear control arm
bush bracket and withdraw the control arm from the
vehicle. (7) Inspect the control arm for cracks, damage
and distortion and renew if necessary. (8) Inspect the ball joint and bushes for damage,
deterioration and excessive wear. If necessary renew
BALLJOINT
View of the control arm and associated components.

162 Front Suspension
the ball joint or bushes as described later in this
section.

Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) When installing the control arm bush
bracket, ensure that the protrusion on the bracket is
towards the inside of the vehicle.
(2) Do not fully tighten the control arm bush
bolts and through bolt nut until the curb weight of the
vehicle is on the suspension.
NOTE: Curb weight is with the vehicle
unladen except for a full tank of fuel and
normal amounts of oil and water and with
the spare lyre, jack and hand tools in their
normal positions.

(3) Tighten the ball joint nut to the specified
torque and retain with a new split pin.

TO CHECK AND RENEW BALL JOINT
(1) Remove the control arm from the vehicle as
previously described.

(2) Install the ball joint nut and turn the ball
joint at least ten revolutions to ensure that the ball
joint is correctly seated. (3) Using a spring scale with the hook placed
over the split pin hole, check the ball joint swinging
torque. A new ball joint should measure 15.7-80.4 N
and a used ball joint should measure 7.8-80.4 N.
Renew the ball joint if necessary. (4) Using a small torque wrench or preload
gauge, measure the force requi red to rotate the ball
joint. A new ball joint should measure between
1.0-4.9 Nm and a used ball joint should measure
between 0.5-4.9 Nm. Renew the ball joint if neces-
sary.

(5) To renew the ball joint, remove the snap ring
from the stud end of the ball joint using snap ring
pliers. (6) Support the control arm in a press, ball joint
stud uppermost, with a suitable tube that is large
enough for the ball joint to pass through. (7) Press the ball joint out from the control arm.
(8) Press a new ball joint into the control arm
using a suitable tube that pushes on the outer circum-
ference of the joint only.
(9) Install the snap ring and install the
control
arm to the vehicle as previously described.

TO RENEW CONTROL ARM BUSHES
(1) Remove the control arm from the vehicle as
previously described. Mark the position of the rear
control arm bush. (2) To remove the rear control arm bush use a
bearing puller and a press. When installing the bush
use a suitable tube that pushes on the inner edge of the
bush only. NOTE: Ensure that the bush is installed
with the flat portion in its original location.

(3)
To remove the front control arm bush use a
suitable tube that pushes on the outer circumference
of the bush and a split tu be supporting the control
arm. (4) After the bush has been pressed out approx-
imately half way, cut the protruding part of the bush
using a hacksaw. Cutting the bush in this way will
allow removal.
(5) Support the control arm and push the new
bush in from the outside using a suitable tube that
pushes on the outer circumference only. (6) Install the control ar m to the vehicle as
previously described.
6. STABILISER BAR
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands.

(2) Remove the bolts at the flexible joint retain-
ing the front engine pipe to the exhaust pipe located
below the stabilizer bar. (3) Remove the bolt from the exhaust pipe
mounting below the stabilizer bar. Disconnect the
exhaust pipe at the flexible joint and allow the front of
the pipe to hang down. (4) Remove the stabilizer bar bracket retaining
bolts and remove the stabilizer bar brackets from the
vehicle. (5) Remove the stabilizer bar lower link nuts
from each control arm. When removing the lower nuts
it may be necessary to hold the upper nuts with a
spanner.
(6) Maneuver the stabilizer bar from the
vehicle.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Ensure that the stabilizer bar mounting rub-
bers are in a serviceable condition and secure in the
mounting brackets.

Dismantled view of one end of the stabilizer bar.

164
REAR SUSPENSION
SPECIFICATIONS
Type........................... Independent MacPherson strut
Shock absorber.................... Oil filled, non-repairable
Maximum hub bearing end float ................. 0.05 mm
Rear wheel alignment:
Toe out ........................................3 mm ± 2 mm
Camber ............................................. - 1 ° ± 4 5 '
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Hub retaining nut ......................................... 255 Nm
Suspension unit retaining nuts ....................... 29 Nm
Upper mounting retaining nut ........................ 72 Nm
Suspension unit to knuckle nuts .................. 118 Nm
Control arms to knuckle nut ........................ 118 Nm
Control arms to crossmember nut ............... 118 Nm
Stabiliser bar mounting bracket bolts .......... 108 Nm
Stabiliser bar retaining nut.............................. 83 Nm
Backing plate bolts........................................... 45 Nm
1. REAR SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING
REAR END NOISE
( 1 ) Defective suspension unit or mounting: Re-
new the faulty components.

(2) Loose or worn control arm bushes or pivot
bolts: Check and tighten or renew the worn compo-
nents. (3) Broken coil spring: Renew the coil spring,
preferably in matching pairs. (4) Worn rear hub bearing: Check and renew the
hub bearing as necessary. (5) Loose or worn stabilizer bar bushes: Check
and tighten or renew the worn components.
NOTE: As a quick guide to suspension unit
condition, bounce the vehicle up and down
(one side at a time) and observe if the vehicle
comes to rest in a single movement If the
vehicle bounces two or three times before
coming to rest the susp ension unit is suspect.
If suspect, remove the suspension unit and
check for fractures and leaks. If the
suspension unit is found to be unserviceable,
it is good practice to install two new
suspension units as a matching pair.

