1987 NISSAN PULSAR oil type

Automatic Transaxle 141

(2) Incorrectly adjusted kickdown cable: Check
and adjust or renew the kickdown cable as required.

NOTE: Check and adjust the throttle cable
before adjusting the kickdown cable.

ENGINE WILL NOT START IN P OR N
RANGE OR WILL START IN ANY RANGE

(1) Neutral safety switch faulty: Adjust or renew
the neutral safety switch. (2) Incorrectly adjusted selector cable: Check
and adjust the selector cable as detailed.
2. DESCRIPTION

The automatic transaxle combines a fluid coup-
ling or torque converter with a fully automatic three
speed epicyclic gear system.

The transaxle provides th ree forward ratios and
one reverse. The hydraulic system consists of a single
pump and valv e arrangement.

The final drive or differential and the transaxle
use a common lubricant. The transaxle oil pan and
final drive drain plug will have to be removed to drain
the transaxle completely. Topping up or refilling is
done through the dipstick tube.

The gear selector lever is floor mounted and
connected to the transaxle by an adjustable cable. The
selector quadrant adjacent to the base of the lever is
marked P, R, N, D, 2, 1.

It is necessary for the selector lever to be in P or
N before the engine can be started. When testing or
tuning the engine, the handbrake must be firmly
applied and the selector lever placed in the P position,
otherwise the vehicle could move forward or back-
wards as the engine speed is increased.

For long distance towing the vehicle should be
towed with the front end raised.

It is not possible to start the engine by either
towing or pushing the vehicle.

The transaxle can be removed from the vehicle
without engine removal.

NOTE: As extensive knowledge and equip-
ment is required to overhaul the automatic
transaxle assembly, it is therefore not a
worthwhile repair proposition for the aver-
age person. However if the transaxle must
be overhauled by a specialist or be replaced
with a reconditioned unit, the removal and
installation procedure is fully described at
the end of this section.

3. TRANSAXLE FLUID
Only use the recommended transaxle fluid speci-
fied by the manufacturer when topping up or changing
the fluid in the system.

TO CHECK AND TOP UP
NOTE: The fluid level should be checked
after approximately 5 minutes driving on
the road when the engine has achieved its
normal operating temperature of approxi-
mately 65 deg C.

(1) Place the vehicle on a level floor and open
the engine bonnet.

NOTE: When working on the automatic
transaxle cleanliness is very important. Do
not reuse transaxle fluid and do not allow
foreign matter to enter the filler opening.

(2) Clean around the top of the dipstick to
ensure that no dirt or foreign matter can enter the
dipstick tube.
(3) Place the selector in the P position and
firmly apply the handbrake. (4) Move the selector thro ugh each gear return-
ing it to the P position.
(5) Check the fluid level with the engine running
at idle. Install the dipstick fully into the dipstick tube.
NOTE: If the vehicle has been driven at high
speed, or has been towing a load, or driven
through heavy city traffic in hot weather, a
period of about 30 minutes should be
allowed to permit the transaxle to cool
before checking the fluid level.

(6) Withdraw the dipstick and check the fluid
level reading. The fluid should be at the H mark on
the dipstick. If the fluid is low, stop the engine and
remove the dipstick from the vehicle. Using a funnel,
top up the transaxle with the recommended type of
transaxle fluid through the dipstick tube. (7) If the level is reading too high allow the
engine to cool down for about 30 minutes and recheck
the level as described. If the level is still too high, a
small amount of transaxle fluid may be drained from
the transaxle.

Checking the fluid level on the automatic transaxle
dipstick.

156
FRONT SUSPENSION
SPECIFICATIONS
Type.................. Independent MacPherson strut with
coil springs and control arms
Shock absorber .................. Hydraulic, non-repairable
Hub bearing end float (maximum) ............. 0.05 mm
Ball joint axial play (maximum) ....................0.7 mm
Ball joint turning torque (used)...............0.5-4.9 Nm
Wheel alignment:
Toe in ..................................................... 0-2 mm
Camber ........................................- 0 ° 1 0 ' ± 4 5 '
Caster ..............................................1 ° 1 0 ' ± 4 5 '
King pin inclination..................... 1 3 ° 5 5 ' ± 4 5 '
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Hub bearing nut..................................... 196-235 Nm
Suspension unit to steering knuckle nut ...... 118 Nm
Suspension unit to body nuts ......................... 29 Nm
Piston rod nut .................................................. 72 Nm
Brake caliper to steering knuckle bolts ........... 52 Nm
Ball joint to steering knuckle bolt ................... 86 Nm
Control arm bracket bolts ............................... 98 Nm
Control arm pivot bolt ................................ 118 Nm
Stabiliser bar link nuts..................................... 44 Nm
Stabiliser bar bracket bolts .............................. 21 Nm
1. FRONT SUSPENSION TROUBLE
SHOOTING

FRONT END NOISE
(1) Loose upper suspension mounting or piston
rod: Tighten the mounting or piston rod nuts. (2) Loose or worn suspension unit lower ball
joint: Tighten or renew the lower ball joint.
(3) Noise in the suspension unit: Renew the
faulty suspension unit, preferably in pairs.
(4) Worn or loose steering gear: Overhaul the
steering gear assembly. (5) Worn front hub bearings: Renew the hub
bearings:
(6) Loose or defective stab ilizer bar, control arm
or mountings: Check, tighten or renew the mounting
rubbers.

