
FRONT SUSPENSION............................ 156
Specifications......................................................... 156
Front suspension tr ouble shooting ........................ 156
Description ............................................................ 157
Steering knuckle.................................................... 157
Suspension unit..................................................... 159
Control arm ........................................................... 161
Stabiliser bar ........................................................ 162
Suspension and steering angles .......................... 163
REAR SUSPENSION................................ 164
Specifications ........................................................ 164
Rear suspension tr ouble shooting ........................ 164
Description ............................................................ 165
Rear hub ............................................................... 166
Suspension unit .................................................... 167
Control arm ........................................................... 169
Knuckle assembly.................................................. 170
Stabiliser bar ........................................................ 170
Rear wheel alignment ........................................... 171
BRAKES...................................................... 172
Specifications......................................................... 172
Brakes trouble shooting ........................................ 172
Description ............................................................ 174
Master cyli nder...................................................... 175
Brake servo unit .................................................... 177
Front brakes ......................................................... 178
Rear disc brakes................................................... 181
Rear drum brakes ................................................. 184
Handbrake cable and le ver assembly ................... 186
Brake adjustments ................................................ 187
Brake pedal ........................................................... 187
Hydraulic system................................................... 188
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM............................ 190
Specifications......................................................... 190
Battery and charging system trouble shooting ....... 190
Battery and starting system trouble shooting ........ 191
Lighting system trouble shooting ........................... 192
Turn signal lamp trouble shooting ........................ 192
Test equipment and so me applications................. 193
Battery ................................................................... 194
Alternator ............................................................... 196
Starter motor ......................................................... 201
Ignition system ...................................................... 206
Steering wheel ....................................................... 206
Switches and controls........................................... 206
Instrument cluster.................................................. 209
Blower fan .............................................................. 209
Radio/cassette...................................................... 209
lamp units ............................................................ 210
Windscreen wiper ................................................. 213
Fuses, fusible links and relays ............................. 215
Trailer wiring ......................................................... 216
Wiring diagrams ................................................... 218
BODY........................................................... 225
Windscreen and re ar glass .................................. 225
Front doors ........................................................... 225
Rear doors............................................................ 228
Engine bonnet...................................................... 231
Tailgate and lock — hatchback ............................ 231
Luggage compartment lid and lock — sedan ........ 233
Radiator grille.............................................................. 234
Centre console...................................................... 234 Dashboard ............................................................ 235
Scat belts ............................................................. 236
Seats .................................................................... 236
Vehicle cleaning ........................................................... 237
CONVERSION TABLES.......................... 238

INTRODUCTION
This Service and Repair Manual
covers the Australian manufac-
tured Nissan Pulsar (hatchback) and Vector (sedan) N13 Series 1
(J87 - 91 and
the Holden Astra LD Series 1987 - 89.
Two engines were available: a 1.8 l i t e r engine with multi-point fuel injec-
tion, and a 1.6 liter throttle body injected engine. The engines are similar
having single overhead camshafts and computer controlled fuel injection and
ignition control. There was a choice of three speed automatic or five speed
manual transaxles.
A viscous coupling limited s l i p differential was introduced from July 1989
to the five speed manual transaxle models of the Pulsar Q and Vector SSS.
Disc brakes are fitted at the front of a l l models, while the rear brakes are
either discs or drums.
All models are equipped with independent coil spring suspension. Steering
can be by either manual or power assisted rack and pinion.
This manual includes information on trouble shooting, lubrication and
maintenance, specifications and the rem oval, installation and overhaul of com-
ponents which are considered to be with in the scope of the average, well
equipped home mechanic.
Certain repair jobs covered in this manual require the use of special
equipment not normally found in a home tool kit. When such equipment is
required, the equipment and i t s functi on is brought to the users attention
underneath the heading for that component. Some jobs, such as automatic
transmission overhaul, should he left to an authorized dealer or a specialist
who has the extensive knowledge and equi pment required. In these cases, the
removal and installation procedures are fully covered, enabling the unit to be
removed for repair or a reconditioned unit to be installed.
Reference in the manual to the left an d right hand sides of the vehicle are
from the point of view of someone sta nding at the back of the vehicle and
looking forward.
