1987 NISSAN PULSAR check engine

142 Automatic Transaxle
(8) Install the dipstick and start the engine and
recheck the fluid level.

NOTE; Do not overfill the transaxle or
foaming and unsatisfactory operation of the
transaxle will result.

TO DRAIN AND REFILL
This is not a normal maintenance and lubrication
procedure. It is only necessary to drain the complete
system, including the torq ue converter and the oil
cooler, when the transaxle assembly is removed for
overhaul or the renewal of transaxle components such
as bearings, clutches or as semblies. When this condi-
tion arises, the torque converter and the cooler should
be cleaned and flushed to remove any dirt or sludge.

After transaxle overhaul, install approximately 6
liters of new transaxle fluid, and top up as previously
described.

4. BRAKE BAND
Band adjustment is not a normal maintenance
procedure.

The adjustment entails removal of the valve body
and for this reason the vehicle should be taken to an
authorized dealer.

5. KICKDOWN CABLE
TO ADJUST
(1) On models with a 1.6 liter engine, remove
the air cleaner assembly. (2) With the aid of an assistant, ensure that the
throttle valve is fully open when the throttle pedal is
fully depressed. (3) Push the clip on the outer kickdown cable
and pull the cable away from the throttle linkage.


View of the kickdown cable adjustment point. 1.6 liter
engine.
(4) Slowly depress the throttle pedal to the full
throttle position.

The outer kickdown cable will automatically ad-
just and emit a clicking noise.

6. TRANSAXLE SELECTOR LINKAGE
TO ADJUST CONTROL CABLE
(1) Place the selector lever in the Park position.
(2) Loosen the control cable locknuts and ensure
that the transaxle selector lever is in the Park position.

View of the transaxle selector linkage control cable
adjustment.
(3) Hold the selector rod horizontal and adjust
the outer locknut until it touches the selector rod.

(4) Tighten the inner locknut securely.
7. NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
The neutral safety switch, incorporating the re-
verse lamp switch is located on the transaxle case

View of the kickdown cable adjustment point. The
arrow indicates the direction in which the outer kick-
down cable must be pulled to initiate the automatic adjustment. 1.8 liter engine.

Automatic Transaxle 143
facing towards the radiator support panel at the front
of the vehicle.

The neutral safety switch allows electrical current
to pass to the starter circ uit only when the selector
lever is in the Park or Neutral position. The switch is
adjustable but non-repairable.

TO TEST
(1) Disconnect the neutral safety switch wiring
connector.
(2) Connect an ohmmeter between terminals 1
and 2 at the neutral safety switch wiring connector.
Continuity should exist when the selector lever is in
the P or N positions. (3) Perform the same check with terminals 3 and
4 with the selector lever in the R position. Continuity
should exist.
NOTE: If the readings are other than that
specified, the neutral safety switch will have
to be adjusted or renewed.


Neutral safety switch connector terminal identification.
TO ADJUST
(1) Select Neutral and firmly apply the hand-
brake. (2) Loosen the neutral safety switch retaining
bolts.
(3) Align the holes in the neutral safety switch
body and the neutral safety switch arm. (4) Install a 2.5 mm diameter split pin or drill bit
into the holes to align the arm with the neutral safety
switch body. (5) Secure the retaining bolts and test the switch
as previously described.

If the test indicates a fault, renew the neutral
safety switch.

TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. (2) Remove the selector cable split pin and wave
washer from the transaxle selector lever.
(3) Disconnect the electric al connector and re-
move the neutral safety switch retaining bolts. (4) Maneuver the neutral safety switch clear of
the transaxle selector lever and withdraw the switch
from the vehicle. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Clean the area around the neutral safety
switch mounting.
(2) Apply a small amount of chassis grease to the
jaws of the neutral safety switch arm. (3) Check the adjustment of the selector cable as
previously described. (4) Adjust the neutral safety switch as previ-
ously described.

(5) Check the operation of the neutral safety
switch and ensure that the engine will not start in any
position other than P and N. Check that the reversing
lamps operate only when R is selected.

8. TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY
Special Equipment Required:
To Remove and Install — Suitable trolley jack to
which the transaxle can be secured

TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. Remove the left hand front wheel.

(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the left hand side inner mudguard

(3)
panel.

(4) Remove the left hand drive shaft as de-
scribed in the Manual Tran saxle and Drive Shafts
section. (5) Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor wiring,
selector control cable and the neutral safety switch
wiring from the transaxle. Disconnect the kickdown
cable from the throttle linkage and the support
bracket. (6) Disconnect the oil cooler hoses from the
Using a 2.5 mm drill bit to adjust the neutral safety
switch.

144 Automatic Transaxle

Front view of the automatic transaxle.
transaxle. Plug the hoses and connections to prevent
the ingress of dirt and the loss of fluid.

(7) Remove the starter motor as described in the
Electrical System section.
(8) Mark the torque converter and the drive
plate to aid assembly.
(9) Remove the bolts retaining the torque con-
verter to the drive plate. Rotate the engine to access
the bolts through the starter motor opening. (10) Remove the bolts retaining the converter
housing to the rear of the engine. (11) Secure the transaxle to a trolley jack and
raise the transaxle slightly. (12) Remove the through bolt from the transaxle
mounting.
(13) Support the engine on a jack with timber
between the engine sump and the jack. (14) Maneuver the transaxle away from the
engine. Lower the trolley jack and withdraw the
transaxle from beneath the vehicle.
NOTE: To prevent accidental separation of
the torque converter from the transaxle
assembly, attach a metal strap across the
converter housing.

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

(1) Check the torque converter drive plate for
any damage, wear and runout. The maximum runout
permissible is 0.50 mm.
(2) Ensure that the torque converter is fully
engaged in the transaxle be fore attempting to install
the transaxle to the engine. (3) Install the transaxle assembly to the vehicle
and install the converter housing retaining bolts. (4) Align the torque converter and drive plate

Install a strap to the converter housing to hold the
torque converter in position.


Rear view of the automatic transaxle.
with the marks made on removal.
(5) Install the torque converter retaining bolts.
(6) Turn the engine over by hand several times
to ensure that the torque converter is not binding. (7) Use only the specified type and quantity of
transaxle fluid.
(8) Connect and adjust the neutral safety switch
and kickdown cable as previously described.
(9) Road test the vehicle and check the opera-
tion of the kickdown cable and selector cable. (10) After road testing inspect the transaxle for
any fluid leaks and rectify as required.
CONVERTER HOUSING

148 Steering — Part 2

3. STEERING COLUMN
Special Equipment Required:
To Remove Steering Wheel — Steering wheel
puller

TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Working in the engine compartment, mark
the relationship between the steering shaft universal
coupling joint and the steering gear pinion shaft. (3) Remove the pinch bolts from the universal
joint. (4) Working inside the vehi cle, remove the steer-
ing wheel as previously described. (5) Remove the steering column shroud screws,
unclip the lower and upper covers and remove them
from the steering column. (6) Disconnect all the steering column wiring
connectors. (7) Remove the lower trim from underneath the
steering column.
(8) Fold back the insulator and remove the nuts
from the steering colu mn floor bracket.
(9) Remove the nuts from the lower steering
column bracket. (10) Remove the bolts from the tilt bracket
assembly. (11) Maneuver the steering column from the
vehicle.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Measure the dimension between the lower
bracket pin and the upper edge of the steering shaft as
shown in the illustration.

If the dimension is not as specified, the steering
shaft has collapsed and the steering column should be
renewed.

(2) Rotate the steering shaft in the column and
check the shaft bearing for roughness and damage.
Renew as necessary. (3) Inspect the steering shaft universal coupling
joints for wear and damage and renew as necessary. (4) Position the steering column assembly under

the dashboard ensuring that the floor bracket is
located correctly and that the steering shaft universal
joint is aligned with the steering gear pinion shaft
marks.

