RF-36
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle “twist”.
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on CVT and A/T models).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
• Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
• If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the v ehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the
vehicle body.
CHECK RELATED SERVICE BULLETINS
After verifying the customer concern or symptom, chec k ASIST for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related
to that concern or symptom.
If a TSB relates to the symptom, follo w the procedure to repair the noise.
LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
1. Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pi npoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool
(Chassis Ear: J-39570, Engine Ear: J-39565 and mechanic's stethoscope).
2. Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by:
• removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from.
Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fasteners can be
broken or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.
• tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise. Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only
temporarily.
• feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the
noise.
• placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.
• looking for loose components and contact marks. Refer to RF-37, "Generic Squeak and Rattle Troubleshooting"
.
REPAIR THE CAUSE
• If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.
• If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
- separate components by repositioning or loos ening and retightening the component, if possible.
- insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or urethane
tape. A NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980) is av ailable through your authorized NISSAN Parts Depart-
ment.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
The following materials are contained in the NISS AN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980). Each item can be
ordered separately as needed.
URETHANE PADS [1.5 mm (0.059 in) thick]
Insulates connectors, harness, etc.
76268-9E005: 100 ×135 mm (3.94 ×5.31 in)/76884-71L01: 60 ×85 mm (2.36 ×3.35 in)/76884-71L02: 15 ×25
mm (0.59 ×0.98 in)
INSULATOR (Foam blocks)
Insulates components from contact. Can be used to fill space behind a panel.
73982-9E000: 45 mm (1.77 in) thick, 50 ×50 mm (1.97 ×1.97 in)/73982-50Y00: 10 mm (0.39 in) thick,
50 ×50 mm (1.97 ×1.97 in)
INSULATOR (Light foam block)
80845-71L00: 30 mm (1.18 in) thick, 30 ×50 mm (1.18 ×1.97 in)
FELT CLOTH TAPE
Used to insulate where movemen t does not occur. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
68370-4B000: 15 ×25 mm (0.59 ×0.98 in) pad/68239-13E00: 5 mm (0.20 in ) wide tape roll. The following
materials not found in the kit can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
UHMW (TEFLON) TAPE
Insulates where slight movemen t is present. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
SILICONE GREASE
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
RF-38
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area c an often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sun visor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headlining and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (FRONT AND REAR)
Overhead console noises are often caused by the c onsole panel clips not being engaged correctly. Most of
these incidents are repaired by pushing up on the c onsole at the clip locations until the clips engage.
In addition look for:
1. Loose harness or harness connectors.
2. Front console map/reading lamp lens loose.
3. Loose screws at console attachment points.
SEATS
When isolating seat noise it's important to note the pos ition the seat is in and the load placed on the seat when
the noise is present. These conditions should be dupl icated when verifying and isolating the cause of the
noise.
Cause of seat noise include:
1. Headrest rods and holder
2. A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame
3. The rear seatback lock and bracket
These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of thes e incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.
UNDERHOOD
Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:
1. Any component installed to the engine wall
2. Components that pass through the engine wall
3. Engine wall mounts and connectors
4. Loose radiator installation pins
5. Hood bumpers out of adjustment
6. Hood striker out of adjustment
These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine rpm or
load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting, securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYRSU-9
< UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
C
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RSU
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2. Remove the brake caliper torque member bolts, l eaving the brake hose attached. Reposition the brake
caliper aside with wire. Refer to BR-39, "BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY : Exploded View"
.
CAUTION:
• Do not depress brake pedal while brake caliper assembly is removed.
• Do not twist or stretch the brake hose.
3. Put alignment marks on the disc brake rotor and rear hub and bearing assembly, then remove the disc brake rotor.
4. Disconnect parking brake cables from each knuckle. Refer to PB-9, "Exploded View"
.
5. Remove lower shock (A) absorber bolt.
6. Remove the connecting rods from each rear lower link and the stabilizer bar. Refer to RSU-15, "Exploded
View".
