SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESRF-37
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
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Used instead of UHMW tape that will be visible or not fit.
Note: Will only last a few months.
SILICONE SPRAY
Use when grease cannot be applied.
DUCT TAPE
Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingINFOID:0000000009461322
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1. Cluster lid A and the instrument panel
2. Acrylic lens and combination meter housing
3. Instrument panel to front pillar finisher
4. Instrument panel to windshield
5. Instrument panel pins
6. Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter
7. A/C defroster duct and duct joint
These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noi se. Most of these incidents can be repaired by apply-
ing felt cloth tape or silicone spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate wiring har-
ness.
CAUTION:
Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or ra ttle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you will
not be able to recheck the repair.
CENTER CONSOLE
Components to pay attention to include:
1. Shift selector assembly cover to finisher
2. A/C control unit and cluster lid C
3. Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit
The instrument panel repair and isolation pr ocedures also apply to the center console.
DOORS
Pay attention to the:
1. Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise
2. Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher
3. Wiring harnesses tapping
4. Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops
Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them wh ile driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the ar eas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks from
the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980) to repair the noise.
TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid bumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
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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.
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RSU-2
< PRECAUTION >
PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTION
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONER"
INFOID:0000000009951707
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.
General PrecautionsINFOID:0000000009464451
• When installing rubber bushings, the final tightening mu st be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
on ground. Oil might 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.
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< 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)
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SB-6
< BASIC INSPECTION >
COMPONENT INSPECTION
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON-VEHICLE CHECK
Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) and Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR)
NOTE:
All seat belt retractors are Emergency Locking Retr actors (ELR) type. In an emergency (sudden stop) the
retractor will lock and prevent the webbing from extendi ng any further. All 3-point type seat belt retractors
except the driver seat belt also have an Automati c Locking Retractors (ALR) mode. The ALR mode (also
called child restraint mode) is used when installing child seats. The ALR mode is activated when the seat belt
is fully extended. When the webbing is then retracted part ially, the ALR mode automatically locks the seat belt
in a specific position so the webbing cannot be extended any further. To cancel the ALR mode, allow the seat
belt to fully wind back into the retractor.
Check the seat belt retractors with the following test(s ) to determine if a retractor assembly is operating prop-
erly.
ELR Function Stationary Check
Grasp the shoulder webbing and pull forward quickly. T he retractor should lock and prevent the belt from
extending further.
ALR Function Stationary Check
1. Pull out the entire length of seat belt from retractor until a click is heard.
2. Retract the webbing partially. A clicking noise shoul d be heard as the webbing retracts, indicating that the
retractor is in the Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) mode.
3. Grasp the seat belt and try to pull out the retractor. The webbing must lock and not extend any further. If it
does not operate normally, replace the retractor assembly.
4. Allow the entire length of the webbing to re tract to cancel the automatic locking mode.
ELR Function Moving Check
WARNING:
Perform the following test in a saf e, open area clear of other vehicles and obstructions (for example, a
large, empty parking lot). Road surface must be p aved and dry. Never perform the following test on
wet or gravel roads or on public streets and highw ays. This could result in an accident and serious
personal injury. The driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event that the
retractor does not lock.
1. Fasten driver seat belt. Buckle a passenger in to the seat for the belt that is to be tested.
2. Proceed to the designated safe area.
3. Drive the vehicle at approximately 16 km/h ( 10 MPH). Notify any passengers of a pending sudden stop
and the driver and passenger must be prepared to brace themselves in the event that the retractor does
not lock. Apply brakes firmly and make a very hard stop.
During stopping, seat belts should lock and not be extended. If the seat belt retractor assembly does not lock,
perform the retractor off-vehicle check.
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR O FF-VEHICLE CHECK (PILLAR)
1. Remove the seat belt retractor.
• Remove the front seat belt assembly, refer to SB-8, "Removal and Installation"
.
2. Slowly pull out webbing while tilting the retracto r assembly forward from the mounted position without
twisting the retractor assembly as shown in the illustration.
A : The webbing can be pulled out in case the retractor is tilted
15 ° degree or less.
B : The webbing can not be pulled out if the retractor is tilted 35 °
degrees or more.
• A and B show tilting angles.
: Front
Replace the seat belt assembly if it does not operate within specifications.