Inexperienced operators should not a ttempt a service or repair operation
before completely reading the appropriat e section (or other sections which may
be referred to) in the manual.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
1. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
When purchasing spare parts or when
registering
or insuring a vehicle, it may be necessary to quote
various vehicle identification codes. The location of
these codes are as follows: The Engine Number is stamped on the front
face
of the engine block below No. 4 spark plug. The Chassis Number is stamped on the bulkhead
above and to the right of the brake booster. The Vehicle Identification Plate is located on the
bulkhead to the left of the MAP sensor and contains
codings relating to body style, engine capacity,
model,
transaxle type, engine number, paint, trim and build
date. The Compliance Plate contains information on
the vehicle make, model, month and year of manu-
facture, chassis number, seating, capacity and the
Australian Design Rules (ADR) with which the vehi-
cle complies. This plate is affixed to the bulkhead
above and to the left of the brake booster. The Tire Placard, which is located on the inside
of the glove compartment, contains information
on
the tire size, rim size, tire pressure and load ratings.
2. GENERAL VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Length:
Pulsar ................................................... 4 030 mm
Astra hatchback .................................. 4 035 mm
Vector ..................................................4215 mm
Astra sedan.......................................... 4 255 mm
Width:
Nissan.................................................. 1 640 mm
Holden ................................................. 1 655 mm
Height ........................................................ 1 380 mm
Wheelbase .................................................. 2 430 mm
Wheel track:
Front .................................................... 1 435 mm
Rear ..................................................... I 430 mm
View of the engine compartment showing the location
of various vehicle identification information.
Minimum ground clearance:
Nissan.................................................... 128 mm
Holden ................................................... 110 mm
Turning circle kerb to kerb .......................... 10.8 m
Fuel tank capacity:
Nissan.................................................... 47 liters
Holden ................................................... 50 liters
Towing capacity:
Without trailer brakes............................ 400 kg
With trailer brakes ................................. 900 kg
*Fuel consumption:
L/100km L/100km
(City) (Highway)
Manual transaxle 8.5 6.6
Automatic transaxle 9.0 7.2
*The fuel consumption information is based on
tests made according to Australian Standard 2877.
The actual fuel consumption will depend on many
factors including driving habits, vehicle condition
and equipment and the prevailing conditions.

12 General Information
Damaged threads can be repaired using a die nut
on studs and bolts, and a tap on nuts and threaded
holes in castings. If the threads of a threaded hole are
damaged beyond repair, it will be necessary to drill
and tap the hole to a larger size. Alternatively, a
Helicoil insert can be used to Testore the hole to the
original thread size.
STUDS
The simplest method for removing studs is to lock
two nuts together on the threaded section. The stud
should then be able to be removed by applying an
unscrewing action to the lower nut.
Alternatively, there are various makes of stud
extracting tools available.
Using two nuts locked together to remove a stud.
OIL SEALS
Oil seals can usually be removed by levering out
with a flat screwdriver or other suitable lever. Care
should be taken not to damage the surface of the
component which the seal lip runs on.
Seals can also be removed by inserting a number
of self tapping screws into the seal body. The seal can
then be withdrawn using pliers gripping the self
tapping screws.
Always apply a smear of grease or oil to the seal lip
prior to installation to provide initial lubrication.
Unless otherwise stated, oil seals should always be
installed with the lip facing inwards or towards the
substance to be sealed. Duri ng installation, the seal l i p
should be protected from damage from sharp com-
ponents such as shaft splines by wrapping tape around
the sharp edges.
Install the new seal using a wooden block, or a
socket or length of tube of the appropriate diameter.
Ensure that the seal is installed squarely or distortion
and subsequent leakage may occur. If an installation
depth is not specified, th e seal should be installed
flush with the component surface.
GASKETS
When separating mating components (i.e.
cylinder
head and cylinder block), do not insert screwdrivers or
similar levers between the components in an attempt
to lever them apart. This can cause severe damage to
the sealing surfaces, particularly if the components are
made of alloy compounds.
The components can be separated by tapping
along the joint with a soft faced hammer or piece of
wood. Before installing a new gasket, the mating
surfaces should be cleaned of all traces of old gasket
material and sealant.
Check that the new gasket is correct by comparing
the bolt holes and passages on the component face
with the openings in the gasket.
Cork and paper gaskets which have been stored
for some time may suffer from shrinkage. This can be
rectified by soaking the gasket in water.
BEARINGS AND BUSHES
If the correct equipment is not available when
removing and installing bearings and bushes, it is
often possible to improvise.
Bearings can often be removed from shafts by
tapping alternately on opposite sides with a hammer
and drift.
A simple bush installing tool using a bolt, nut and two
washers.
If a press is unavailable, bushes can be installed by
placing the bush and component between the jaws of a
vice and screwing the jaws together until the bush is
fully inserted. A vice can also be used to remove
bushes by using suitably sized spacers against either
vice jaw, one bearing on the bush and the other on the
component. This method can also be used with a G
clamp.
A simple removing and installing tool can be
made using a long bolt, large and small washers, a nut
and a tubular spacer. Refer to the illustrations for the
method and applications.
Rubber bushes and bushes in blind holes can be
removed using an expanding type masonry bolt
(Rawlbolt Loxin). Install a neat fitting masonry bolt to
the bush. Install and tighten the bolt until it grips the
bush. The bolt and bush can then be removed using a
slide hammer or levers.

WHEELS AND TYRES
SPECIFICATIONS
TYRES PRESSURES
Front:
Normal load ............................................ 200 kPa
Heavy load or high speed ......................230 kPa
Rear:
Normal load............................................ 180 kPa
Heavy load or high speed ...................... 210 kPa
NOTE: The above pressures are measured
cold and are meant as a guide only. Always
refer to the tire placard positioned on the
inside of the glove compartment lid and the
tire manufacturers recommendations first.
TORQUE WRENCH SETTINGS
Wheel nut torque .............................................98 Nm
1. HOW TO CHANGE A ROAD WHEEL
(1) Ensure that the vehicle is on level firm
ground and clear of any passing traffic. (2) If necessary, switch on the hazard
flashers.
(3) Switch off the engine a nd place the transaxle
in the (P) Park position on automatic transaxle
models or in reverse gear on manual transaxle models.
(4) Apply the handbrake firmly and chock the
front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel being changed.
(5) Remove the spare wheel, tool kit and jack
located in the luggage compartment. (6) On vehicles equipped with full wheel covers,
remove the trim from the wheel. (7) Using the wheel spanner, loosen the wheel
nuts progressively in a diagonal sequence half a turn.
(8) Position the jack und er the jacking point
closest to the wheel being removed and raise the jack
until the head of the jack contacts the jacking point.
(9) Raise the vehicle slightly and check that the
jack is stable and vertical.
Underbody view showing the jacking and supporting
points. O indicates the jacking points and X indicates
the supporting points.
Chock the front and rear of the wheel diagonally
opposite the wheel being changed. View of the jack correctly installed to the rear jacking
point.

25
ENGINE TUNE-UP
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.
1. TUNE-UP SPECIFICATIONS
Firing orde r................................................... 1 -3-4-2
Spark plugs:
Type .............................................NGK BPR 6ES
Gap ........................................................... 1.1 mm
Tightening torque...................................... 20 Nm
Ignition timing with diagnostic link
connector jumped........................... 10 deg BTDC
Idle speed (ECU controlled):
Manual transaxle 1.8 liter ............ 850 ± 50 rpm
Manual transaxle 1.6 liter............800 ± 50 rpm
Automatic transaxle
(Park or Neutral).......................... 825 ± 50 rpm
Drive belt deflection:
Alternator ........................................... 14-16 mm
Power steering pump ......................... 14-16 mm
Air conditioner compressor .................. 9-11 mm
NOTE: When performing an engine tune-
up, a/ways compare the above Specifications
with the emission control information label
inside the engine compartment.
2. TUNE-UP OPERATIONS
Special Equipment Required:
To Test Compression — Compression gauge
TO SERVICE AIR CLEANER
The air cleaner is equipped with a paper element.
The element should be regu larly inspected but should
not be cleaned in service.
The element should be renewed every 40 000 km.
This distance is only a guide for normal operating
conditions and should be reduced accordingly if the
vehicle is operating under ex tremely dusty conditions.
NOTE: Paper air cleaner elements should
not be washed in petrol or any other type of
cleaning solvent. If the element has been
washed in solvent or has become oil soaked,
it should be discarded and a new element
installed.
1.8 Liter Engine
(1) Release the clamp securing the air intake
hose to the throttle body and disconnect the throttle
cable from the support bracket. (2) Release the clips reta ining the upper air
cleaner housing to the lowe r air cleaner housing and
raise the upper housing while disconnecting the air
intake hose from the throttle body. Remove the air
cleaner element.
The air cleaner element should be renewed at 40 000
km intervals. 1.8 liter engine.
(3) Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing
using a damp rag to remove all traces of dust and
check the upper housing and air inlet hose for cracks
and air leaks. Renew if necessary. (4) Install a new air cleaner element to the lower
housing ensuring that the element is correctly seated
around the edges. (5) Install the upper housing and lock the clips,
securing it to the lower housing. Connect the air
intake hose to the throttle body and the throttle cable
to the support bracket. Tighten the hose clamp
securely. (6) Start the engine and check the air cleaner
assembly for air leaks.

