2001 NISSAN ALMERA power steering

Precautions
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) ªAIR BAGº AND ªSEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONERº
NJRS0006The Supplemental Restraint System such as ªAIR BAGº and ªSEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERº used along with
a seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of
collision. The SRS composition which is available to NISSAN MODEL N16 is as follows (The composition
varies according to the destination and optional equipment.):
+For a frontal collision
The Supplemental Restraint System consists of driver air bag module (located in the center of the steer-
ing wheel), front passenger air bag module (located on the instrument panel on passenger side), front seat
belt pre-tensioners, a diagnosis sensor unit, warning lamp, wiring harness and spiral cable.
+For a side collision
The Supplemental Restraint System consists of front side air bag module (located in the outer side of front
seat), side air bag (satellite) sensor, diagnosis sensor unit (one of components of air bags for a frontal
collision), wiring harness, warning lamp (one of components of air bags for a frontal collision).
WARNING:
+To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death
in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance should be per-
formed by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
+Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to per-
sonal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system.
+Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow harness connector.
PRECAUTIONS FOR SRS ªAIR BAGº AND ªSEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERº SERVICENJRS0007+Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
+Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch ªOFFº, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3
minutes.
For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt
pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes
have passed.
+Diagnosis sensor unit must always be installed with their arrow marks ªÜº pointing towards the front of
the vehicle for proper operation. Also check diagnosis sensor unit for cracks, deformities or rust before
installation and replace as required.
+The spiral cable must be aligned with the neutral position since its rotations are limited. Do not attempt to
turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.
+Handle air bag module carefully. Always place driver and front passenger air bag modules with the pad
side facing upward and place front side air bag module standing with stud bolt side setting bottom.
+Conduct self-diagnosis to check entire SRS for proper function after replacing any components.
+After air bag inflates, the front instrument panel assembly should be replaced if damaged.
WIRING DIAGRAMS AND TROUBLE DIAGNOSISNJRS0008When you read wiring diagrams, refer to the following:
+GI-11, ªHOW TO READ WIRING DIAGRAMSº
+EL-10, ªPOWER SUPPLY ROUTINGº for power distribution circuit
When you perform trouble diagnosis, refer to the following:
+GI-32, ªHOW TO FOLLOW TEST GROUPS IN TROUBLE DIAGNOSESº
+GI-21, ªHOW TO PERFORM EFFICIENT DIAGNOSES FOR AN ELECTRICAL INCIDENTº
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
Precautions
RS-20

STEERING SYSTEM
SECTION
ST
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS...............................................................2
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)²AIR
BAG²and²SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER²...............2
Precautions for Steering System .................................2
PREPARATION...............................................................3
Special Service Tools ..................................................3
Commercial Service Tool .............................................4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING.....................................................5
NVH Troubleshooting Chart.........................................5
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE..................................................6
Checking Steering Wheel Play ....................................6
Checking Neutral Position on Steering Wheel ............6
PRE-CHECKING........................................................6
CHECKING...............................................................6
Front Wheel Turning Angle ..........................................6
Checking Gear Housing Movement ............................6
Checking and Adjusting Drive Belts ............................7
Checking Steering Gear and Linkage .........................7
STEERING GEAR......................................................7
STEERING LINKAGE.................................................7
Checking Fluid Level ...................................................7
Checking Fluid Leakage ..............................................7
Bleeding Hydraulic System..........................................8
Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force ....................8
Checking Hydraulic System.........................................9
STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN......... 11
Components............................................................... 11
Removal and Installation ........................................... 11
STEERING WHEEL................................................. 11
STEERING COLUMN...............................................12
Disassembly and Assembly .......................................14
Inspection...................................................................15
TILT MECHANISM...................................................15
POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE................16
Components...............................................................16
Removal and Installation ...........................................17
Disassembly...............................................................18
Inspection...................................................................19
BOOT.....................................................................19
RACK.....................................................................19
GEAR SUB-ASSEMBLY...........................................19
GEAR HOUSING CYLINDER....................................19
TIE-ROD OUTER AND INNER SOCKETS..................20
Assembly ...................................................................20
Adjustment .................................................................23
POWER STEERING OIL PUMP (QG ENGINE)...........25
Components...............................................................25
Pre-disassembly Inspection .......................................25
Disassembly...............................................................26
Inspection...................................................................27
Assembly ...................................................................27
POWER STEERING OIL PUMP (YD ENGINE)............29
Components...............................................................29
Pre-disassembly Inspection .......................................29
Removal and Installation ...........................................30
Disassembly...............................................................30
Inspection...................................................................31
Assembly ...................................................................32
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS).........33
General Specifications ...............................................33
Steering Wheel ..........................................................33
Steering Column ........................................................33
Steering Gear and Linkage .......................................34
Power Steering ..........................................................35

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ªAIR
BAGº and ªSEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERº
NJST0044The Supplemental Restraint System such as ªAIR BAGº and ªSEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERº used along with
a seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of
collision. The SRS system composition which is available to NISSAN MODEL N16 is as follows (The compo-
sition varies according to the destination and optional equipment.):
+For a frontal collision
The Supplemental Restraint System consists of driver air bag module (located in the center of the steer-
ing wheel), front passenger air bag module (located on the instrument panel on passenger side), front seat
belt pre-tensioners, a diagnosis sensor unit, warning lamp, wiring harness and spiral cable.
+For a side collision
The Supplemental Restraint System consists of front side air bag module (located in the outer side of front
seat), side air bag (satellite) sensor, diagnosis sensor unit (one of components of air bags for a frontal
collision), wiring harness, warning lamp (one of components of air bags for a frontal collision).
Information necessary to service the system safely is included in theRS sectionof this Service Manual.
WARNING:
+To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death
in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance should be per-
formed by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
+Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to per-
sonal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air
Bag Module, see the RS section.
+Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses (except ªSEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERº connector) can be
identified by yellow harness connector.
Precautions for Steering SystemNJST0003+Before disassembly, thoroughly clean the outside of the unit.
+Disassembly should be done in a clean work area. It is important to prevent the internal parts from
becoming contaminated by dirt or other foreign matter.
+Place disassembled parts in order, on a parts rack, for easier and proper assembly.
+Use nylon cloths or paper towels to clean the parts; common shop rags can leave lint that might
interfere with their operation.
+Before inspection or reassembly, carefully clean all parts with a general purpose, non-flammable
solvent.
+Before assembly, apply a coat of recommended power steering fluid* to hydraulic parts. Vaseline
may be applied to O-rings and seals. Do not use any grease.
+Replace all gaskets, seals and O-rings. Avoid damaging O-rings, seals and gaskets during instal-
lation. Perform functional tests whenever designated.
*: DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent. Refer to MA-16, ªFluids and Lubricantsº.
PRECAUTIONS
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ªAIR BAGº and ªSEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERº
ST-2

Commercial Service ToolNJST0005
Tool number Description
Oil pump attachment
NT774
Disassembling and assembling oil pump
Unit: mm (in)
KV48105210
Sprocket holder
NT809
Removing and Installing power steering oil pump
PREPARATION
Commercial Service Tool
ST-4

Checking and Adjusting Drive BeltsNJST0011Refer to EM-16, ªChecking Drive Beltsº.
SMA851B
Checking Steering Gear and LinkageNJST0037STEERING GEARNJST0037S01+Check gear housing and boots for looseness, damage or
grease leakage.
+Check connection with steering column for looseness.
STEERING LINKAGENJST0037S02+Check ball joint, dust cover and other component parts for
looseness, wear, damage or grease leakage.
YST003
Checking Fluid LevelNJST0012Check fluid level, referring to the scale on reservoir tank.
Use ªHOTº range for fluid temperatures of 50 to 80ÉC (122 to
176ÉF).
Use ªCOLDº range for fluid temperatures of 0 to 30ÉC (32 to 86ÉF).
CAUTION:
+Do not overfill.
+Recommended fluid is DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent. Refer
to MA-16, ªFluids and Lubricantsº.
YST006
YST007
Checking Fluid LeakageNJST0013Check the lines for improper attachment and for leaks, cracks,
damage, loose connections, chafing and deterioration.
1. Run engine between idle speed and 1,000 rpm.
Make sure temperature of fluid in oil tank rises to 60 to 80ÉC
(140 to 176ÉF).
2. Turn steering wheel right-to-left several times.
3. Hold steering wheel at each ªlockº position for five seconds
and carefully check for fluid leakage.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more
than 15 seconds.
4. If fluid leakage at connectors is noticed, loosen flare nut and
then retighten.
Do not overtighten connector as this can damage O-ring,
washer and connector.
5. If fluid leakage from power steering pump is noticed, check
power steering pump. Refer to ST-25.
6. Check rack boots for accumulation of power steering fluid.
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Checking and Adjusting Drive Belts
ST-7

Bleeding Hydraulic SystemNJST00141. Raise front end of vehicle until wheels are clear of the ground.
2. Add fluid into oil tank to specified level. Then quickly turn steer-
ing wheel fully to right and left and lightly touch steering stop-
pers.
Repeat steering wheel operation until fluid level no longer
decreases.
3. Start engine.
Repeat step 2. above.
+Incomplete air bleeding will cause the following to occur. When
this happens, bleed air again.
a) Air bubbles in reservoir tank
b) Clicking noise in oil pump
c) Excessive buzzing in oil pump
Fluid noise may occur in the valve or oil pump. This is common
when the vehicle is stationary or while turning the steering wheel
slowly. This does not affect the performance or durability of the
system.
SST491B
SST090B
Checking Steering Wheel Turning ForceNJST00151. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating tempera-
ture. [Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 60 to
80ÉC (140 to 176ÉF).]
Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.
4. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has
been turned 360É from the neutral position.
Steering wheel turning force:
39 N (4 kg, 9 lb) or less
5. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, check
rack sliding force.
a. Disconnect steering column lower joint and knuckle arms from
the gear.
b. Start and run engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has
reached normal operating temperature.
c. Pull tie-rod slowly to move it from neutral position to±11.5 mm
(±0.453 in) at speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 in)/s. Check that rack
sliding force is within specification.
Average rack sliding force:
Sedan
152 - 240 N (15.5 - 24.5 kg, 34 - 54 lb)
Hatchback
132 - 308 N (13.5 - 31.4 kg, 30 - 69 lb)
Maximum force deviation:
Sedan
98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)
Hatchback
176 N (17.9 kg, 39 lb)
d. Check sliding force outside the above range at rack speed of
40 mm (1.75 in)/s.
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Bleeding Hydraulic System
ST-8

Rack sliding force (Sedan only):
Not more than 294 N (30 kg, 66 lb)
Maximum force deviation:
147 N (15 kg, 33 lb)
6. If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steer-
ing gear assembly.
7. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column. Refer to
ST-14.
SST834-I
Checking Hydraulic SystemNJST0016Before starting, check belt tension, driving pulley and tire pressure.
1. Set Tool. Open shut-off valve. Then bleed air. Refer to ªBleed-
ing Hydraulic Systemº, ST-8.
2. Run engine at idle speed or 1,000 rpm.
Make sure temperature of fluid in tank rises to 60 to 80ÉC (140
to 176ÉF).
WARNING:
Warm up engine with shut-off valve fully opened. If engine is
started with shut-off valve closed, fluid pressure in oil pump
increases to maximum. This will raise oil temperature abnor-
mally.
3. Check pressure with steering wheel fully turned to left and right
positions with engine idling at 1,000 rpm.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more
than 15 seconds.
Oil pump maximum standard pressure:
QG15 engine (Sedan)
7,600 - 8,200 kPa (76.0 - 82.0 bar, 77.5 - 83.6
kg/cm
2, 1,102 - 1,189 psi)
QG 18 engine (Sedan)
8,600 - 9,200 kPa (86.0 - 92.0 bar, 87.7 - 93.8
kg/cm
2, 1,247 - 1,334 psi)
QG15, 18 engine (Hatchback)
8,600 - 9,200 kPa (86.0 - 92.0 bar, 88.7 - 93.8
kg/cm
2, 1,247 - 1,334 psi)
YD22 engine
8,800 - 9,400 kPa (88.0 - 94.0 bar, 88.7 - 95.8
kg/cm
2, 1,261 - 1,362 psi)
+If pressure reaches maximum operating pressure, system is
OK.
+If pressure increases above maximum operating pressure,
check power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to ST-25.
4. If power steering pressure is below the maximum operating
pressure, slowly close shut-off valve and check pressure
again.
CAUTION:
Do not close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds.
+If pressure increases to maximum operating pressure, gear is
damaged. Refer to ªRemoval and Installationº, ST-17.
+If pressure remains below maximum operating pressure, pump
is damaged. Refer to ªDisassemblyº, ST-26.
5. After checking hydraulic system, remove Tool and add fluid as
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force (Cont'd)
ST-9

ComponentsNJST0021
SST997C
1. Rear cover cap
2. Gear sub-assembly
3. O-ring
4. Shim
5. Lock nut
6. Adjusting screw
7. Spring
8. Spring seat
9. Retainer10. Gear housing
11. Center bushing
12. Rack oil seal
13. Rack assembly
14. Rack seal ring
15. O-ring
16. Rack oil seal
17. End cover assembly
18. Boot band19. Dust boot
20. Boot band
21. Spacer ring
22. Lock plate
23. Tie-rod inner socket
24. Tie-rod outer socket
25. Cotter pin
26. Gear cylinder tube
POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE
Components
ST-16