2004 INFINITI QX56 suspension

FSU-1
FRONT SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
SECTION FSU
A
B
FSU
Revision: August 20072004 QX56 PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Precautions .............................................................. 2
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3
Special Service Tools ............................................... 3
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 3
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ........................... 5
Components ............................................................. 5
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ............................................. 6
Front Suspension Parts ............................................ 6
Front Wheel Alignment ............................................. 6
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMEN-
DATIONS .............................................................. 6
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS .............................. 7
CAMBER AND CASTER ....................................... 7
TOE-IN .................................................................. 8
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE ..................... 8
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER ............... 10
Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
REMOVAL ........................................................... 10
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
Disassembly and Assembly ................................... 10
DISASSEMBLY ................................................... 10
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ............... 10
ASSEMBLY ..........................................................11STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 12
Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
REMOVAL ........................................................... 12
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 12
INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
UPPER LINK ............................................................. 13
Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 13
INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
LOWER LINK ............................................................ 14
Removal and Installation ........................................ 14
REMOVAL ........................................................... 14
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 14
INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
UPPER BALL JOINT AND LOWER BALL JOINT ... 15
Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
Inspection ............................................................... 15
SWINGING FORCE ............................................ 15
TURNING FORCE ............................................... 15
VERTICAL END PLAY ........................................ 16
KNUCKLE ................................................................. 17
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service ......................... 17
Removal and Installation ........................................ 17
REMOVAL ........................................................... 17
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 18
INSTALLATION ................................................... 19
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 20
General Specifications (Front) ................................ 20
Wheel Alignment (Unladen*
1 ) ................................ 20
Ball Joint ................................................................. 21
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*
1 ) .............................. 21

FSU-2
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
PrecautionsEES0010D

When installing the rubber bushings, the final tightening must be done under unladen condition and with
the tires on level ground. Oil will shorten the life of the rubber bushings, so wipe off any spilled oil immedi-
ately.

Unladen condition means the fuel tank, engine coolant and lubricants are at the full specification. The
spare tire, jack, hand tools, and mats are in their designated positions.

After installing suspension components, check the wheel alignment.

Lock nuts are not reusable. Always use new lock nuts for installation. New lock nuts are pre-oiled, do not
apply any additional lubrication.

FSU-4
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartEES0010G
Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
x: ApplicableReference page
FSU-5FSU-10FSU-5FSU-5FSU-21FSU-6FSU-6FSU-6
PR-3, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
FFD-7, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
FAX -4, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
WT-3, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
WT-3, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
BR-5, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
PS-5, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
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
AXLE
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
BRAKES
STEERING
SymptomNoise× × ×××× × × × × × ××
Shake×××× × × ×××××
Vib ratio n××××× × ×× ×
Shimmy× × ×× × × × × ××
Shudder××× ×××××
Poor quality ride or handling××××× ×× ×××

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU-5
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
FSU
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:54010
ComponentsEES0010H
1. Washer 2. Spacer 3. Shock absorber mounting insulator
4. Shock absorber bushing 5. Upper seat 6. Coil spring
7. Dust cover 8. Shock absorber 9. Upper link
10. Steering knuckle 11. Cotter pin 12. Drive shaft
13. Lower link 14. Bolt 15. Jounce bumper
16. Cam washer 17. Stabilizer bar 18. Stabilizer bar bushing
19. Stabilizer bar mounting bracket 20. Connecting rod
WEIA0083E

FSU-6
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
ON-VEHICLE SERVICEPFP:00000
Front Suspension PartsEES0010I
Check front suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear and
other damage.

Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play.
If looseness is noted, inspect wheel bearing end play, then
check ball joint end play. Refer to FSU-15, "
Inspection" .

Make sure that the cotter pin is inserted (4WD only).

Retighten all nuts and bolts to the specified torque.

Check shock absorber for oil leakage and other damage.

Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint
dust cover for cracks and other damage.
Front Wheel AlignmentEES0010J
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
WAR NIN G:
Always adjust the alignment with the vehicle on a flat surface.
NOTE:
If alignment is out of specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn rear suspension parts before
making any adjustments.
1. Check and adjust the wheel alignment with the vehicle under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions”
means that the fuel, coolant, and lubricant are full; and that the spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in
their designated positions.
2. Check the tires for incorrect air pressure and excessive wear.
3. Check the wheels for run out and damage. Refer to WT-4, "
Inspection" .
4. Check the wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-5, "
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION" .
5. Check the shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
6. Check each mounting point of the suspension components for any excessive looseness or damage.
7. Check each link, arm, and the rear suspension member for any damage.
8. Check the vehicle height. Refer to FSU-21, "
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*1 )" .

