132 Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts
Check the mainshaft for pitting.
(6) Inspect the striking rod, lever and interlock
for wear and damage paying particular attention to
the detent grooves in the end of the striking rod.
Renew parts as necessary. (7) Inspect the shift check and reverse check
balls and springs for wear, cracks and loss of tension
in the springs. Renew parts as necessary.
Check clearance A between the synchro ring and the
gear synchro teeth and compare with Specifications.
(8) Inspect the reverse and fifth gear check
assembly for wear, damage and loss of spring tension.
Renew the assembly as necessary. (9) Inspect all the bearings for pitting, wear and
damage. Renew the bearings as necessary.
NOTE: If the transaxle has seen consider-
able service, it is advisable to renew all the
bearings, oil seals, O rings and snap rings
during the overhaul.
(10) Inspect the various synchro components for
wear and damage paying par ticular attention to the
shift plates and springs and the internal teeth of the
synchro sleeves. Renew parts as necessary. (11) Compare the various gear end floats mea- sured during dismantling with the Specifications and
if the end floats are excessive, check the contact
surfaces of the ge
ars, shaft and synchro hubs. Renew
worn parts as necessary.
TO ASSEMBLE
(1) Lubricate all the components with the spec-
ified gear oil prior to assembly. (2) Install new input shaft and striking rod
oil
seals to the clutch housing in the direction noted on
removal. Lubricate the oil seal lips with multipurpose
grease prior to installation. (3) Assemble the components of the fifth gear
synchro assembly aligning the marks made on dis-
mantling. Ensure that the ends of the shift plate
springs are not aligned.
(4) Install the split bearing to the rear of the
input shaft and install the fifth gear.
(5) Install the fifth gear sy nchro assembly and the
shift retainer to the rear of the input shaft. Ensure that
the slots in the synchro ring are aligned with the shift
plates.
Check the friction surfaces of the input shaft for pitting. Dismantled view of the fifth gear synchro assembly.
Illustration showing the correct positioning of the shift plates and springs.
134 Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts
(32) Install and tighten the retaining bolts to
the specified torque.
(33) Repeat operation (29). The total turning
torque should be 5.9-13.7 Nm if new bearings have
been installed or slightly l ess if the original bearings
have been installed. If the turning torque is no t as specified, adjust the
mainshaft turning torque as follows:
(a) Remove the transaxle case rear cover, O ring,
spacer and adjusting shim from the transaxle case.
(b) Ensure that the mainsh aft rear bearing outer
race is fully seated on the bearing cone. (c) Using micrometer depth gauge, measure the
distance from the transaxle case to the bearing outer
race and note the reading. (d) Referring to the following table, select the
appropriate shim, according to the reading noted in
operation (c), required to correct the mainshaft turn-
ing torque.
READING SHIM
2.35-2.40 mm............................................... 0.10 mm
2.40-2.45 mm............................................... 0.15 mm
2.45-2.50 mm...............................................0.20 mm
2.50-2.55 mm...............................................0.25 mm
2.55-2.60 mm...............................................0.30 mm
2.60-2.65 mm............................................... 0.35 mm
2.65-2.70 mm............................................... 0.40 mm
2.70-2.75 mm............................................... 0.45 mm
2.75-2.80 mm............................................... 0.50 mm
2.80-2.85 mm............................................... 0.55 mm
2.85-2.90 mm............................................... 0.60 mm
2.90-2.95 mm............................................... 0.65 mm
2.95-3.00 mm............................................... 0.70 mm
3.00-3.05 mm............................................... 0.75 mm
3.05-3.10 mm............................................... 0.80 mm
3.10-3.15 mm............................................... 0.85 mm
3.15-3.20 mm............................................... 0.90 mm
3.20-3.25 mm............................................... 0.95 mm
3.25-3.30 mm...............................................1.00 mm.
(e) Install the spacer, shim, O ring and rear
cover to the transaxle case. Tighten the retaining
bolts securely.
(34) Measure the total turning torque as previ-
ously described. (35) Install the striking interlock and striking lever
to the clutch housing. (36) Install the striking ro d to the clutch housing
sliding the rod through the lever and interlock. Take
care that the end of the rod does not damage the seal. (37) Install a new retaining pin to the striking rod
using a pin punch. (38) Install the reverse and fifth gear check
assembly to the clutch housing. Tighten the retaining
screws securely. (39) Install the balls, spring and reverse check
plug to the clutch housing ensuring that the smaller
diameter ball enters the hole in the body of the
reverse and fifth gear check assembly body. Apply locking com-
pound and tighten the reverse check plug securely.
(40) Using a bar clamped to the end of the
striking rod, check that a force of 4.9-7.4 Nm is
required to overcome the spring loading of the reverse
and fifth gear check assembly. If necessary, renew the
springs to achieve this correct spring loading.