PHIA0954J
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FRONT SEAT BELTSB-9
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
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2. Disconnect both negative and positive battery terminals, then wait at least three minutes. Refer to PG-73,
"Removal and Installation (Battery)".
3. Remove center pillar lower finisher. Refer to INT-23, "CENTER PILLAR LOWER FINISHER : Removal
and Installation".
4. Release the floor trim hold downs (1) and pull floor trim back. : Front
NOTE:
Driver side shown with seat removed for clarity; passenger side
similar.
5. Disconnect the harness connector (A ) from the lap belt pre-ten-
sioner.
CAUTION:
• For removing lap belt pre-tensioner harness connector, insert a thin screwdriver wrappe d with tape into the notch.
Lift the locking tab to un lock, then remove connector.
• Install the lap belt pre-tensioner connector with the lock- ing tab raised, then push the locking tab into the connector.
6. Remove the lap belt pre-tensioner anchor bolt (B).
7. Remove the seat belt height adjuster cover, then remove D-ring anchor bolt.
8. Disconnect the harness connector from the shoulder belt pre-tensioner. CAUTION:
• For removing shoulder belt pre-tensioner harness con- nector, insert a thin screwdriver (1) wrapped with tape (3)
into the notch. Lift the lo cking tab to unlock (2), then
remove connector.
• Install the shoulder belt pr e-tensioner connector with the
locking tab raised, then push the locking tab into the con-
nector (4).
9. Remove seat belt retractor anchor bolt and upper bolt, then remove the seat belt retractor.
Installation
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• Install the seat belt retractor upper bolt first.
• Make sure the seat belt height adjuster is lock ed in the lowest position during installation.
• Make sure both the D-ring anchor and seat belt height adjuster operate freely.
• Always perform an inspection after repair to be sure t he system is functioning within specifications. Refer to
SB-5, "Inspection"
.
SEAT BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER
Removal
1. Remove the center pillar upper finisher. Refer to INT-24, "CENTER PILLAR UPPER FINISHER : Removal
and Installation".
2. Remove the D-ring anchor bolt.
3. Remove the seat belt height adjuster bolts and the seat belt height adjuster.
Installation
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
• Make sure that the seat belt height adjuster is locked in the lowest position during installation.
• Make sure both the D-ring anchor and seat belt height adjuster operate freely.
SEAT BELT BUCKLE
Removal
1. Remove the front seat. Refer to SE-26, "DRIVER SIDE : Removal and Installation - Seat Assembly".
ALHIA0281ZZ
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Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESSE-17
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
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SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Work FlowINFOID:0000000009895315
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
Interview the customer if possible, to determine the c onditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interv iew to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any
customer's comments; refer to SE-21, "Diagnostic Worksheet"
. This information is necessary to duplicate the
conditions that exist when the noise occurs.
• The customer may not be able to provide a detailed descr iption or the location of the noise. Attempt to obtain
all the facts and conditions that exist when the noise occurs (or does not occur).
• If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer is
concerned about. This can be accomplished by test driving the vehicle with the customer.
• After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics. The noise characteristics
are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.
• Squeak —(Like tennis shoes on a clean floor) Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard surfaces
= higher pitch noise/softer surfaces = lower pitch noises/edge to surface = chirping.
• Creak—(Like walking on an old wooden floor) Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow mo vement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch depen-
dent on materials/often brought on by activity.
• Rattle—(Like shaking a baby rattle) Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contac t/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.
• Knock —(Like a knock on a door) Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/someti mes repeating/often brought on by driver action.
• Tick—(Like a clock second hand) Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of li ght materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.
• Thump—(Heavy, muffled knock noise)
Thump characteristics include softer k nock/dead sound often brought on by activity.
• Buzz—(Like a bumble bee) Buzz characteristics include high frequency rattle/firm contact.
• Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may judge
as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.
• Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperature, may have a great effect on noise level.
DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE
SBT842
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SE-18
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or lo cation of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
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 SE-18, "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-50397) 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.
NOTE:
• Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
• The materials contained in the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) are listed on the inside cover of the
kit; and can each be ordered seperately as needed.
• The following materials not found in the kit can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
- SILICONE GREASE: Use instead of UHMW tape that will be visible or does not fit. The silicone grease will
only last a few months.
- SILICONE SPRAY: Use when grease cannot be applied.
- DUCT TAPE: Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingINFOID:0000000009895316
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM