2003 NISSAN X-TRAIL wheel alignment

FSU-6
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceEES00072
LOOSENESS, BACKLASH AND DAMAGE OF MOUNTING PARTS AND CONNECTIONS
Lift vehicle and inspect the following:

Check mounting point of each component for looseness, backlash and damage.

Check lower ball joint end play.
1. Attach a dial gauge so that the contact rests on the brake caliper.
2. Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.
3. Measure axial end play by placing an iron pry bar or something similar between transverse link and steer-
ing knuckle.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.
4. If axial end play is outside the standard, remove transverse link and check lower ball joint.
Wheel AlignmentEES00073
DESCRIPTION

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions” means that fuel, coolant, and
lubricant are full. However, spare tyre, jack, and hand tools should be unloaded.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
1. Check the tyre for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Check road wheels for runout.
3. Check wheel bearing axial endplay.
4. Check lower ball joint axial endplay.
5. Check strut operation.
6. Check each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
7. Check each link and arm for cracks, deformation, and other damage.
8. Check the vehicle posture.
INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER, AND KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES

Camber, caster, and kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.

Before inspection, mount front wheels onto turning radius gauge. Mount rear wheels onto a stand that has
same height so the vehicle will remain horizontal.
1. Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right and
left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
2. If camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within specification,
inspect front suspension parts. Replace dam-aged or worn out
parts.
1. Upper mounting plate 2. Strut spacer 3. Strut mounting insulator
4. Strut mounting insulator bracket 5. Thrust bearing 6. Spring upper seat
7. Upper rubber seat 8. Bound bumper 9. Coil spring
10. Strut 11. Axle assembly 12. Cotter pin
13. Clamp 14. Bushing 15. Stabilizer bar
16. Washer 17. Connecting rod 18. Suspension member
19. Member pin stay 20. Transverse link 21. Steering stopper bracket
Axial endplay : 0 mm (0 in)
Camber, caster and kingpin inclination:
FSU-13, "
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
(SDS)"
SRA096A

FSU-10
TRANSVERSE LINK

TRANSVERSE LINK PFP:54500
Removal and InstallationEES00076
REMOVAL
1. Remove steering knuckle from transverse link. Refer to FAX-7, "REMOVAL" .
2. Remove mounting nuts and washers on lower portion of stabilizer connecting rod.
3. Slightly loosen transverse link mounting bolts.
4. Remove transverse link mounting bolts and nuts, and remove transverse link from suspension member.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Visual Inspection
Check transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks, and other damage. Replace the entire transverse
link assembly if cracks, deformation or any other damage is found.
Ball Joint Inspection
CAUTION:
Before measurement, move the ball joint at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.
Swing Torque Inspection

Hook spring scale at cotter pin mounting hole. Confirm spring
scale measurement value is within specifications when ball stud
begins moving.

If the value is outside the standard, replace transverse link.
Rotating Torque Inspection

Attach mounting nut to ball stud. Check that rotating torque is
within specifications with a preload gauge (SST).

If the value is outside the standard, replace transverse link.
Axial Endplay Inspection

Move tip of ball joint in axial direction to check for looseness.

If any looseness is noted, replace transverse link.
INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" for tightening torque. Tighten in the reverse order of removal.

Tighten transverse link mounting bolts with vehicle unladen and all four tyre on flat, level ground.

After installation, check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Wheel Alignment" . Swing force:
0.50 - 3.4 N·m (0.06 - 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
Measurement on spring balance:
7.94 - 53.97 N (0.81 - 5.50 kg, 1.79 - 12.2 lb)
SEIA0122E
Rotating torque:
0.50 - 3.4 N·m (0.06 - 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
FAC1021D
Axial endplay : 0.1 mm (0.004 in) or less

FSU-12
FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER

FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBERPFP:54401
Removal and InstallationEES00078
REMOVAL
1. Remove tyre. Raise vehicle.
2. Remove mounting nut on lower portion of stabilizer connecting rod from transverse link.
3. Remove transverse link from suspension member, and move the transverse link outward.
4. Remove front exhaust tube mounting rubber from suspension member.
5. Support engine or transmission with a jack.
6. Remove center member from vehicle. Refer to TF-55, "
TRANSFER ASSEMBLY"
7. Remove steering gear mounting bolts. Remove steering gear and power steering tube bracket from sus-
pension member.
8. Hang steering gear.
9. Remove rear engine mount insulator from suspension member.
10. Remove body-side mounting bolts from member pin stay.
11. Set a jack under suspension member, and remove suspension member mounting nuts.
12. Slowly lower jack to remove suspension member from vehicle.
INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" for tightening torque in the reverse order of removal.

After installation, perform final tightening of each part under unladen conditions with tyre on ground.
Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "
Wheel Alignment" .