To check the control arm bushes or pivot
bolts, insert a lever between the suspect unit
and its mounting and lever the unit back
and forth checking for excessive movement.

Check the coil springs visually for breaks.
If the spring is found to be unserviceable, it
is good practice to install two new coil
springs as a matching pair.

Rear hub bearing noise can be diagnosed
by raising and supporting the rear of the
vehicle, spinning one wheel at a time and
listening for a rumbling noise.

POOR OR ERRATIC ROAD HOLDING ABILITY
(1) Low or uneven tire pressure: Inflate to the
recommended pressures.
(2) Incorrect rear wheel alignment: Check and
adjust the rear wheel alignment as necessary.
(3) Defective suspension unit: Renew the faulty
suspension unit, preferably in pairs. (4) Loose or broken stabilizer bar: Check and
tighten or renew the faulty components.
Check the stabilizer bar bushes and mounting rubbers
for wear and deterioration.

Rear Suspension 165


Checking the rear control arm outer pivot bolt for security.
(5) Loose or worn control arm bushes or pivot
bolts: Check and tighten or renew the worn compo-
nents.

NOTE: Check the service ability of the sus-
pension units, control arm bushes and pivot
bolts as previously described.

If incorrect rear wheel alignment is sus-
pected, it is recommended that the vehicle be
taken to a wheel alignment specialist or a
Nissan dealer to be checked and if necessary
adjusted.

Visually inspect the stabilizer bar for
damage.

2. DESCRIPTION
The independent type rear suspension consists of
a suspension unit, a knuckle assembly which incorpo-
rates the stub axle, inboard control arms and a
stabilizer bar.

The suspension unit consists of a sealed, oil filled
shock absorber, enclosed at the upper end by a coil
spring on which an upper mounting assembly is
located and attached to the body.

The shock absorber piston rod is attached to the
centre of the suspension unit upper mounting assem-
bly.

The lower end of the suspension unit is attached
to the knuckle assembly to which the brake caliper
and/or the brake backing plate is mounted.

The control arms are attached to the knuckle
assembly at the outer end, and the crossmember at the
inner end.

The stabilizer bar is attached to the knuckle
assembly and mounted to the underbody. As well as
reducing body roll when cornering it also secures the
knuckle assembly, preventing fore and aft movement.

Adjustment of the toe out is provided by a
graduated cam mounted on the rear control arm inner
pivot bolt. Each graduation on the cam is equivalent
to 2 mm adjustment.

Camber is set in production and cannot be
adjusted. If the camber is not within Specifications,
inspect the suspension components and renew the
damaged or worn components as necessary.


Installed view of the rear suspension.

Rear Suspension 167

NOTE: When a wheel bearing has been
removed from the hub it must be renewed.

(5) Press the new bearing into the hub, ensuring
that pressure is not exerted on the inner race of the
bearing and that the bearin g seal is not damaged. Do
not apply grease or oil to the mating surfaces of the
bearing and the hub.

NOTE: When installing the new bearing,
the press load must not exceed 3 tonnes.

(6) Inspect the snap ring for wear or cracks and
renew as necessary. Install the snap ring into the hub
ensuring that it is secur ely located in the groove.
(7) Apply multi-purpose grease to the bearing
sealing lip and install the hub as previously described.
4. SUSPENSION UNIT

Special Equipment Required:
To Dismantle — Spring compressor
TO REMOVE AND DISMANTLE
(1) On hatchback models, remove the rear par-
cel shelf and lower the rear seat backrests. Remove the
parcel shelf side panel re taining screws and remove
the relevant side panel.
(2) On sedan models, prise out the parcel shelf
retaining buttons using a suitable instrument and
withdraw the parcel shelf from the vehicle. If the rear
radio speakers are installed, remove the speaker grille
retaining screws and separate the speaker grilles from
the speakers prior to withdrawing the parcel shelf
from the vehicle. (3) Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands as describe d in the Wheels and Tires
section. Remove the rear wheel from the vehicle.

View of the suspension unit with the spring compres-
sors installed.
(4) Remove the clip securing the brake hose to
the suspension unit and disengage the hose from the
suspension unit. (5) Support the weight of the knuckle assembly
and remove the bolts and nuts securing the suspension
unit to the knuckle assembly.
(6) Remove the nuts securing the suspension
unit to the body panel and maneuver the suspension
unit from the vehicle. (7) Thoroughly clean the suspension unit and
secure it in a soft jawed vice.
(8) Remove the dust cap from the upper mount-
ing and while holding the end of the piston rod with
an adjustable spanner, loosen the upper mounting
retaining nut. Do not re move the retaining nut.
(9) Using a suitable spring compressor, com-
press the coil spring and remove the upper mounting
retaining nut and washer. (10) Remove the upper mounting, insulator and
spring seat from th e suspension unit.
(11) Withdraw the upper insulator, coil spring,
lower insulator and dust cover from the suspension
unit. (12) Check the coil spring for cracks, deformation
and damage. Compare the free length with a new coil
spring and renew as necessary.
Location of the suspension unit retaining nuts. Hatch-
back model.