NOTE: Ensure that the reverse check plug is
coated with locking compound when finally
installed.
(41) Install the shift check ball, spring and plug to
the clutch housing. Ensure that the ball is centrally
located in the plug.
(42) If removed, install the oil reservoir to the
clutch housing.
(43) Install the input shaft assembly and the
reverse idler gear to the clutch housing taking care not
to damage the seal.
(44) Apply locking compound to the bearing
retainer bolts and tighten the bolts to the specified
torque.
(45) Install the spacer to the reverse idler shaft.
(46) Install the differential assembly to the clutch
housing.
(47) Install the mainshaft to the clutch housing
ensuring that the resin oil ch annel is located centrally
in the end of the mainshaft. (48) Install the shift cap to the slot in the first/
second shift fork and install the shift fork and control
bracket to the clutch housing. Use grease to hold the
shift cap in the shift fork slot. Ensure that the reverse
idler shift fork is correctly located over the gear.
(49) Apply locking compound to the threads of
the control bracket retaining bolts and tighten the
bolts to the specified torque. (50) Install the shift cap in the slot in the third/
fourth shift fork and install the fork to the transaxle
assembly. Use grease to hold the shift cap in the shift
fork slot. (51) Install the fifth gear shift fork to the transaxle
ensuring that the shift fork slot engages the control
finger.
(52) Install the fork shaft an d spring to the clutch
housing sliding the shaft through the shift forks. Use
grease to hold the spring in the end of the shaft. (53) Apply a continuous bead of sealant to the
mating face of the clutch housing so that the bead is
located inside the row of bolt holes.
NOTE: Sealant is available from Nissan
spare parts using the part number KP
610-00250.
(54) Install the transaxle case to the clutch hous-
ing. Install and tighten the retaining bolts to the
specified torque. (55) Select each gear in turn and check that the
transaxle turns freely in each gear. Ensure that it is not
138 Manual Transaxle and Drive Shafts
Brakes section if necessary. Suspend the caliper with
wire or cord attached to the coil spring.
(9) Hold the steering knuckle and hub assembly
and tap the drive shaft out of the hub using a soft
faced hammer.
(10) Drain the oil from the transaxle into a
container.
(11) Prise the drive shaft out of the transaxle and
remove the drive shaft from the vehicle.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Ensure that the drive sh aft is firmly attached
to the differential side gear by attempting to pull the
shaft out of the gear. (2) Tighten all nuts securely and install new split
pins. (3) Fill the transaxle with the specified grade and
quantity of oil.
TO DISMANTLE AND ASSEMBLE
(1) Remove the drive shaft from the vehicle as
previously described.
(2) Remove and discard both the inner C.V.
joint boot retaining clips from the inner C.V. joint. (3) Roll back the large en d of the inner C.V.-
joint boot using a thin blade screwdriver, prise out the
C.V. joint retaining ring.
(4) Withdraw the C.V. joint housing from the
drive shaft and ball assembly. (5) Remove the inner snap ring retaining the ball
assembly to the drive shaft and withdraw the ball
assembly. (6) Remove the remaining inner C.V. joint re-
taining snap ring and the C.V. joint boot from the
drive shaft. (7) Noting their installed positions remove the
cage and ball assembly off the inner race and press the
balls out of the cage. (8) Remove and discard the clips retaining the
outer C.V. joint boot to the drive shaft and remove
the C.V. joint boot.
NOTE: The outer C.V. joint cannot be
dismantled.
(9) Wash all parts in a suitable solvent and blow
dry with compressed air.
(10) Inspect the ball contact faces of the inner ball
race and C.V. joint housing for pitting and wear.
(11) Inspect the ball cage and the balls for wear
and damage. (12) Rotate the drive shaft with the outer C.V.
joint at a sharp angle and inspect the internal
components of the outer C.V. joint for wear and
damage. Renew if necessary by tapping the C.V. joint
from the drive shaft.
NOTE: Do not reuse the retaining snap ring
if the C. V. joint is removed from the drive
shaft.
(13) Check the C.V. joint boots for damage and
deterioration. (14) Renew all worn or damaged components as
necessary. Assembly is a reversal of the dismantling proce-
dure with attention to the following points:
(1) Thoroughly pack the outer C.V. joint with
molybdenum disulphide grease. (2) Install the outer C.V. joint boot and retain in
position using new retaining clips. Ensure that the
boot and the clips ar e correctly seated.
(3) Install the inner C.V. joint boot, small
end
first, onto the drive shaft and pull it well down the
shaft. (4) Install the outer snap ri ng for the inner C.V.
joint into its locating groove in the drive shaft. (5) Position the inner ball race inside the ball
cage with the chamfered end of the ball race towards
the small end of the cage. (6) Press the balls firmly into the ball cage,
ensure that the balls are fully seated. (7) Install the ball assem bly onto the drive
shaft
with the small end of the cage towards the outer C.V.
joint and install the inner snap ring retaining the
ball
assembly onto the drive shaft.
(8) Pack the C.V. joint with the prescribed
amount of molybdenum disul phide grease. Refer to
Specifications. (9) Install the C.V. joint retaining ring into the
C.V. joint housing. Ensure that the retaining ring is
correctly seated.
Dismantled view of the inner C.V. joint. Install the ball assembly onto the drive shaft, with the
small end of the cage towards the outer C.V. joint.
140
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Make .............................................. JATCO RL3F01A
Type .....................3 speed and reverse epicyclic gear
train with lock up torque converter
Operation .................................... Automatic hydraulic
Lubricant:
Type....................................................... Dexron IT
Capacity................................................. 6.3 liters
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Drive plate to crankshaft bolls ........................60 Nm
Drive plate to torque converter bolts ..............49 Nm
Convener housing to engine ...........................22 Nm
Converter housing to transaxle ........................23 Nm
Transaxle sump to transaxle ............................. 7 Nm
Oil cooler pipe to transaxle .............................49 Nm
Selector shaft locknut .......................................42 Nm
Transaxle filter bolts.........................................12 Nm
1. AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE TROUBLE SHOOTING
NO DRIVE IN D RANGE
{1) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level in the transaxle and top up if required.
(2) Incorrectly adjusted selector cable: Check
and adjust the selector cable as detailed. (3) Incorrect or contaminated transaxle fluid:
Drain and refill with the recommend type and quan-
tity of transaxle fluid.
NOTE: Check the possible causes in the
order given.
NO REVERSE IN R RANGE
(1) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level and top up if required. (2) Incorrectly adjusted selector linkage: Check
the condition of the selector cable, selector quadrant
and selector arm for wear and damage. Adjust as
required.
Check the drive shaft oil seals as a likely leak source.
SLIPPING OR ROUGH UPSHIFT
(1) Incorrectly adjusted selector linkage: Check
and adjust the selector linkage. (2) Low fluid level in transaxle: Check the fluid
level and top up if required.
NO TRANSAXLE KICKDOWN
(1) Incorrectly adjusted throttle cable: Check
and adjust the cable as detailed in the Fuel and Engine
Management section.
Check the oil cooler hose connections for leaks if the
fluid level is low.
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.
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.
150 Steering — Part 2
View of the steering gear and associated components removed from the vehicle.
mark the universal coupling joint in relation to the
steering gear pinion as an aid to installation.
(2) Remove the bolt retaining the universal
coupling joint to the steering gear pinion. (3) Raise the front of the vehicle, support it on
chassis stands at the jack ing points and remove the
front wheels. Refer to the Wheel and Tires section.
(4) Remove the split pins and castellated nuts
from the tie rod end studs and disconnect the tie rod
ends from the steering arms.
NOTE: Disconnect each tie rod end by
placing a suitable dolly or hammer against
one side of the steer ing arm eye and striking
the opposite side with a hammer.
(5) Remove the bolts from the steering gear
mounting brackets. (6) Separate the steering gear pinion from the
universal coupling joint and maneuver the steering
gear from the vehicle. Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Ensure that the steering gear mounting
bracket rubbers are in good condition. Renew if
necessary.
(2) Renew the split pins on the tie rod castel-
lated nuts.
(3) Check and if necessary adjust the front wheel
toe in. Refer to the Front Suspension section for the
correct procedure.
TO OVERHAUL
To overhaul the steering gear a range of special
tools is required. If the steering gear has a fault
which requires the removal of the rack or pinion it
is recommended that the necessary repairs be car-
ried out by an authorized dealer.
TO RENEW TIE ROD BALL HOUSINGS
(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle as
previously described.
(2) Note or mark the installed position of the
mounting rubbers as an aid to assembly and remove
the rubbers from the steering gear.
(3) Thoroughly clean the exterior of the steering
gear in a suitable cleaning solvent.
(4) Secure the steering gear in a soft jawed vice
and centralize the rack in the steering gear. (5) Loosen both the ti e rod end locknuts and
unscrew the tie rod ends from the tie rods, noting the
number of turns required to do so. Remove the
locknuts from the tie rods. (6) Remove the tie rod rubber boot retaining
clamps, detach the boot s from the steering gear
housing and slide them from the tie rods. Take care to
position a container to catch the oil contained in the
steering gear assembly. (7) Where the tie rod ball housing is retained by
staking, drill the staking away from the rack and t i e
rod using a 4.0 mm drill. Do not drill into the rack
more than is necessary to drill out the staking.
Where the tie rod ball housing is retained by a
lock pin, drill out the lock pin from the ball housing
and tie rod using a 4.0 mm drill. Do not exceed a
drilling depth of 10.0 mm.
Using a 4.0 mm drill to remove the staking from the tie
rod ball housing.