RFD-16
REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLYPFP:38300
Removal and InstallationNDS000F7
COMPONENTS
REMOVAL
1. Remove center muffler with a power tool. Refer to EX-3, "EXHAUST SYSTEM" .
2. Remove rear stabilizer bar with a power tool. Refer to RSU-17, "
STABILIZER BAR" .
3. Remove propeller shaft from the final drive. Refer to PR-8, "
Removal and Installation" .
4. Remove drive shaft from final drive with a power tool. Then sus-
pend it by wire etc. Refer to RAX-8, "
REAR DRIVE SHAFT" .
5. Remove breather hose from the final drive.
6. Remove rear wheel sensor. Refer to BRC-57, "
WHEEL SEN-
SOR" .
1. Rear final drive assembly 2. Upper stopper 3. Propeller shaft
4. Washer 5. Lower stopper 6. Drive shaft
A: For VQ35DE models
B: For VK45DE models
Refer to GI-11, "
Components" , for the symbols in the figure.
PDIA0967E
SDIA1094E
RSU-1
REAR SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
SECTION RSU
A
B
RSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
REAR SUSPENSION
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Precautions .............................................................. 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
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service .......................... 5
SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT AXIAL END
PLAY INSPECTION .............................................. 5
SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION ..................... 5
Wheel Alignment Inspection ..................................... 5
DESCRIPTION ...................................................... 5
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMEN-
DATIONS .............................................................. 5
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS .............................. 6
CAMBER INSPECTION ........................................ 6
TOE-IN .................................................................. 6
Components ............................................................. 7
Removal and Installation .......................................... 8
REMOVAL ........................................................
..... 8
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 8
SHOCK ABSORBER ................................................ 10
Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
REMOVAL ........................................................
... 10
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 10
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
Disassembly and Assembly ................................... 10
DISASSEMBLY ................................................... 10
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ............... 10
ASSEMBLY .......................................................... 11SUSPENSION ARM .................................................. 12
Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
REMOVAL ........................................................
... 12
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 12
INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
RADIUS ROD ............................................................ 14
Removal and Installation ........................................ 14
REMOVAL ........................................................
... 14
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 14
INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
FRONT LOWER LINK .............................................. 15
Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
REMOVAL ........................................................
... 15
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 15
INSTALLATION ................................................... 15
REAR LOWER LINK & COIL SPRING ..................
... 16
Removal and Installation ........................................ 16
REMOVAL ........................................................
... 16
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 16
INSTALLATION ................................................... 16
STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 17
Removal and Installation ........................................ 17
REMOVAL ........................................................
... 17
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 17
INSTALLATION ................................................... 17
SERVICE DATA ........................................................ 18
Wheel Alignment (Unladen)* .................................. 18
Ball Joint ................................................................. 18
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*) ................................. 18
RSU-2
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
PrecautionsNES000J2
When installing rubber bushings, final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
on ground. Oil will shorten the life of rubber bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.
–Unladen conditions mean that fuel, engine coolant and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and
mats are in designated positions.
After servicing suspension parts, be sure to check wheel alignment.
Self-lock nuts are not reusable. Always use new ones when installing. Since new self-lock nuts are pre-
oiled, tighten as they are.
PREPARATION
RSU-3
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
PREPARATIONPFP:00002
Special Service Tools [SST]NES000J3
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Commercial Service ToolsNES000J4
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
ST3127S000
(See J25742-1)
Preload Gauge
1. GG91030000
(J25765)
Torque wrench
2. HT62940000
(—)
Socket adapter
3. HT62900000
(—)
Socket adapterMeasuring rotating torque of ball joint
NT124
Tool nameDescription
Power tool
Removing wheel nuts
Removing brake caliper assembly
Removing rear suspension component
parts
PBIC0190E
RSU-4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartNES000J5
Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
: ApplicableReference page
RSU-7RSU-10
—
—
—
RSU-7RSU-5RSU-17
NVH in PR section.
NVH in RFD section.
NVH in RAX and RSU 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
REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION
TIRES
ROAD WHEELS
DRIVE SHAFT
BRAKES
STEERING
Symptom REAR SUSPENSIONNoise
Shake
Vibration
Shimmy
Judder
Poor quality ride or
handling
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
RSU-5
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:55020
On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceNES000J6
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component conditions
(wear, damage) are normal.
SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY INSPECTION
Measure axial end play by placing and moving up/down with an iron pry bar or something similar between sus-
pension arm and axle.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.
SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION
Check shock absorber for oil leakage, damage and replace if malfunction is detected.
Wheel Alignment InspectionNES000J7
DESCRIPTION
Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions.
NOTE:
“Unladen conditions” means that fuel, engine coolant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and
mats in designated positions.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
Check the following:
1. Tires for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Road wheels for runout. Refer to WT-6, "
ROAD WHEEL" .
3. Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to RAX-5, "
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION" .
4. Ball joint axial end play of suspension arm. Refer to RSU-5, "
SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT AXIAL
END PLAY INSPECTION" .
5. Shock absorber operation.
6. Each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
7. Each of front lower link, rear lower link, radius rod, rear suspension member, suspension arm and shock
absorber for cracks, deformation, and other damage.
8. Vehicle height (posture).
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A four-wheel thrust alignment should be performed.
–This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN/INFINITI vehicle.
–The four-wheel “thrust” process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel is
centered.
–The alignment rack itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN/INFINITI vehicle.
–The rack should be checked to ensure that it is level.
Make sure the machine is properly calibrated.
–Your alignment equipment should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.
–Check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment for their recommended Service/Calibration
Schedule.Standard value
Axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)
RSU-6
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
IMPORTANT:
Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual.
When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use “indicators”: (Green/red, plus or
minus, Go/No Go). Do NOT use these indicators.
–The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be cor-
rect.
–This may result in an ERROR.
Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an optional “Rolling Compensation” method to “com-
pensate” the sensors (alignment targets or head units). DO NOT use this “Rolling Compensation”
method.
–Use the “Jacking Compensation Method”. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the
vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.
–See Instructions in the alignment machine you're using for more information on this.
CAMBER INSPECTION
Measure camber of both right and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
Adjust in accordance with the following procedures.
If outside the standard value, adjust with adjusting bolt in front
lower link.
NOTE:
After adjusting camber, be sure to check toe-in.
TOE-IN
If toe-in is not within the specification, adjust with adjusting bolt in
rear lower link.
CAUTION:
Be sure to adjust equally on RH and LH side with adjusting bolt.
If toe-in is not still within the specification, inspect and replace any
damaged or worn rear suspension parts.Standard value
Camber : Refer to RSU-18, "
SERVICE DATA" .
SRA096A
SEIA0227E
SEIA0228E
RSU-8
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
Refer to GI section for symbol marks in the figure. Refer to GI-9, "HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL" .
Removal and InstallationNES000J9
REMOVAL
1. Remove tire with a power tool.
2. Remove brake caliper with a power tool. Hang it in a place where it will not interfere with work. Refer to
BR-29, "
REAR DISC BRAKE" .
CAUTION:
Do not depressing brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.
3. Put matching marks on both disc rotor and the wheel hub and
bearing assembly, then remove disc rotor.
4. Remove rear under cover.
5. Remove wheel sensor from rear final drive.
6. Remove harness from rear final drive and rear suspension
member.
7. Remove center muffler. Refer to EX-3, "
EXHAUST SYSTEM" .
8. Remove rear propeller shaft. Refer to PR-6, "
REAR PROPEL-
LER SHAFT" .
9. Remove stabilizer bar. Refer to RSU-17, "
STABILIZER BAR" .
10. Remove parking brake cable mounting bolt and separate park-
ing brake cable from vehicle and rear suspension member. Refer to PB-3, "
PARKING BRAKE CONTROL"
.
11. Remove rear lower link and coil spring. Refer to RSU-16, "
REAR LOWER LINK & COIL SPRING" .
12. Remove mounting bolt on lower side of shock absorber. Refer to RSU-10, "
SHOCK ABSORBER" .
13. Set jack under rear final drive.
14. Remove member stay from vehicle.
15. Remove rear pin stay mounting bolts and nuts.
16. Gradually lowering jack, remove rear pin stay and rear suspension assembly.
INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse order of the removal. For tightening torque, refer to RSU-7, "Components" .
CAUTION:
Do not reuse non-reusable parts.
Assemble disc rotor and wheel hub and bearing assembly by
aligning each matching mark as shown in the figure when install-
ing disc rotor.
Perform the final tightening of each of parts under unladen con-
ditions, which were removed when removing rear suspension
assembly. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to RSU-5, "
Wheel
Alignment Inspection" .
Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor after checking
the wheel alignment. Refer to BRC-6, "
Adjustment of Steering
Angle Sensor Neutral Position" .
Check for the following after finishing work.
1. Washer 2. Mounting seal 3. Bushing (upper side)
4. Distance tube 5. Mounting bracket 6. Bushing (lower side)
7. Bound bumper cover 8. Bound bumper 9. Shock absorber
10. Axle assembly 11. Upper seat 12. Coil spring
13. Ball seat 14. Rubber seat 15. Cotter pin
16. Suspension arm 17. Connecting rod mounting bracket 18. Connecting rod
19. Mount stopper 20. Rear lower link 21. Front lower link
22. Radius rod 23. Stabilizer Bushing 24. Stabilizer Clamp
25. Stabilizer bar 26. Rear suspension member 27. Member stay
28. Stopper rubber 29. Cap 30. Rear pin stay
SDIA2638E
SDIA2638E