1987 NISSAN PULSAR bonnet

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

Lubrication and Maintenance 15


Location of the manual transaxle level plug.
manual transaxle. Using a finger, check that the oil is
level with the bottom of the plug hole. Overfilled units
should be drained to the correct level.

If the oil level is low, use an oil gun to fill the
transaxle to the correct level.

When satisfied that the oil level is correct, install
the plug and tighten firmly. Wipe around the plug
after installation.

NOTE: On automatic transaxle vehicles,
refer to the Automatic Transaxle section for
the checking and topping up procedure.


Location of the manual transaxle drain plug.
(9) Using a funnel, fill the engine with the
specified amount and grade of engine oil. start the
engine and run it for a few minutes. Ensure that the
oil light goes out. Stop the engine, wait for a few
minutes and check the engine oil on the dipstick. If
necessary add oil to bring the level to the full mark on
the dipstick.

NOTE: To prevent overfilling the engine
initially, it is good policy not to pour all the


Underbonnet view of the 1.8 liter engine. Automatic transaxle model.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
r

16 Lubrication and Maintenance

Underbonnet view of the 1.6 liter engine. Manual transaxle model.
oil into the engine in one go as sometimes
the amounts specified are only approximate.
If is best to hold back at least half a liter and
top up the level after the engine has been run
for a few minutes.

(10) Check thoroughly for oil leaks at the engine
sump drain plug and oil filter if a new filter was
installed.

(11) Referring to the service schedule, lubricate
and check all other items which coincide with the
grease and oil change intervals.
(12) Lower the vehicle to the ground.

42 Engine
The cylinder block is a cast iron alloy, deep skirt
design and the crankshaft is supported in the cylinder
block by five precision insert replaceable main bear-
ings. Crankshaft end float is controlled by the flanged
centre main bearing. Connecting rods are I section
forgings equipped with precision insert replaceable big
end bearings. The gudgeon pins are an interference fit
in the connecting rod and a floating fit in the piston.

The cast aluminum pistons are equipped with
two compression rings and one oil control ring.

The twin rotor, involute gear oil pump is mounted
directly to the front face of the cylinder block. The
inner rotor is internally driven by the crankshaft. The
oil pump pressure relief valve is not adjustable, and
consists of a plunger and spring mounted in the oil
pump body.

The pump draws oil through a screen in the sump
and delivers it, via a full flow replaceable oil filter, to
the oil gallery from where it is distributed to the
hydraulic tappets, camshaft and crankshaft bearings
and to the overhead rocker and valve mechanism.

3. ENGINE AND TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY
Special Equipment Required:
To Remove and Instill — Suitable lifting tackle,
extra long chassis stands, suitable trolley

TO REMOVE
NOTE: Due to the high residual pressure
within the fuel system, it will be necessary to
depressurize the system before removing any
fuel supply components. Refer to the Fuel
and Engine Management section for the
correct procedure.

(1) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
(2) Mark around the bonnet hinges with a soft
lead pencil Co facilitate correct installation. With the
aid of an assistant, remove the bonnet retaining bolts
and remove the bonnet from the vehicle.
(3) Drain the engine and transaxle lubricant.
(4) Open the coolant drain tap located on the
lower radiator pipe and drain the coolant. (5) Loosen the hose clips and disconnect the
heater hoses from the heater pipes at the bulkhead.
NOTE: Do not use excessive force to remove
the heater hoses from the heater pipes or the
heater core will become dislodged from the
heater unit. If necessary, cut the heater
hoses from the pipes using a sharp knife.

(6) Loosen the hose clamps and disconnect the
radiator hoses from the engine assembly. (7) Disconnect the positive lead from the bat-
tery. (8) On 1.8 liter models, disconnect the air inlet
duct.
(9) On 1.6 liter models, remove the air cleaner
assembly. Refer to the Fuel and Engine Management
section if necessary. (10) Disconnect the throttle cable from the throt-
tle body and from the camshaft housing top cover
bracket, if applicable. (11) Disconnect the fuel supply and return hoses.
Mark the hoses as an aid to installation. (12) Suitably mark and disconnect the charcoal
canister hoses. (13) Disconnect the injector wires from the injec-
tors. On 1.6 liter models, slide the wiring out from the
throttle body. (14) Disconnect the wiring fr om the throttle po-
sition sensor (TPS), idle air control (IAC) valve,
oxygen (O
2) sensor wire, coolant temperature sensor,
coolant sender and on 1.8 liter models, the manifold
air temperature (MAT) sensor. (15) Disconnect the wiring connector adjacent to
the top heater hose, the wiring from the alternator and
the two earth wires from underneath the cylinder head
bolts. (16) Lay the wiring loom over on the passenger
side of the engine compar tment, clear of the work
area.
(17) On manual transaxle models, loosen the
clutch cable adjusting nuts and remove the cable
through the slot in the lever. Remove the clutch cable
bracket from the transaxle after removing the retain-
ing bolts and place the cable to one side.
(18) Disconnect the wiring from the starter mo-
tor, speedometer sender and on manual transaxle
models, the reverse lamp switch wiring.
(19) If applicable, disconnect the power steering
lines from the pump and drain the fluid into a
container. Suitably plug the lines and the pump to
prevent the entry of dirt.
(20) On automatic transaxle models, disconnect
the selector cable and bracket from the transaxle
assembly.
Disconnect the transaxle oil cooler lines from the
transaxle. Plug the lines and fittings to prevent the
entry of dirt etc.

(21) Loosen the front wheel nuts, raise the front
of the vehicle and support it on extra long chassis
stands. Ensure that the vehicle is high enough to allow
removal of the engine from underneath. (22) Remove the front wheels and the engine
splash guards from the vehicle.
(23) On manual transaxle models, remove the
stay rod and control rod bolts and nuts and disconnect
the rods from the transaxle.
(24) Remove the lower control arm to steering
knuckle ball joint nuts and separate the ball joints
from the steering knuckle by holding a dolly or a
hammer against one side of the steering knuckle and
hitting the other side with a hammer. The taper on the
ball joint will release fr om the steering knuckle.
(25) Pull the steering knuckles outward swiftly to

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.

160 Front Suspension

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brakes 175
A pressure proportioning valve is incorporated in
each circuit to prevent premature locking of the rear
wheels during severe braking.

The four wheel hydraulically operated brakes
utilize disc brakes on each front wheel and disc brakes
or leading and trailing drum brake shoes on each rear
wheel.

The front disc brakes comprise a disc attached to
the hub assembly and a caliper bolted to the steering
knuckle.

The rear disc brakes comprise a disc and hub
assembly attached to the rear stub axle and a caliper
and anchor plate bolted to the backing plate.

The front and rear calipers are of the sliding type.
As pad wear takes place, the caliper piston is allowed
to slide outwards through the seal to take up a new
position in the caliper bore. Elastic deformation of the
seal takes place when the brakes are applied, which
returns the piston slightly when the brakes are re-
leased. Thus a constant clearance is maintained
between the pads and the disc when the brakes are in
the off position.

The disc brakes do not require periodical adjust-
ment in service to compensate for pad wear as they
are self adjusting.

The leading and trailing shoe drum brakes on the
rear wheels use a double ended wheel cylinder to
operate both brake shoes at the top. The lower end of
each brake shoe abuts a fixed anchor point. The brake
shoes are automatically adju sted when the brakes are
operated.

The handbrake operates the rear brakes via a
cable arrangement.

3. MASTER CYLINDER
Special Equipment Required:
To Install New Seals — Suitable machined drift
TO REMOVE
(1) Depress the brake pedal several times to
deplete the vacuum from the system.

(2) Raise the bonnet and install covers to
both
the front mudguards. Cover the areas of paintwork
beneath the master cylinder with absorbent cloth.
(3) Disconnect the wiring from the pressure
sensing switch. (4) Disconnect the brake pipes from the master
cylinder and plug the outlets and pipes to prevent the
loss of fluid and the ingress of dirt.
(5) Remove the nuts retaining the master cylin-
der to the brake servo unit and remove the master
cylinder from the vehicle.
TO DISMANTLE

(1) Remove the master cylinder as previously
described. (2) Remove the reservoir cap and diaphragm,
drain and discard the brake fluid from the reservoir. (3) Carefully remove the reservoir from the
master cylinder by pulling it from the reservoir
retainers by hand. Remove and discard the retainers
from the master cylinder. (4) Using internal snap ring pliers, remove the
snap ring from the primary reservoir port. (5) Remove the fast fill valve assembly and the
O ring from the port. Remove and discard the valve
washer from the fast fill valve.
(6) Remove the proportioning valve plugs and
the O rings. Discard the O rings. Withdraw the springs
and valve plungers from the master cylinder. Remove
and discard the seals from the valve plungers. (7) Remove the pressure sensing switch and
lever assembly from the master cylinder. {8) Remove the cylinder end plug from the
master cylinder. Remove and discard the O ring from
the plug.

(9) Carefully tap the front of the master cylinder
vertically on a block of wo od and remove the pressure
differential pistons from the master cylinder. Remove
and discard the O rings from the pistons. (10) Push the primary piston forward in the
cylinder with a blunt rod and while holding the
pressure, remove the stop pin from the master cylin-
der.
(11) The primary piston may now be withdrawn
from the cylinder bore. The secondary piston, retainer
and spring can also be withdrawn by carefully tapping
the master cylinder on a block of wood. (12) Prise the legs of the seal retainer upwards
and remove it from the primary piston. Remove the
seal and guide. Discard the seal and retainer.
NOTE: The secondary piston must no! be
dismantled by removing the screw. This
assembly has a factory p reset length and the
screw must not be altered in service.

(13) Remove the main seal and the guide from
the front of the secondary piston. Stretch the rear seal
from the groove and remove it from the piston. Take

Installed view of the master cylinder and servo unit. Air
duct removed for clarity. 1.8 liter model.

178 Brakes

Let the vehicle stand for 1-2 minutes, press the
brake pedal two or three times and check its opera-
tion.

If there is no vacuum assistance, the vacuum
system has developed a leak or the one way check
valve is defective.

NOTE: Before removing the servo unit from
the vehicle for inspection, disconnect the
hose from the servo unit, start the engine
and check that the manifold vacuum is in
fact reaching the servo unit. Also test the one
way check valve as described below,

TO TEST ONE WAY CHECK VALVE
(1) Disconnect the hose and remove the check
valve from the servo unit.

(2) Check the valve for sticking. Suction on the
manifold side should allo w air to flow freely. Air
blown into the valve from the manifold side should
not be able to flow through the valve. (3) Install the valve and check the operation
of
the servo unit as previously described.
NOTE: Check that there are no air leaks at
the hose connections and that the hose clips
are tight. Also check that the hose is not
bulged or collapsed due to deterioration.


Checking for vacuum at the servo unit. The engine
must be running for this test.
TO REMOVE
(1) Raise the bonnet and install covers to both
front mudguards.

(2) On 1.6 liter models, remove the air cleaner
assembly from the vehicle. If necessary refer to the
Fuel System section.
(3) On vehicles equipped with power steering,
remove the reservoir from the bulkhead and move it
to one side. If necessary refer to the Steering section.
(4) Disconnect the vacuum supply hose from the
servo unit.

View of the brake servo unit and associated compo-
nents.
(5) Remove the master cylinder as described
under the Master Cylinder heading. (6) Working inside the vehicle, remove the clip
and clevis pin connecting the pushrod to the brake
pedal. (7) Remove the nuts retaining the servo unit to
the bulkhead and maneuver the servo unit and
spacer block from the vehicle.
TO INSTAL

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

(1) With the servo unit and master cylinder
installed to the vehicle, bleed the hydraulic system as
described under the Hydr aulic System heading.
(2) Check and if necessary adjust the brake
pedal height and free play as described under the
Brake Pedal heading.
5. FRONT BRAKES
Special Equipment Required:
To Check Disc Runout — Dial gauge
To Check Disc Thickness — Micrometer

TO CHECK AND RENEW BRAKE PADS
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle and place it on
chassis stands. Remove the front wheels.

(2) Inspect the brake pads on both sides of the
vehicle. If the friction material on one or more of the
pads is less than 2 mm thick or contaminated with
fluid or grease, renew the brake pads as a set as
follows.
NOTE: If the brake pads are contaminated,
trace and rectify the cause prior to installing
the new set of pads.

(3) Drain approximately two thirds of the brake
fluid from the master cylinde r reservoir. This can be
done by loosening the bleeder valve on the caliper and
allowing the fluid to drai n into a container. Discard
this fluid.