26 Engine Tune-up
1.6 Liter Engine
(1) Remove the nuts and washers securing the
upper air cleaner housing to the lower air cleaner
housing and release the retaining clips. (2) Remove the air cleaner element.
(3) Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing
using a damp rag to remo ve all traces of dust.
(4) Install a new air cleaner element ensuring that
the element is correctly seated around the edges.
(5) Install the upper housing and secure the
retaining clips. Tighten th e retaining nuts securely.
TO RENEW FUEL FILTER
filter should
The fuel
40 000 km.
(1) Depressurize the fuel system using the fol-
lowing procedure:
(a) Lift the front edge of the rear seat cushion
and remove the cushion from the vehicle.
When depressurizing the fuel system, remove the rear
seat cushion and disconnect the fuel pump wiring
connector.
(b) Disconnect the fuel pump wiring connector.
(c) Start and run the engine until it stalls.
Operate the starter motor for 10 seconds to ensure
that the fuel pressure has dissipated.
(2) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(3) Release the hose clamps and disconnect the
fuel hoses from the filter. Remove the filter from the
retaining clamp noting the direction of the arrow on
the filter body. On some models it will be necessary to remove the
screw from the side of the clamp to allow the filler to
be removed.
Installation is a reversal of the removal procedure
with attention to the following points:
(1) Install the fuel filter with the arrow facing the
direction noted on removal, that is, in the direction of
fuel flow.
(2) Ensure that the hose clamps are tightened
securely.
(3) Connect the fuel pump wiring connector and
install the rear seat cushion. (4) Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
Rectify as necessary.
TO ADJUST DRIVE BELTS
It is essential that all drive belts are adjusted to
the correct tension to prevent slippage or premature
wear of the bearings in the alternator and, if equipped,
the power steering pump and air conditioner compres-
sor.
(1) Push down on the drive belt with a 10 kg
force midway between the pulleys of the drive belt
concerned.
On models with air conditioning, push down on
the upper section of the drive belt between the
compressor and crankshaft pulleys.
If the drive belt deflection is not within Specifi-
cations it will require adjustment as follows.
(2) Loosen the alternator and, if equipped, the
power steering pump pivot and adjusting bolts and
ALTERNATOR
POWER STEERING PUMP
be renewed every
Installed view of the fuel filter. Note the direction of the arrow on the filter prior to removal. Illustration of the alternator, power steering pump and
air conditioner compressor drive belts. The arrows
indicate the deflection measuring points.

Engine Tune-up 27
move the alternator or power steering pump as
required until the drive belt concerned has the
specified deflection.
On models with air conditioning, loosen the nut
in the centre of the idler pulley and turn the adjusting
bolt until the drive belt has the specified deflection.
(3) Tighten the alternator or power steering
pump bolts securely and check the belt tension.
On models with air conditioning, tighten the idler
pulley nut securely.
TO SERVICE SPARK PLUGS
The spark plugs should be renewed at intervals of
40 000 km.
Before removing the spark plugs ensure that the
area around each plug is cl ean to prevent foreign
matter entering the cylinder when the plugs are
removed.
Spark plugs removed from an engine in good
mechanical condition should have a light powdery
deposit ranging from light brown to grayish tan in
color. After considerable service the electrodes will
show signs of wear or no rmal burning. Spark plugs
showing a thick black oily deposit indicate an engine
in poor mechanical condition or possibly, that a plug
with too low a heat range has been installed.
Spark plugs showing a white or yellowish deposit
indicate sustained high speed driving or possibly that
plugs with too high a heat range have been installed,
particularly when these deposits are accompanied by
blistering of the porcelain and burning of the elec-
trodes.
If the spark plugs are to be cleaned, use a
sandblasting machine and blow clean with com-
pressed air. Ensure that all traces of abrasive grit are
removed from the spark plug threads and from the
well in the plug body. Carefully open the electrode gap
a little, by bending the side electrode, and lightly file
the electrodes flat with a points file.
Black damp deposits can be caused by excessive oil
consumption or incorrect plug type. Spark plugs in this
condition are usually not firing.
Cutaway view of spark plug showing a crack in the
insulator nose which can be caused by exerting pres-
sure against the centre electrode when adjusting the
gap. The other crack shown on the insulator is caused
by tilting the plug spanner.
When plug electrodes are eroded to this degree the
spark can be considered worn out and should be
renewed using a plug of the recommended heat range
.
CRACK