168 Rear Suspension
NOTE: If a coil spring is defective it is
advisable to renew both coil springs as a
matched set.

(13) Check the spring seat for cracks, deforma-
tion or wear and renew as necessary.
(14) Check the upper mounting and the insulator
for wear, damage, signs of melting rubber or deterio-
ration. (15) Check that the piston rod is not cracked,
bent or damaged.

Dismantled view of the suspension unit.
(16 ) Check the hydraulic operation of the suspen-
sion unit. With the suspension unit vertical, move the
piston rod up and down severa l times. A firm pressure
with no slack spots should be evident in both direc-
tions. Also check the suspen sion unit for fluid leakage.
If fluid leakage is present, renew the suspension unit,
preferably in pairs.

TO ASSEMBLE AND INSTAL
Assembly is a reversal of the dismantling proce-
dure with attention to the following points:

(1) Install the coil spring and lower insulator to
the suspension unit ensuring th at the flat end of the
spring is positioned at the top and the lower end of the
spring is located correctly in the suspension unit.

(2) Install the remaining co mponents to the sus-
pension unit, ensuring that the arrow on the spring
seat will be facing the stub axle when installed.
(3) Install a new upper mounting retaining nut,
tighten to the specified tor que and remove the spring
compressor. (4) Position the suspension unit inside the rear
wheel housing and maneuver the mounting studs
into position. With the aid of an assistant, install the
suspension unit retaining nuts and tighten to the
specified torque.

View of the suspension unit removed from the vehicle.
(5) Install the bolts securin g the suspension unit
to the knuckle assembly and tighten the nuts to the
specified torque.
(6) Install the brake hose to the suspension unit
and secure with the retaining clip. (7) Install the rear wheel and lower the vehicle to
the ground. (8) On hatchback models, install the parcel shelf
side panel and the parcel shelf. (9) On sedan models, install the parcel shelf and
insert the retaining buttons firmly. If removed, install
the radio speaker grilles.

Brakes 173
Inspect the handbrake cable for chafing or fraying.
(4) Seized handbrake cables: Renew the hand-
brake cables.

NOTE: Raise the vehicle and spin the
wheels one at a time to check for binding. If
the wheels are not binding, have an assistant
apply and release the brakes. Check if the
brakes release immediately. A clogged mas-
ter cylinder port will cause binding on the
two wheels fed by that particular circuit
from the master cylinder. Open the bleeder
valve on one of the o ffending wheels to check
if pressure build up is the cause of the
binding. A seized handbrake cable will usu-
ally cause binding on a rear wheel. Discon-
nect the handbrake cable and check if the
wheel will then turn freely.

LOW SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL
(1) Incorrectly adjusted brake shoes: Check and
adjust the brake shoes.


(2) Insufficient fluid in the system: Check for
leaks, replenish the fluid to the specified level and
bleed the hydraulic system.
(3) Air in the brake hydraulic system: Bleed the
hydraulic system. (4) Master cylinder faulty: Repair or renew as
necessary.
NOTE: A spongy brake pedal in most cases
is caused by air in the hydraulic system. For
air to enter the system one or more of the
sealing rubbers or brake lines must be
sucking in air. Always rectify the cause of
the trouble before bleeding the hydraulic
system. Faulty components usually show up
as fluid leakage.

BRAKES LOCK ON APPLICATION
(1) Gummy linings or brake pads due to oil or
fluid contamination: Renew the linings or brake pads
and rectify the source of contamination. (2) Scored or eccentric brake drum or warped
disc: Check and machine or renew the drum or disc as
necessary.
(3) Incorrect or distorted linings or disc pads:
Check and renew as necessary. (4) Brake servo unit faulty: Repair or renew the
brake servo unit. (5) Broken or stretched brake shoe return
springs: Check and renew th e faulty brake springs.
(6) Faulty brake pressure proportioning valve:
Renew the brake pressure proportioning valve.
NOTE: If this condition arises, remove all
the wheels and check the condition of the
friction material for oil contamination and
excessive wear. Check the shoe return
springs for stretching by comparing their
free length with new sp rings. An eccentric-
brake drum or warped disc will be indicated
by pulsating of the brake pedal when the
brakes are lightly applied.

BRAKE PEDAL PULSATES
(1) Eccentric brake drums or warped disc: Check
and machine or renew the drum or disc as required.
(2) Loose or worn hub bearings: Renew the hub
bearings as necessary.
NOTE: Brake drums or discs that are run-
ning out must be machined. This job is best
entrusted to a brake specialist who will also
be able to determine if a new disc or drum
needs to be installed.

BRAKE FADE
(1) Incorrect shoe adjustment: Check and adjust
the shoe to drum clearance. (2) Eccentric brake drum: Check and machine or
renew the brake drum.

Check the brake hoses for deterioration, chafing and
leaks.