For air leveling vehicles, verify the level using Consult-II memory register 1103 and set to 0 ± 10 mm (0
± 0.39 in) as necessary.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A Four-Wheel Thrust Alignment should be performed.

This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN vehicle.

The four-wheel “thrust” process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel
is centered.

The alignment machine itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN vehicle.

The alignment machine should be checked to ensure that it is level.
2. Make sure the alignment machine is properly calibrated.

Your alignment machine should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.Suspension component torques : Refer to FSU-5,
"Components" .
SM A52 5A
SFA392B

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
FSU-9
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
FSU
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
–Steering gear
–Ste er ing c olumn
–Front suspension components
If found that they are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones.

FSU-20
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)PFP:00030
General Specifications (Front)EES0010T
Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1 )EES0012Y
*1: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
*2: Target value 37° 31′ (37.52°)
*3: Target value 33° 59′ (33.98°)
*4: Target value 37° 44′ (37.73°)
*5: Target value 33° 29′ (33.48°) Suspension type Independent double wishbone coil over shock
Shock absorber type Double-acting hydraulic
StabilizerStandard equipment
Drive type2WD 4WD
Camber
Degree minute (decimal degree)Minimum -0° 51′ (-0.85°)-0° 33′ (-0.55°)
Nominal -0° 6′ (-0.10°)0° 12′ (0.20°)
Maximum 0° 39′ (0.65°)0° 57′ (0.95°)
Cross camber 0° 45′ (0.75°) or less 0° 45′ (0.75°) or less
Caster
Degree minute (decimal degree)Minimum 3° 15′ (3.25°)2°45′ (2.75°)
Nominal 4° 0′ (4.00°)3° 30′ (3.50°)
Maximum 4° 45′ (4.75°)4° 15′ (4.25°)
Cross caster 0° 45′ (0.75°) or less 0° 45′ (0.75°) or less
Kingpin inclination
Degree minute (decimal degree)13° 32′ (13.53°)13°13′ (13.22°)
Total toe-inDistance (A − B)Minimum 1.8 mm (0.07 in) 1.8 mm (0.07 in)
Nominal 2.8 mm (0.11 in) 2.8 mm (0.11 in)
Maximum 3.8 mm (0.15 in) 3.8 mm (0.15 in)
Angle (left side and right side)
Degree minute (decimal degree)Minimum 0° 3′ (0.05°)0° 3′ (0.05°)
Nominal 0° 5′ (0.08°)0° 5′ (0.08°)
Maximum 0° 7′ (0.12°)0° 7′ (0.12°)
Wheel turning angle
(full turn)Inside
Degree minute (decimal degree)34° 31′ – 38° 31′ *2
(34.52° – 38.52°)34° 44′ – 38° 44′ *4
(34.73° – 38.73°)
Outside
Degree minute (decimal degree)30° 59′ – 34° 59′ *3
(30.98° – 34.98°)30° 29′ – 34° 29′ *5
(30.48° – 34.48°)
SFA234AC

SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
FSU-21
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
FSU
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
Ball JointEES0013H
*1 Measure at cotter pin hole
*2 Measure at groove
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*1 )EES0010W
Unit: mm (in)
*1: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
*2: Confirm level using Consult-II, register 1103. Set rear wheel arch height to “0” if necessary.Swinging force “A”Upper ball joint 8.1 – 103.2 N (0.8 – 10.5 kg-f, 1.8 – 23.2 lb-f) *1
Lower ball joint 11.4 – 145.5 N (1.1 – 14.8 kg-f, 2.5 – 32.7 lb-f) *2
Turning torque “B” 0.5 - 6.4 N·m (0.05 - 0.65 kg-m, 4 - 57 in-lb)
Vertical end play “C”0 mm (0 in)
SFA858AWEIA0076E
Suspension type
Air leveling*2
Applied model 2WD 4WD
Front wheelarch height (Hf)913
(35.94)931
(36.65)
Rear wheelarch height (Hr)912
(35.91)932
(36.69)
LEIA0085E