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
FSU-13
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
FSU

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)PFP:00030
General SpecificationEES000J6
Wheel Alignment (Unladen)EES00079
: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
Ball JointEES0007A
Wheelarch Height (Unladen)EES000J9
Suspension type Independent Macpherson strut
Shock absorber type Double-acting hydraulic
Stabilizer bar Standard equipment
Drive type4WD
Engine type QR20DE and QR25DE YD22DDTi
Camber
Degree minute (Decimal degree)Minimum – 0°54′ (– 0.9°)
Nominal – 0°24′ (– 0.4°)
Maximum 0°36′ (0.6°)
Left and right difference 45′ (0.75°)
Caster
Degree minute (Decimal degree)Minimum 1°42′ (1.7°)
Nominal 2°27′ (2.45°)
Maximum 3°12′ (3.2°)
Left and right difference 45′ (0.75°)
Kingpin offset
Degree minute (Decimal degree)Minimum 12°06′ (12.1°)
Nominal 13°30′ (13.5°)
Maximum 13°36′ (13.6°)
Total toe-in
Distance (A - B)Minimum 0 mm (0 in)
Nominal 1 mm (0.04 in)
Maximum 2 mm (0.08 in)
Wheel turning angel Refer to PS-42, "
Steering Angle" .
Swing torque 0.5 - 3.4 N·m (0.05 - 0.35 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
Measurement on spring balance (cotter pinhole position) 7.94 - 53.97 N (0.81 - 5.50 kg, 1.79 - 12.2 lb)
Turning torque 0.5 - 3.4 N·m (0.05 - 0.35 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
Axial endplay 0.1 mm (0.004 in) or less
Applied model QR20DE and QR25DE engine YD22DDTi engine
215/70R15 and 215/65R16 215/65R16
Front (Hf) 773 mm (30.43 in) 771 mm (30.35 in)
Rear (Hr) 786 mm (30.94 in) 785 mm (30.91 in)
SFA818A

RSU-1
REAR SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
SECTION
A
B
RSU

REAR SUSPENSION
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Caution ..................................................................... 2
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3
Special Service Tools(SST) ...................................... 3
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 3
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ............................. 5
Components ............................................................. 5
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service .......................... 6
Wheel Alignment ...................................................... 6
DESCRIPTION ...................................................... 6
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6
CAMBER ............................................................... 6
TOE-IN .................................................................. 6
COIL SPRING AND STRUT ....................................... 8
Removal and Installation .......................................... 8
REMOVAL ............................................................. 8
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 8
Disassembly and Assembly ..................................... 8
DISASSEMBLY ..................................................... 8
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ................. 8
ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 9FRONT PARALLEL LINK ......................................... 10
Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
REMOVAL ........................................................... 10
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 10
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
REAR PARALLEL LINK ........................................... 11
Removal and Installation ........................................ 11
REMOVAL ........................................................... 11
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 11
INSTALLATION ................................................... 11
RADIUS ROD ............................................................ 12
Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
REMOVAL ........................................................... 12
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 12
INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER ............................... 13
Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 14
General Specification ............................................. 14
Wheel Alignment (Unladen) .................................... 14
Wheelarch Height (Unladen) .................................. 14

RSU-2
PRECAUTIONS

PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
CautionEES0007C

Final tightening of bushings must be carried out under unladen condition with tyre on the ground. Oil will
shorten life of bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.

“Unladen condition” means that fuel, coolant and lubricant are full and ready for drive. However, spare
tyre, jack, and hand tools should be unloaded.

After installing the removed suspension parts, always check wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.

Replace the caulking nut with a new one. Install a new nut without wiping the oil off before tightening.

RSU-4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartEES000IE
Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
×: ApplicableReference page
RSU-5RSU-8—
—
—
RSU-5 RSU-6RSU-5
NVH in PR section.
NVH in RFD section.
NVH in FAX and FSU sections.
NVH in WT section.
NVH in WT section.
NVH in RAX section.
NVH in BR section.
NVH in PS section.
Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS
Improper installation, looseness
Shock absorber deformation, damage or deflection
Bushing or mounting deterioration
Parts interference
Spring fatigue
Suspension looseness
Incorrect wheel alignment
Stabilizer bar fatigue
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIFFERENTIAL
FRONT AXLE AND FRONT SUSPENSION
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
DRIVE SHAFT
BRAKES
STEERING
Symptom REAR SUSPENSIONNoise×××××× ××××××××
Shake×××× × × ××××××
Vibration××××× × ×× × ×
Shimmy×××× × ××× ××
Judder ××× ××× ××
Poor quality ride or
handling××××× ×× ×××

RSU-6
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceEES0007F
Check axle and suspension parts for excessive play, wear, and damage.

Move rear wheels (RH/LH) to check abnormal free play.

Retighten all nuts and bolts to the specified torque.

Check strut for oil leakage and damage.
Wheel AlignmentEES0007G
DESCRIPTION

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions” means that fuel, coolant, and
lubricant are full. However, spare tyre, jack, and hand tools should be unloaded.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
1. Check the tyre for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Check road wheels for runout.
3. Check wheel bearing axial endplay.
4. Check strut operation.
5. Check each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
6. Check each link and arm for cracks, deformation, and other damage.
7. Check the vehicle posture.
CAMBER
Camber is preset at factory and cannot be adjusted.

If the camber is not within specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn rear suspension parts.
TOE-IN
Measure toe-in using the following procedure.

Always perform following procedure on a flat surface.

Make sure that no person is in front of the vehicle before push-
ing it.
1. Bounce rear of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of tread (rear side) of both tyre at the
same height as hub center. This mark is a measuring points.
1. Strut spacer 2. Strut mounting insulator 3. Strut mounting insulator bracket
4. Upper rubber seat 5. Bound bumper 6. Coil spring
7. Strut 8. Rear axle assembly 9. Rear suspension member
10. Member stopper 11. member stopper 12. Washer
13. Rear parallel link 14. Toe-in adjusting bolt 15. Front parallel link
16. Radius rod 17. Stabilizer bar 18. Clamp
19. Bushing 20. Connecting rod
Camber : RSU-14, "SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)"
AFA050