(5) Install all the steering bracket nuts and bolts
finger tight. (6) Install the universal coupling joint pinch bolts
and tighten securely.
(7) Tighten all the stee ring column nuts and
bolts securely. (8) Test the operation of all the steering column
controls when installation is complete.
TO DISMANTLE

(1) Remove the steering column assembly from
the vehicle as previously described. (2) Suitably mark the position of the universal
coupling joint and remove it from the steering shaft. (3) Mark the position of the rubber boot in
relation to the floor bracket and steering column.
Loosen the retaining bands and remove the boot and
floor bracket from th e steering column.
(4) Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring,
plain washer and wave washer from the upper end of
the steering shaft. (5) Loosen the combination switch retaining
screw, push the combination switch in, turn the switch
and remove it from the steering column. (6) Turn the ignition switch to the On position
and slide the steering shaft from the column assembly. (7) If necessary dismantle the tilt bracket com-
ponents after removing the through bolts. Note the
position of the components to aid assembly. (8) To remove and install the steering lock pro-
ceed as follows: (a) Remove the ignition switch retaining screw
and carefully withdraw the switch from the steering
lock bracket.

View of the steering column assembly removed from
the vehicle. Steering column length is shown as dimen- sion A. A - 534.7-537.3 mm. Dismantled view of the steering lock and ignition
switch assembly.

Steering — Part 2 149

Dismantled view of the steering column and tilt bracket assembly.
(b) Using a suitable drill, carefully remove the
heads of the steering lock br acket shear type retaining
bolt heads. Remove the steering lock bracket from the
column.
(c) Install the steering lock to the column
using
new shear bolts. Ensure that the steering lock is
operating correctly and tigh ten the shear bolts until
the heads snap off.
(d) Install the ignition switch and tighten
the
retaining screw securely.
TO CHECK AND INSPECT

(1) Thoroughly clean and dry the components
using a suitable solvent.
(2) Inspect the steering shaft for bends, damage
and wear. Pay particular attention to the steering shaft
universal coupling joint and the internal and external
splines. Renew as necessary. (3) Inspect the steering column upper bearing
for ease of operation and if necessary, renew the
column assembly.
TO ASSEMBLE

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

(1) Install the steering shaft to the column.
Ensure that the steering shaft is correctly located in
the upper bearing and insta ll the wave washer and the
plain washer. Install the snap ring using a ring
spanner
which has minimum clearan ce over the steering shaft.
(2) Install the rubber boot and floor bracket
to
the steering column aligning the marks made during
removal. If no marks were made, align the cutouts of
the rubber boots with the protrusions on the steering
column and the floor bracket. (3) Before installing the tilt bracket assembly to
the column, measure the steering column length as
shown on the illustration.

If the length is not as specified, the steering
column and the steering shaft must be renewed as an
assembly.

(4) Install the tilt bracket, lever, through bolt,
washers and adjusting nu t to the t i l t bracket.
(5) Before installing the column assembly to the
vehicle adjust the column tilt lever as follows:
(a) Position the tilt lever in its locked position,
the end of the lever should contact the flanged portion
of the tilt bracket.
(b) Tighten the adjusting bolt to 11 Nm.
(c) Unlock the tilt lever fully and ensure that the
column moves smoothly up and down the tilt bracket. (d) Return the tilt lever to the locked position
and ensure that the column is locked securely. Adjust
the tilt bracket thro ugh bolt if necessary.
(6) Install the universal coupling joint to the
lower steering shaft and tighten the pinch bolt se-
curely.
(7) Install the steering column assembly to
the
vehicle as previously described.
4. STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Tie Rod Ball Housings — Large Still-
sons.
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
( 1 ) Working in the engine compartment and
with the wheels in the straight ahead position, suitably

152
PART 3. POWER STEERING
SPECIFICATIONS
Steering gear type ................Rack and pinion with
integral power cylinder
Steering column type .................... Energy absorbing
collapsible and lilt adjustable
Steering wheel free play ................................. 35 mm
Number of turns lock to lock:
TRW ...............................................................2.82
PR24SA ........................................................... 2.7
Linkage.....................................Direct from rack ends
to ti e rods and steering knuckles
Power steering pump

maximum pr essure.................................... 6 865 kPa
Lubricant ...................................................... Dexron II
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Steering gear to bulkhead mounting bolts... 108 Nm
Tie rod to steering knuckle nut ...................... 98 Nm
Tie rod to tie rod end locknut....................... 98 Nm
Tie rod ball housing to rack............................ 88 Nm
Power steering pump pulley nut ..................... 68 Nm
1. DESCRIPTION
The vehicles covered by this manual are equipped
with either a TRW power steering system or a
Japanese PR24SA power steering system.

Both types are similar in construction and appear-
ance.

The power steering is a rack and pinion type
which is mounted on the lower section of the engine
compartment bulkhead by rubber mountings and
brackets.

Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the power
steering gear by a pump driven by a drive belt from
the engine.

The power steering pump has a separate fluid
reservoir located on the righ t side of the bulkhead.

No lubrication of the steering gear or steering
pump is required in service and in the event of the
loss of power assistance, the steering will continue to
operate but will require a greatly increased effort.
However, as the steering gear and pump are lubricated
by the power steering fluid, the cause of the loss of
power steering or fluid loss must be determined and
repaired promptly to prevent damage to the steering
pump and to a lesser extent, the steering gear.

The t i e rod ends and rubb er boots can be renewed
without removing the steering gear from the vehicle.
To renew the integral t i e rod and tie rod ball housings,
the steering gear must be removed.

As specialist knowledge and equipment are re-
quired to overhaul the power steering gear and the

hydraulic pump, it is recommended that these op-
erations be carried out by an authorized dealer.
However, procedures for the removal and installa-
tion of the steering gear and pump are fully de-
scribed in this section.

The steering column is of the energy absorbing
type and is designed to collapse in the event of a
severe front end collision. The energy absorbing com-
ponents are the column tu bes, steering shaft and tilt
bracket breakaway capsules. All these components
should be handled with extr eme care if service opera-
tions are to be carried out on the steering column
assembly.

2. IN CAR ADJUSTMENTS, CHECKS AND
MINOR REPAIRS

If the power steering system becomes partially or
fully inoperative it is most important that the follow-
ing preliminary inspection and testing procedure be
performed prior to undertaking any trouble shooting
or repair operations.

PUMP DRIVE BELT
Inspect the pump drive belt for breakage, glazing
or wear. If any of these characteristics are evident,
renew the belt using only a genuine replacement.

If the belt is loose but still serviceable, adjust it
using the procedure outlined in the Engine Tune-up
section.

NOTE: In most cases a loose drive belt can
be heard squealing when a load is placed on
the pump as the steering wheel is turned or
as the engine speed is increased.

Checking the power steering pump drive belt for
deterioration.

Steering — Part 3 153

TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL
Check the fluid level in the power steering reser-
voir when the fluid is cold.

If it is necessary to top up the fluid, fill to between
the arrow marks on the dipstick using the recom-
mended fluid.

NOTE: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Checking the power steering fluid level using the
dipstick incorporated in the cap.
TO CHECK FOR FLUID LEAKS
Using a suitable solvent, clean around all power
steering assemblies and hose fittings where fluid
leakage might occur and start the engine. Turn the
steering wheel from one steering lock to the other
several times and stop the engine. Check for leakage.
Where leakage is found at ho se fittings, tighten and
recheck.

If the leak remains, renew the hoses or fittings as
required.

Where leakage is found in the steering gear
assembly or pump assembly, specialist attention is
necessary.

TO CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY
With the engine running and the steering wheel in
the straight ahead positi on, measure the free move-
ment of the steering wheel before the front wheels
move. This is specified as steering wheel free play and
if it exceeds Specifications, check for free play in the
steering linkages and the universal coupling joints. If
these components are satisfactory, it will be necessary
to remove the steering gear from the vehicle for
renewal or overhaul.

PUMP BELT TENSION
The procedure for adjusting the power steering
pump bell tension is describe d in the Engine Tune-up
section

TO PURGE THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM
OF AIR

(1) Check that the pump reservoir is filled to the
correct mark on the dipstick. (2) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. (3) Turn the steering wheel quickly from lock to
lock several times, recheck the fluid level within the
pump reservoir and top up if required. (4) Start the engine, allow it to idle and slowly
turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
Do not hold the steering at full lock for more than 15
seconds. (5) Check the fluid level in the pump reservoir,
top up if necessary. (6) If the fluid is aerated within the pump
reservoir or if pump noise persists, repeat operations
(3) to (6).
3. STEERING WHEEL

The procedure for removing and installing the
steering wheel is fully covered in the Manual Steering
section under the above heading.

4. STEERING COLUMN
The procedure for removing, dismantling and
assembling the steering column is fully covered in the
Manual Steering section under the above heading.

5. POWER STEERING PUMP
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
( 1 ) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

View of the power steering pump removed from the
vehicle.

154 Steering —
(2) Remove the air inlet duct from the air
cleaner and throttle body. (3) Position a container or a piece of cloth
beneath the steering pump reservoir and disconnect
the fluid return and power steering pump supply hose
from the reservoir.
(4) Loosen the steering pump drive belt as
described in the Engi ne Tune-up section.
(5) Loosen the return hose clamp and the supply
union and disconnect the hoses from the power
steering pump. Plug the hoses to prevent the loss of
fluid.
(6) Loosen the retaining bolts and withdraw the
pump. (7) Thoroughly clean the exterior of the steering
pump and inspect it for cracks, damage and signs of
leakage.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Install the pump and retaining bolts.
(2) Install the drive belt and adjust it as de-
scribed in the Engine Tune-up section. (3) Install the hoses to the power steering pump
and tighten securely. (4) Top up the pump reservoir and purge the
power steering system of air as previously described.
TO OVERHAUL

As specialist knowledge and equipment arc re-
quired to overhaul the power steering pump, it is
recommended that this operation be performed by an
authorized dealer or steering specialist.

6. POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Tie Rod Ball Housings — Large Still-
sons
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
The procedures for removing and installing the
power steering gear are similar to those carried out in
the Manual Steering section under the Steering Gear
Assembly heading except fo r the following differences.

(1) Place a container under the pressure and
return pipes that are conn ected to the steering gear
valve housing. Remove the pipes and allow the fluid
to drain into the container. (2) Suitably seal the pipes and the steering gear
to prevent the entry of di rt whilst the pipes are
removed.
(3) Upon removal of the power steering gear,
thoroughly clean the steering gear except the tie rod
ends in a suitable solvent. Be careful not to allow the
solvent to enter the apertu res where the pressure and
return pipes were removed. (4) Check the pipes and co nnections for cracks,
damage or obstructions and renew as necessary.

Installed view of the power steering gear with the
engine removed.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

(1) Install the pressure and return pipes to the
steering gear valve housing and tighten securely. (2) Fill the power steering reservoir to the cor-
rect level and bleed the system as described previously
under the heading In Car Adjustments. Checks and
Minor Repairs. (3) Check all power steering pipe connections
for leaks and repair as necessary. (4) Check, and if necessary, adjust the front
wheel toe in as described in the Front Suspension
section. After adjustment ensure that the rubber boots
are not distorted or twisted and the rubber boot
clamps and clips are facing downward.
TO OVERHAUL

As specialist knowledge and equipment are re-
quired to overhaul the power steering gear, it is rec-
ommended that this opera tion be performed by an
authorized dealer or steering specialist.

TO RENEW TIE ROD BALL HOUSINGS
TRW Steering Gear
The renewal of the tie rod ball housings is the
same as for the manual steering gear. Refer to Part 2.
Manual Steering section.

PR24SA Steering Gear
(1) Remove the power steering gear assembly
from the vehicle as previously described.
(2) Carefully mount the power steering gear in a
vice equipped with soft jaws. Loosen the tie rod end
locknuts without disturbing the location of the tie rod
ends and unscrew the tie rod ends, taking note of the
number of turns required to remove them. Unscrew
and remove the locknuts from the tie rod. (3) Remove the clamps from the rubber boots
and remove the boots.