7. Remove the center exhaust tube with muffler(s). Refer to EX-5, "Exploded View"
(QR25DE), EX-10,
"Exploded View" (VQ35DE).
8. Disconnect the parking brake cables from the rear suspension member.
9. Remove stabilizer bar. Refer to RSU-15, "Exploded View"
.
10. Disconnect ABS harness from rear suspension member.
11. Position a suitable lift table (A) to the rear suspension member and securely strap rear suspension member to lift table.
12. Remove each front member stay cover, the front member stay bolts (A) and each front member stay.
ALEIA0157ZZ
ALEIA0160ZZ
ALEIA0161ZZ
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
RSU-10
< UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
13. Remove the rear member stay bolts (A) and each rear memberstay.
14. Remove the suspension member nuts using power tool.
15. Lower the rear suspension member, then remove the upper coil spring seats and the coil springs.
16. Remove the suspension arm bolts from the knuckles.
17. Remove the front and rear lower link bolts from the knuckles.
18. Remove each knuckle with the rear wheel hub and bearing and park brake components as an assembly.
19. Remove the coil spring lower rubber seat.
20. Remove the front and rear lower link bolts from the rear suspension member.
21. Remove the front lower link to rear lower link bolts (A) and sepa- rate.
Installation
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• Remove the engine under cover and place 2 jack stands under the front of the vehicle.
WARNING:
Jack stands must be placed under the front suspension member during installation.
• Make sure that upper seat is attached as shown.
CAUTION:
• Keep upper seat (1) in place dur ing coil spring installation.
Protrusion (A) on upper seat faces outside of vehicle.
• Align tabs (C) to upper seat openings and securely fit on the bracket (2) to tabs (B).
• Match up rubber seat indentions and rear lower link grooves and attach.
ALEIA0162ZZ
ALEIA0163ZZ
: Body
JPEIB0082ZZ
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
RSU-14
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
SHOCK ABSORBER
• Installation is the reverse order of removal.CAUTION:
Do not reuse non-reusable parts.
• Perform final tightening of shock absorber assembly lower side (rubber bushing) under unladen condition
with tires on level ground.
Disassembly and AssemblyINFOID:0000000009464462
DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION:
Do not damage piston rod when removi ng components from shock absorber.
1. Remove mounting seal from mounting bracket.
2. Wrap a shop cloth around lower side of shock absorber and secure it in a vise. CAUTION:
Do not set the cylindrical part of shock absorber in a vise.
3. Secure the piston rod tip so that piston rod does not turn, and remove piston rod lock nut.
4. Remove washer, distance tube, bushing, bound bumper cover and bound bumper from shock absorber.
ASSEMBLY
• Installation is the reverse order of removal. For tightening torque, refer to RSU-8, "Exploded View".
CAUTION:
Do not reuse non-reusable parts.
• Make sure piston rod on shock absorber is not damaged when attaching components to shock absorber.
DisposalINFOID:0000000009464463
1. Set shock absorber horizontally with the piston rod fully extended.
2. Drill 2 – 3 mm (0.08 – 0.12 in) hole at the position ( ) from top as shown to release gas gradually.
CAUTION:
• Wear eye protection (safety glasses).
• Wear gloves.
• Be careful with metal chips or oil blown out by the com- pressed gas.
NOTE:
• Drill vertically in this direction ( ).
• Directly to the outer tube avoiding brackets.
• The gas is clear, colorless, odorless, and harmless.
3. Position the drilled hole downward and drain oil by moving the piston rod several times. CAUTION:
Dispose of drained oil according to the law and local regulations.
SEIA0218J
(A) : 20 – 30 mm (0.79 – 1.18 in)
NNEIB0021ZZ
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
SB-2
< PRECAUTION >
PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTION
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONER"
INFOID:0000000009951757
The Supplemental Restraint System such as “A IR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severi ty of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of
this Service Manual.
WARNING:
• To avoid rendering the SRS inopera tive, 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 must be performed by
an authorized NISS AN/INFINITI dealer.
• Improper maintenance, including in correct removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal
injury caused by unintent ional activation of the system. For re moval of Spiral Cable and Air Bag
Module, see the SR section.
• Do not use electrical test equipmen t on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harn esses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or har-
ness connectors.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS
WARNING:
• When working near the Airbag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Airbag System sensors with the Igni-
tion ON or engine running, DO NOT use air or electri c power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with a
hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor( s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing
serious injury.
• When using air or electric power tools or hammers , always switch the Ignition OFF, disconnect the
battery and wait at least three minutes before performing any service.
Precaution for Seat Belt ServiceINFOID:0000000009462957
CAUTION:
• Before removing the seat belt pre-tensioner assembl y, turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both
battery terminals and wait at least three minutes. For approximately three minutes after the battery
terminals have been removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy.
Therefore, do not attempt work on any SRS conn ectors or wires until at least three minutes have
passed.
• After replacing or reinstalling seat belt pre -tensioner assembly or reconnecting seat belt pre-ten-
sioner assembly connector, make sure entire SRS operates properly. Refer to SRC-15, "SRS Opera-
tion Check".
• Do not disassemble buckle or seat belt assembly.
• Replace anchor bolts if th ey are deformed or worn out.
• Do not oil tongue or buckle.
• If any component of seat belt assembly is questionable, do not re pair. Replace the whole seat belt
assembly.
• If webbing is cut, frayed or damaged, replace seat belt assembly.
• When replacing seat belt assembly, use a genuine NISSAN seat belt assembly.
Precaution for WorkINFOID:0000000009462958
• When removing or disassembling each component, be careful not to damage or deform it. If a component may be subject to interference, be sure to protect it with a shop cloth.
• When removing (disengaging) components with a screwdriver or similar tool, be sure to wrap the component with a shop cloth or vinyl tape to protect it.
• Protect the removed parts with a s hop cloth and prevent them from being dropped.
• Replace a deformed or damaged clip.
• If a part is specified as a non-reusable part, always replace it with a new one.
• Be sure to tighten bolts and nuts securely to the specified torque.
• After installation is complete, be sure to check that each part works properly.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
COMPONENT INSPECTIONSB-5
< BASIC INSPECTION >
C
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BASIC INSPECTION
COMPONENT INSPECTION
InspectionINFOID:0000000009462960
AFTER A COLLISION
WARNING:
Inspect all seat belt assemblies in cluding retractors and attaching hardware after any collision.
NISSAN/INFINITI recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced
unless the collision was minor and th e belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Fail-
ure to do so could result in serious personal inju ry in an accident. Seat belt assemblies not in use dur-
ing a collision should also be replaced if either da mage or improper operation is noted. Seat belt pre-
tensioners should be replaced even if the seat belts are not in use during a frontal collision in which
the air bags are deployed.
Replace any seat belt assembly (including anchor bolts) if:
• The seat belt was in use at the time of a collision (except for minor collisions and the belts, retractors and
buckles show no damage and continue to operate properly).
• The seat belt was damaged in an accident (i.e. torn webbing, bent retractor or guide, etc.).
• The seat belt attaching point is damaged in an accident . Inspect the seat belt attaching area for damage or
distortion and repair if necessary before installing a new seat belt assembly.
• Anchor bolts are deformed or worn out.
• The seat belt pre-tensioner should be replaced even if t he seat belts are not in use during the collision in
which the air bags are deployed.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS
1. Check the seat belt warning lamp for proper operation per the following:
a. Turn ignition switch ON. The seat belt warning lamp should illuminate.
b. Fasten driver seat belt. The seat belt warning lamp should turn OFF.
2. If the air bag warning lamp is blinking, perform self-diagnosis with CONSULT and air bag warning lamp. Refer to SRC-17, "Trouble Diagnosis without CONSULT"
.
3. Check that the seat belt retractor, seat belt anchor and buckle bolts are tightened firmly.
4. Check the shoulder seat belt guide and shoulder belt height adjuster for front seats. Check that guide
swivels freely and that webbing lays flat and does not bind in guide. Check that height adjuster operates
properly and holds securely.
5. Check retractor operation:
a. Fully extend the seat belt webbing and check for twists, tears or other damage.
b. Allow the seat belt to retract. Check that webbing retu rns smoothly and completely into the retractor. If the
seat belt does not return smoothly, wipe the inside of t he loops with a clean paper cloth. Dirt build-up in the
loops of the upper anchors can cause t he seat belts to retract slowly.
c. Fasten the seat belt. Check that seat belt returns sm oothly and completely to the retractor. If the webbing
does not return smoothly, the cause may be an accu mulation of dust or dirt. Use the “SEAT BELT TAPE
SET” and perform the following steps.
d. Inspect the front seat belt D-ring anchor 1. Pull the seat belt out to a length of 500 mm (19.69 in) or more.
2. Hold the seat belt at the center pillar webbing opening with a clip or other device.
3. Pass a thin wire through the D-ring anchor webbing opening. Hold both ends of the wire and pull it tightly while moving it up and down several times along the webbing opening surface to remove dirt
stuck there.
4. Any dirt that cannot be removed with the wire can be removed by cleaning the opening with a clean
cloth.
5. Apply tape at the point where the webbing contacts the D-ring anchor webbing opening. NOTE:
Apply the tape so that there is no slack or wrinkling.
6. Remove the clip holding the seat belt and check that the webbing returns smoothly.
6. Repeat steps above if necessary to check the other seat belts.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
SE-2
< PRECAUTION >
PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTION
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONER"
INFOID:0000000009951559
The Supplemental Restraint System such as “A IR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER”, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severi ty of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of
this Service Manual.
WARNING:
• To avoid rendering the SRS inopera tive, 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 must be performed by
an authorized NISS AN/INFINITI dealer.
• Improper maintenance, including in correct removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal
injury caused by unintent ional activation of the system. For re moval of Spiral Cable and Air Bag
Module, see the SR section.
• Do not use electrical test equipmen t on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harn esses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or har-
ness connectors.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS
WARNING:
• When working near the Airbag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Airbag System sensors with the Igni-
tion ON or engine running, DO NOT use air or electri c power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with a
hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor( s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing
serious injury.
• When using air or electric power tools or hammers , always switch the Ignition OFF, disconnect the
battery and wait at least three minutes before performing any service.
Precaution for WorkINFOID:0000000009462924
• When removing or disassembling each component, be careful not to damage or deform it. If a component may be subject to interference, be sure to protect it with a shop cloth.
• When removing (disengaging) components with a screwdriver or similar tool, be sure to wrap the component with a shop cloth or vinyl tape to protect it.
• Protect the removed parts with a s hop cloth and prevent them from being dropped.
• Replace a deformed or damaged clip.
• If a part is specified as a non-reusable part, always replace it with a new one.
• Be sure to tighten bolts and nuts securely to the specified torque.
• After installation is complete, be sure to check that each part works properly.
• Follow the steps below to clean components:
- Water soluble dirt:
• Dip a soft cloth into lukewarm water, wring the water out of the cloth and wipe the dirty area.
• Then rub with a soft, dry cloth.
- Oily dirt:
• Dip a soft cloth into lukewarm water with mild detergent (concentration: within 2 to 3%) and wipe the dirty area.
• Then dip a cloth into fresh water, wring the water out of the cloth and wipe the detergent off.
• Then rub with a soft, dry cloth.
- Do not use organic solvent such as thinner, benzene, alcohol or gasoline.
- For genuine leather seats, use a genuine leather seat cleaner.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM