rear axle INFINITI FX35 2004 Owner's Manual

RAX-4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartADS000C3
Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
×: ApplicableReference page
—
RAX-9—
RAX-5—
NVH in PR section
NVH in RFD section
NVH in FAX and FSU section
Refer to REAR AXLE in this chart.
NVH in WT section
NVH in WT section
Refer to DRIVE SHAFT in this chart.
NVH in BR section
NVH in PS section
Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS
Excessive joint angle
Joint sliding resistance
Imbalance
Improper installation, looseness
Parts interference
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIFFERENTIAL
FRONT AXLE AND FRONT SUSPENSION
REAR AXLE
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
DRIVE SHAFT
BRAKES
STEERING
SymptomDRIVE
SHAFTNoise×× ×××××× ××
Shake×× ×××××××
REAR
AXLENoise×× ××× ×××××
Shake×××××××××
Vibration×××××××
Shimmy×× ×××××
Judder× × ×× ××
Poor quality ride or handling×× × ××

RAX-6
WHEEL HUB
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
10. Loosen fixing bolts and nuts of front lower link, radius rod, and rear lower link in side of suspension mem-
ber.
11. Set jack under rear lower link. Then remove fixing bolt in front lower link side of shock absorber with
power tool.
12. Remove bolt and nut in axle side of rear lower link with power tool. Then remove coil spring. Refer to
RSU-15, "
REAR LOWER LINK & COIL SPRING" .
13. Remove fixing bolts and nuts in axle side of front lower link, radius rod with power tool.
14. Remove suspension arm and cotter pin at axle, then loosen mounting nut.
15. Use a ball joint remover (suitable tool) to remove suspension arm from axle. Be careful not to damage ball
joint boot.
CAUTION:
Tighten temporarily mounting nut to prevent damage to threads and to prevent ball joint remover
(suitable tool) from coming off.
16. Remove axle from vehicle.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Ball Joint Inspection
Check for boot breakage, axial looseness, and torque of suspension arm ball joint. Refer to RSU-11,
"INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL" .
INSTALLATION

Refer to RAX-5, "Removal and Installation" for tightening torque. Install in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
Refer to component parts location and do not reuse non-reusable parts.

Perform final tightening of installation position of suspension links (rubber bushing) under unladen condi-
tions with tires on level ground, Check wheel alignment. Refer to RSU-5, "
Wheel Alignment Inspection" .

After adjusting wheel alignment, adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to BRC-6, "Adjust-
ment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position" .
Disassembly and AssemblyADS000C6
DISASSEMBLY
Wheel Bearing
CAUTION:
Do not disassemble if wheel bearing has no trouble.
1. Remove wheel bearing fixing bolts and anchor block fixing nuts, and remove wheel hub and bearing
assembly, back plate and anchor block from axle.
2. Using a drift (SST) and a puller (suitable tool), press wheel hub
out to remove from wheel bearing.
SDIA1482E

REAR DRIVE SHAFT
RAX-9
C
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RAX
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
REAR DRIVE SHAFTPFP:39600
Removal and InstallationADS000C7
REMOVAL
1. Remove tire with power tool.
2. Remove cotter pin. Then remove lock nut from drive shaft.
3. Remove fixing nuts and bolts between side flange and drive shaft with power tool.
4. Separate drive shaft from wheel hub and bearing assembly by lightly tapping the end with a suitable ham-
mer and wood block. If it is hard to separate, use a suitable puller.
5. Remove drive shaft from axle.
CAUTION:
When removing drive shaft, do not apply an excessive angle to drive shaft joint. Also be careful
not to excessively extend slide joint.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Move joint up/down, left/right, and in the axial direction. Check
for any rough movement or significant looseness.

Check boot for cracks or other damage, and also for grease
leakage.

If a trouble is found, disassemble drive shaft, and then replace
with new one.
INSTALLATION
Refer to RAX-9, "Removal and Installation" for tightening torque. Install in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
Refer to component parts location and do not reuse non-reusable parts.
1. Side flange 2. Cotter pin
SDIA1487E
RAA0030D

RFD-1
REAR FINAL DRIVE
D DRIVELINE/AXLE
CONTENTS
C
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
SECTION RFD
A
B
RFD
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
REAR FINAL DRIVE
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Precautions .............................................................. 2
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3
Special Service Tools ............................................... 3
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 5
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 6
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 6
FRONT OIL SEAL ...................................................... 7
Removal and Installation .......................................... 7
REMOVAL ............................................................. 7
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 7
SIDE OIL SEAL .......................................................... 9
Removal and Installation .......................................... 9
REMOVAL ............................................................. 9
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY .............................11
Removal and Installation ......................................... 11
REMOVAL ............................................................ 11
INSTALLATION .................................................... 11
Components ........................................................... 12
R200 2-PINION ................................................... 12
Pre-Inspection ........................................................ 13
TOTAL PRELOAD ............................................... 13
DRIVE GEAR TO DRIVE PINION BACKLASH ... 13
DRIVE GEAR RUNOUT ...................................... 13
COMPANION FLANGE RUNOUT ...................... 14
TOOTH CONTACT .............................................. 14
Disassembly and Assembly ................................... 14
REMOVAL OF DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEM-BLY ...................................................................... 14
REMOVAL OF DRIVE PINION ASSEMBLY ........ 15
DISASSEMBLY OF DIFFERENTIAL CASE
ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 17
INSPECTION ...................................................... 18
ADJUSTMENT OF DIFFERENTIAL CASE ......... 19
SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ................................. 20
PINION GEAR HEIGHT ...................................... 21
TOOTH CONTACT .............................................. 24
ASSEMBLY OF DIFFERENTIAL CASE ASSEM-
BLY ...................................................................... 25
INSTALLATION OF DRIVE PINION ASSEMBLY ... 26
INSTALLATION OF DIFFERENTIAL CASE
ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 28
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 31
General Specifications ............................................ 31
Drive Gear Runout .................................................. 31
Side Gear Adjustment ............................................ 31
AVAILABLE SIDE GEAR THRUST WASHERS ... 31
Drive Pinion Height Adjustment .............................. 31
AVAILABLE PINION HEIGHT ADJUSTING
WASHERS .......................................................... 31
Drive Pinion Preload Adjustment ............................ 31
Side Bearing Preload Adjustment ........................... 32
SIDE BEARING ADJUSTING WASHERS .......... 32
Total Preload Adjustment ........................................ 32
Companion Flange ................................................. 32

RFD-4
PREPARATION
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
KV40104000 ( – )
a: 85 mm (3.35 in) dia.
b: 65 mm (2.56 in) dia.
Drive pinion flange wrenchRemoving and installing drive pinion lock
nut
ST36230000 (J25840-A)
Sliding hammer Removing side flange
KV40104100 ( – )
Axle stand Removing side flange (VQ35DE engine)
KV40101000 ( – )
Axle standRemoving side flange (VK45DE engine)
HT72400000 ( – )
Sliding hammerRemoving differential case assembly
ST3090S000 ( – )
1. ST30031000 (J22912-01) Puller
2. ST30901000 ( – ) Base
Equivalent tool (J26010-01)
a : 90 mm (3.54 in) dia.
b : 80 mm (3.15 in) dia.
c : 50 mm (1.97 in) dia.
d : 79 mm (3.11 in) dia.
e : 45 mm (1.77 in) dia.
f : 35 mm (1.38 in) dia.
Drive pinion rear inner race puller setRemoving and installing drive pinion rear
bearing inner race
ST30611000 (J25742–1)
DriftInstalling pinion rear bearing outer race
(Use with ST30613000) Tool number (Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
NT659
ZZA0803D
ZZA0804D
NT159
S-NT125
S-NT640
S-NT090

SIDE OIL SEAL
RFD-9
C
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RFD
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
SIDE OIL SEALPFP:33142
Removal and InstallationADS000JQ
REMOVAL
1. Remove side flange with the following procedure for press-fitting.
a. Remove ABS rear wheel sensor. Refer to BRC-57, "
WHEEL SENSORS" .
b. Remove drive shaft and axle assembly. Refer to RAX-9, "
REAR DRIVE SHAFT" and RAX-5, "WHEEL
HUB" .
c. Install axle stand to side flange, and then, pull out the side
flange with using a sliding hammer.
2. Remove side oil seal using a flat-bladed screwdriver.Engine model Toll number A Tool number B
VQ35DE KV40104100 ( – ) ST36230000
(J25840-A)
VK45DE KV40101000 ( – )
SDIA1582E
SDIA1583E
SDIA1584E

RFD-10
SIDE OIL SEAL
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
INSTALLATION
1. Apply multi-purpose grease to sealing lips of side oil seal.
2. Using the drift, press-fit side oil seal so that its surface comes
face to face with the end surface of the case.
CAUTION:

When installing the side oil seal be careful not to get it
inclined.

Discard the old side oil seal. Always replace them with
new ones.
3. Install the side flange with the following procedure.
a. Attach the protector to side oil seal.
b. After the side flange is inserted and the serrated part of side
gear has engaged the serrated part of flange, remove the pro-
tector.
c. Put suitable drift on the center of side flange, then drive it until
sound changes.
NOTE:
When installation is completed, driving sound of the side flange
turns into a sound which seems to affect the whole final drive.
4. Confirm that the dimension of the side flange installation (Mea-
surement A) in the illustration comes into the following.
5. Install the drive shaft and axle assembly. Refer to RAX-9,
"REAR DRIVE SHAFT" andRAX-5, "WHEEL HUB" .
6. Align the installing position of the ABS rear wheel sensor. Refer to BRC-57, "
WHEEL SENSORS" . Tool number : KV38100200 (J26233)
SDIA1585E
Tool number : KV38107900 (J39352)
SDIA1794E
Measurement A : Approx. 326 - 328 mm (12.83 - 12.91 in)
SDIA1039E

RSU-4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartAES000MI
Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
×: ApplicableReference page
RSU-7RSU-9—
—
—
RSU-7RSU-5RSU-16
NVH in PR section
NVH in RFD section
NVH in FAX and FSU section
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××××× ×× ×××

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
RSU-5
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RSU
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:55020
On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceAES000MJ
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component status (wear,
damage) are normal.
INSPECTION OF SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT END PLAY
Measure axial end play by installing and moving up/down between suspension arm and axle with an iron pry
bar or something similar.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.
SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION
Check shock absorber for oil leakage, damage and replace if necessary.
Wheel Alignment InspectionAES000MK
DESCRIPTION
Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions” mean that fuel, engine coolant, and
lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in designated positions.
PRELIMINARY CHECK
1. Check tires for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Check road wheels for runout.
3. Check wheel bearing axial end play.
4. Check suspension arm ball joint axial end play.
5. Check shock absorber operation.
6. Check each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
7. Check each link, arm and member for cracks, deformation, and other damage.
8. Check vehicle posture.
CAMBER INSPECTION
Measure camber of both right and left wheels with a suitable align-
ment gauge and 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.Axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)
Camber : Refer to RSU-18, "
Wheel Alignment" .
SRA096A
SEIA0318E

RSU-8
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
Removal and InstallationAES000MM
REMOVAL
1. Remove tire with power tool.
2. Remove brake caliper with power tool. Hang it in a place where it will not interfere with work. Refer to BR-
25, "REAR DISC BRAKE" .
NOTE:
Avoid depressing brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.
3. Remove wheel sensor from rear final drive, then remove wheel sensor harness from rear suspension
member.
4. Remove center muffler and main muffler. Refer to EX-3, "
Removal and Installation" .
5. Remove stabilizer bar. Refer toRSU-16, "
Removal and Installation" .
6. Remove rear propeller shaft. Refer to PR-7, "
Removal and Installation" .
7. Separate attachments between parking brake cable and vehicle and rear suspension member.
8. Remove rear lower link and coil spring. Refer to RSU-15, "
Removal and Installation" .
9. Remove fixing bolt in lower side of shock absorber with power tool.
10. Set jack under rear final drive.
11. Remove fixing bolts and nuts of tunnel stay and member stay with power tool, then remove those parts
from vehicle.
12. Remove fixing bolts and nuts of rear pin stay with power tool and then remove rear pin stay from vehicle.
13. Gradually lowering jack, remove rear suspension assembly.
INSTALLATION

Refer to RSU-7, "Components" for tightening torque. Install in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE:
Refer to component parts location and do not reuse non-reusable parts.

Perform final tightening of installation position of links (rubber bushing) under unladen conditions with tires
on level ground. Check wheel alignment. Refer to RSU-5, "
Wheel Alignment Inspection" .

After adjusting wheel alignment, adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to BRC-6, "Adjust-
ment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position" .
1. Bushing 2. Mounting seal 3. Mounting seal bracket
4. Distance tube 5. Bound bumper cover 6. Bound bumper
7. Shock absorber 8. Upper seat 9. Coil spring
10. Rubber seat 11. Rear lower link 12. Axle
13. Cotter pin 14. Radius rod 15. Front lower link protector
16. Front lower link 17. Stopper 18. Shock absorber assembly
19. Suspension arm 20. Stabilizer connecting rod mounting
bracket21. Stabilizer connecting rod
22. Rear pin stay 23. Rear suspension member 24. Stabilizer bar
25. Stabilizer bushing 26. Stabilizer clamp 27. Member stay
28. Tunnel stay