Check the ball joints for wear and deterioration.
(7) Worn stabilizer bar link ball joints: Renew
the stabilizer bar links.
(8) Drive shafts worn or insufficiently lubri-
cated: Check the lubricant and the dust boots and
renew as necessary. (9) Drive shaft splines in the hub or the
differential worn or dama ged: Check and renew as
necessary.

NOTE: To check the front suspension com-
ponents for wear, raise the front of the
vehicle, support it on chassis stands and
allow both front wheel to hang free. With an
assistant pushing and pulling the front
wheels in and out at the top and then at the
bottom, check for excessive looseness at the
front hub bearings and lower control arm
inner pivot bushes. Noise or vibration in the
front end can also be caused by excessive
tire or wheel unbalance. Drive shaft joint
noise is usually more pronounced when
moving slowly with the steering on full lock.

POOR OR ERRATIC ROAD HOLDING
ABILITY

(1) Low or uneven tire pressures: Inflate the
tires to the recommended pressures.

(2) Defective suspension unit: Renew the faulty
unit, preferably in pairs.

Front Suspension 157


Check the stabilizer bar links for wear and damage.
(3) Incorrect front end alignment: Check and
adjust the alignment as necessary. (4) Defective stabilizer bar mounting rubbers or
worn link ball joints: Renew component as necessary. (5) Weak or broken front coil spring: Renew
both springs as a matching pair. (6) Broken or weak rear coil spring: Renew both
springs as matching pair. (7) Drive shaft bent or distorted: Check and
renew as necessary. (8) Tie rod end worn or damaged: Check and
renew as necessary.
(9) Control arm ball joint worn or damaged:
Check and renew as necessary.
(10) Control arm mounting bolts loose: Tighten
the control arm bolts. (11) Wheel hub bearing worn: Check and renew
as necessary. NOTE: As a quick guide to suspension unit
condition, bounce the front of the vehicle up
and down (one side at a time), the vehicle
should come to rest in a single movement. If
it bounces two or three times before stop-
ping, the suspension unit should be renewed.
If the from of the vehicle is tower on one
side than the other, remove the coil spring
and check its free length against a new
spring. If the spring is found to be unservice-
able it is good practice to install two new
springs as a matching pair. This also applies
to the springs on the rear of the vehicle.

2. DESCRIPTION
The front suspension is an independent type
comprising two Macpherson strut suspension units
mounted vertically on each side of the vehicle. The
lower end of the suspension unit is bolted to the
steering knuckle, which in turn houses the front hub
bearings. The steering knuckle pivots on the control
arm by means of a ball joint.

The control arm pivots at its inner ends on rubber
bushes.

A stabilizer bar is attached to both ends of the
control arms using ball joint links. The stabilizer bar
is attached to the front underbody by brackets and
mounting rubbers.

Each front suspension unit assembly comprises a
tubular shock absorber type suspension unit, sur-
rounded at the upper end by a coil spring. On top of
the coil spring is the upper mounting which attaches
to the underside of the inner mudguard panel. The
piston rod of the suspensi on unit is attached to the
centre of the upper mounting by a rubber mounted
bearing.

When a suspension unit is found to be defective it
is recommended that both suspension units be re-
newed as a pair.

Camber is adjusted by means of a cam on the
upper steering knuckle to suspension unit mounting
bolt.

The kingpin inclination and caster are set in
production and cannot be adjusted. Any variation in
these angles will be caused by worn or damaged
components.

3. STEERING KNUCKLE
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Wheel Bearing — Press and press plates
and suitable tubes and mandrels
To Check Hub End Float — Dial gauge
TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
on chassis stands. Remove the front wheel.


Checking the control arm bolts for security.

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.

190
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAUTION: To prevent severe electrical shock extreme care must be taken when
working on or near the electronic ignition system as dangerous high tension voltages
are produced in both the primary and secondary circuits. See the text fo\
r
precautionary notes.

SPECIFICATIONS
BATTERY
Type ..................................................12 volt lead acid
Polarity to earth .................................... Negative ( - )
Specific gravity:
Fully charged ................................... A bove 1.250
Fully discharged ................................Below 1.130
ALTERNATOR
Make .................................................Bosch or Hitachi
Maximum output .......................................... 70 amps
Polarity to earth .................................... Negative ( - )
Stator windings ......................................... Star wound
Regulator type ................................................ Integral
Brush length minimum:
Bosch ........................................................ 5.0 mm
Hitachi ............................. 6.0 mm or limit mark
STARTER MOTOR
Make .................................................Hitach i or Bosch
Type ............................ 4 pole 4 brush reduction gear
Operation control.................................. Solenoid and
overrunning clutch
Undercut of commutator (maximum):
Hitachi ...................................................... 0.8 mm
Brush length (minimum):
Bosch ........................................................ 8.0 mm
Hitachi ........................................................11 mm
Brush spring tension;
Hitachi ............................................... 15.7-19.6 N
Hitachi:
Drive pinion stopper clearance ........ 0.3-1.5 mm
Selective fit adjuster plates ........ 0.5 and 0.8 mm
IGNITION SYSTEM
The ignition system is an integral part of the
engine management system. The Specifications, testing
and overhaul procedures are fully covered in the Fuel
and Engine Management section.

TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Alternator pulley retaining nut:
Bosch ......................................................... 50 Nm
Hitachi ....................................................... 59 Nm
1. BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM
TROUBLE SHOOTING

BATTERY UNDERCHARGED
3. Loose or broken drive belt: Adjust or renew
the drive belt. 4. Faulty alternator regulator; Renew the regu-
lator unit.
5. Faulty battery: Install a new battery of
the
recommended type and capacity. 6. Faulty alternator: Overhaul or renew the
alternator. 7. Fault in the charging circuit wiring: Check
and repair or renew the wiring harness. 8. Faulty connections in the charging circuit:
Check and repair the connections. 9. Fusible link blown; Rectify the fault and
renew as necessary.
NOTE: Check the state of charge (specific
gravity) of the battery- as described under
the
Battery heading in this section. If the battery
is undercharged, check the possible causes in
the order given.

BATTERY OVERCHARGED
• Faulty alternator regulator unit:
Renew the
regulator unit.
• Faulty alternator: Overhaul or
renew the
alternator. • Faulty charging circuit wiring or
connec-
tions: Check and renew or repair the faulty
compo-
nents.
NOTE: An overcharged battery is indicated
by continual loss of water through boiling.

Electrical System 201
nosed pliers. This will safeguard the diodes
by transferring any excess heat to the jaws of
the pliers.

Using a suitable drift, install the bearing into
the drive end bracket, install the retainer plate and
screws. Tighten the screws securely. Using a suitable press and press plates, install
the bearing to the slip ring end of the rotor shaft.
Ensure that pressure is ex erted only on the inner race
and that the stop ring groove is nearest to the sl i p
rings. Ensure that the rotor sh aft rear bearing stop
ring is positioned so that the protruding part of the
ring is located in the deepest part of the groove. Install the stator, diode pack and
regulator
assembly to the slip ring e nd bracket. Install the
retaining nuts and washers and tighten securely. Install the nut and insulator to the terminal
and tighten securely. Using a piece of wire, hold the brushes in a
retracted position. Hold the drive end bracket in a soft jawed
vice and install the rotor shaft assembly to the drive
end bracket. Install the pulley, retaining nut and washer to
the rotor shaft and tighten the retaining nut to the
specified torque. Apply a heated 200 watt soldering iron to the
slip ring end bracket at the bearing mounting boss for
3-4 minutes to heat the bracket and allow the
installation of the rotor shaft rear bearing. Aligning the marks made on dismantling and
ensuring that the rotor sh aft rear bearing retaining
ring protrusion is located in the deepest part of its
groove, install the rotor/stator assembly to the slip ring
end bracket.
Remove the brush retr acting wire from the
alternator, ensure that the alternator component
marks are aligned, install the retaining through bolts
and tighten them securely. Check the alternator rotor for smooth oper-
ation and install the al ternator to the vehicle
as
previously described.
Check the alternator operation on the vehicle
as previously described.
8. STARTER MOTOR
Special Equipment Required:
To Renew Brushes — Soldering iron
To Renew Armature Bearings — Bearing puller
DESCRIPTION
Two types of starter motors are installed to the
range of vehicles covere d by this manual, either
Hitachi or Bosch.

The starter motor is the induced pole type with
four brushes and four pole shoes with field coils.

A solenoid switch is attached to the starter drive
end bracket. The solenoid plunger is connected to
the overrunning clutch and drive pinion assembly
through a lever and pivot arrangement.

When the solenoid windings are energized, the
plunger acting on the lever and pivot engages the drive
pinion with the flywheel ri ng gear and at the same
time closes the switch supplying power from the
positive lead of the battery to the starter motor field
coils and armature to operate the motor.

As the engine fires, the over-running clutch of the
drive pinion assembly prevents high speed rotation of.
and possible damage to, the starter armature if the
solenoid windings are not immediately de-energized
by releasing the ignition key.

The starter solenoid switch windings are energized
by the ignition switch.

TO TEST ON VEHICLE
Should the starter motor fail to operate when the
ignition switch is turned to the Start position, check
the following points:

Check the battery condition and state of
charge. Refer to the Battery heading for the correct
procedure.
Clean the battery terminals, taking particular
care to remove the scale from the positive ( + )
terminal post and terminal. Check the earth connection for tightness and
cleanliness.
Switch on the headlamps and turn the igni-
tion switch to Start. If the lamps dim but the starter
motor does not operate, it could indicate that a short
circuit has developed in the starting system. Check that the engine is not seized or that the
starter motor drive pinion and ring gear are not
locked as these conditions would -give the same
indications as above.

(5) If the lamps do not dim and the starter
motor does not operate, this would indicate an open
circuit such as a broken or disconnected wire or a
switch not operating.

If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, turn the ignition switch to Start and move
the selector lever through all the gear selection range.
If the starter motor operates in any position other
than N or P, the neutral safety switch is faulty.

(6) Check all the external wiring to ensure that
the fault is not external. If the external circuit proves
satisfactory, indicating that the problem is in the
starter motor, the unit will have to be removed and
tested.

TO REMOVE AND INSTAL
Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Disconnect the wiring from the starter motor
solenoid. Remove the starter motor mounting bolts,

Body 237


Installed view of the front seat mounting bolts.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:

Lubricate the seat slides with multi-purpose
grease prior to installation of the seat.
Install all mounting bolts by hand prior to
tightening the mounting bolts securely.
REAR SEAT CUSHION

To Remove and Install
Firmly bump the lower front of the seat
cushion rearwards and up lo release the retaining clips
from the vehicle floor panel.
With the retaining clips released, lift the
front of the seat cushion and release the rear mounting
wires. (3) Lift the rear seat cushion out of the vehicle.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure

with attention to the following points:
Position the centre seat belts on top of the
rear seat cushion prior to in stallation of the cushion.
Ensure that the clips at the forward edge of
the seat cushion are proper ly engaged in the floor
panel.
REAR SEAT BACKREST

To Remove and Install
Fold the rear seat backrest forward.
Remove the outer seat backrest hinge bolts.
Pull each backrest to wards the door and off
the centre hinge pins. Remove the rear seat backrest from the
vehicle. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure.

12. VEHICLE CLEANING
CLEANING THE EXTERIOR
In order to remove dirt and road grime and thus
preserve paint finish, vehicles in continuous use
should be washed at least once a week.

Before washing the paintwork, it is good policy to
first hose all dirt from the underbody and clean out
the drain holes in the doors and sill panels.

Hose the vehicle to remove as much grit as
possible and wash using a clean chamois or sponge,
ensuring that the chamois or sponge is free from dirt
or grit which could scratch the paint surface.

Avoid washing the vehicle in bright sunlight with
high temperature as this will give the paintwork a
streaky watermarked finish.

If necessary, wash the vehicle using a reputable
brand Wash and Wax liquid. The Wash and Wax
liquid will restore the paint luster and leave the
paintwork with a protective coating of wax.

After a period it may become necessary to polish
the vehicle in order to remove built up foreign matter
and give the paintwork maximum protection from
industrial fall-out and salt from sea air etc. Before
polishing the paintwork, always wash the surface to
remove as much road grime as possible. When
polishing follow the polishing instructions which come
with the polish.

NOTE: Grease, oil or tar on the paint
surface can be removed with a little kerosene
or white spirits. To prevent staining, wash
and polish the affected area as soon as the
grease, oil or tar is removed.

CLEANING VINYL TRIM
To maintain the vinyl interior trim in good
condition it should be regularly vacuumed to remove
loose dirt and then wiped with a dry or damp cloth.

If the trim is soiled or stained, the following
cleaning procedure is recommended:

Using warm water, cheese cloth and a mild
soap, thoroughly wash the affected areas.
Repeat the operation using damp cheese
cloth only.
To complete the cleaning operation wipe the
trim over with a dry piece of cheese cloth.
NOTE: If the interior trim is badly soiled or
stained, wash with a reputable brand of
upholstery cleaner care fully following the
makers instructions.

CLEANING CLOTH TRIM
Loose dirt and dust on cloth trim should be
removed with a vacuum cleaner or a very soft brush.
Do not use a whisk brush or any other type of coarse
brush or damage to the cloth could result. If the fabric
is soiled the following cl eaning procedure is recom-
mended.

Sponge the fabric ligh tly with warm water
containing a little detergen t and household ammonia.
After sponging, rub the fabric lightly. If
soiling is still apparent, re peat the sponging operation.
Use a clean dry cloth to soak up excess fluid.