wheel alignment INFINITI FX35 2004 Owner's Manual

GENERAL MAINTENANCE
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Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.ItemReference page
TiresCheck the pressure with a gauge, including the spare, at least once a month
and always prior to a long distance trips. Adjust to the specified pressure if
necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.—
Wheel nutsWhen checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.—
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Repair as necessary.—
Tire rotationTires should be rotated every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).MA-34
Wheel alignment and
balanceIf the vehicle pulls to either side while driving on a straight and level road, or if
you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel align-
ment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway speeds, wheel
balancing may be needed.MA-32
, FSU-6
Windshield wiper
bladesCheck for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. —
Doors and engine
hoodCheck that all doors and the engine hood operate smoothly as well as the
trunk lid and back hatch. Also make sure that all latches lock securely. Lubri-
cate if necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubri-
cation frequently.MA-37
LampsMake sure that the headlamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, and
other lamps are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check head-
lamp aim. Clean the headlamps on a regular basis. —
ItemReference page
Warning lamps and
chimesMake sure that all warning lamps and chimes are operating properly. —
Windshield wiper and
washerCheck that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not
streak.—
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient
quantity when operating the heater or air conditioner.—
Steering wheelCheck that it has the specified play. Be sure to check for changes in the steer-
ing condition, such as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises.
Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in)—
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
make sure they operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in every
position. Check that the head restrains move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Check that the
latches lock securely for folding-down rear seatbacks.—
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.MA-38
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not catch
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.—
BrakesCheck that the brake does not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. —
Brake pedal and
boosterCheck the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper dis-
tance under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be
sure to keep the floor mats away from the pedal.BR-6
, BR-15

PS-10
STEERING WHEEL
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
STEERING WHEELPFP:48430
On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceAGS000GW
CHECKING CONDITION OF INSTALLATION

Check installation condition of steering gear assembly, front suspension, axle and steering column.

Check if movement exists when steering wheel is moved up and down, to the left and right and to the axial
direction.

Check if the mounting bolts for steering gear assembly are loose
or not. Refer to PS-19, "
POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINK-
AGE" .
CHECKING STEERING WHEEL PLAY
1. Set tires to the straight ahead, start engine, then turn steering wheel to the left and right lightly, and mea-
sure steering wheel movement on the outer circumference when steering wheel is turned up to the point
where tires start moving.
CHECKING NEUTRAL POSITION ON STEERING WHEEL
Check neutral position on steering wheel after confirming that front wheel alignment is correct. Refer to FSU-
6, "Wheel Alignment Inspection" .
1. Set vehicle to the straight direction, check if steering wheel is in the neutral position.
2. If it is not in the neutral position, remove steering wheel and reinstall it correctly.
3. If the neutral position cannot adjust in the two teeth of steering gear assembly, loosen outer socket lock
nuts of steering outer sockets, then adjust outer socket by the same amount in the opposite direction.
CHECKING STEERING WHEEL TURNING FORCE
1. Park vehicle on a level and dry surface, set parking brake.
2. Remove driver air bag module from steering wheel. Refer to SRS-36, "
DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE" .
3. Start engine at idle, make steering fluid reach to normal operat-
ing temperature [50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F)], then check steering
wheel turning torque with pre-load gauge (SST).
4. If steering wheel turning force is out of the specification, check
relief hydraulic pressure of oil pump. Refer to PS-31, "
POWER
STEERING OIL PUMP" . End play of the axle direction for steering wheel : 0 mm (0 in)
SGIA0546E
Steering wheel play on the outer circumference : 0 − 35 mm (0 − 1.38 in)
Turning torque : 7.45 N·m (0.76 kg-m, 66 in-lb) or less
SGIA0459E

PS-14
STEERING COLUMN
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check if there is something wrong with jacket tube of steering column assembly and collar etc. And then if
they are damaged, replace with new one.

If vehicle has a collision light shocked, check column length “L”
as shown in the figure. Then if it is out of the specified value,
replace with new one.

Check the turning torque of steering column with preload gauge
(SST). If it is out of the specified value, repair it or replace with
new one.
INSTALLATION

Refer to PS-12, "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.

After removing/installing or replacing steering components, check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6,
"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" .
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

After installing steering column to vehicle, check tilt device and
its operation range. Ranges of operation are shown in the figure.

Check if steering wheel operation can turn to the end of the left
and right smoothly.Steering column length “L”: 572 mm (22.52 in)
Turning torque : 0 − 0.2 N·m (0 − 0.021 kg-m, 0 − 1 in-lb)
SGIA0556E
SGIA0558E

PS-20
POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
7. Remove oil pipings (high pressure side and low pressure side)
from steering gear assembly, then drain fluid from pipings.
8. Remove mounting bolt of steering hydraulic piping bracket from
steering gear assembly.
9. Remove mounting bolt (lower side) of lower joint.
10. Remove mounting bolts of steering gear assembly with power
tool, and then remove steering gear assembly from vehicle.
INSTALLATION

Refer to PS-19, "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.

After removing/installing or replacing steering components, check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6,
"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" .
SGIA0541E
SGIA0545E
SGIA0542E
SGIA0546E

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

RSU-1
REAR SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
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SECTION RSU
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Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
REAR SUSPENSION
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Cautions ................................................................... 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
INSPECTION OF SUSPENSION ARM BALL
JOINT END PLAY ................................................. 5
SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION ..................... 5
Wheel Alignment Inspection ..................................... 5
DESCRIPTION ...................................................... 5
PRELIMINARY CHECK ........................................ 5
CAMBER INSPECTION ........................................ 5
TOE-IN .................................................................. 6
Components ............................................................. 7
Removal and Installation .......................................... 8
REMOVAL ............................................................. 8
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 8
SHOCK ABSORBER .................................................. 9
Removal and Installation .......................................... 9
REMOVAL ............................................................. 9
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ......................... 9
INSTALLATION ..................................................... 9
Disassembly and Assembly ..................................... 9
DISASSEMBLY ..................................................... 9
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ............... 10
ASSEMBLY ......................................................... 10SUSPENSION ARM .................................................. 11
Removal and Installation ........................................ 11
REMOVAL ........................................................... 11
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 11
INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
RADIUS ROD ............................................................ 13
Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 13
INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
FRONT LOWER LINK .............................................. 14
Removal and Installation ........................................ 14
REMOVAL ........................................................... 14
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 14
INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
REAR LOWER LINK & COIL SPRING ..................... 15
Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
REMOVAL ........................................................... 15
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 15
INSTALLATION ................................................... 15
STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 16
Removal and Installation ........................................ 16
REMOVAL ........................................................... 16
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 16
INSTALLATION ................................................... 16
REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER ............................... 17
Removal and Installation ........................................ 17
REMOVAL ........................................................... 17
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 17
INSTALLATION ................................................... 17
SERVICE DATA ........................................................ 18
Wheel Alignment .................................................... 18
Ball Joint ................................................................. 18
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*) ................................. 18

RSU-2
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
CautionsAES000MF

When installing rubber bushings, final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
on level ground. Oil will shorten the life of rubber bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.

Unladen conditions means 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.

Caulking nuts are not reusable. Always use new ones when installing. Since new caulking nuts are pre-
oiled, tighten as they are.

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
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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-6
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
TOE-IN
Measure toe-in using following procedure. If out of the specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn
rear suspension parts.
WARNING:

Always perform following procedure on a flat surface.

Make sure that no person is in front of vehicle before push-
ing it.
1. Bounce rear of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.
2. Push vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both tires at
the same height of hub center. These are measuring points.
4. Measure distance “A” (rear side).
5. Push vehicle slowly ahead to rotate wheels 180 degrees (1/2
turn).
If wheels have rotated more than 180 degrees (1/2 turn), try the
above procedure again from the beginning. Never push vehicle
backward.
6. Measure distance “B” (front side).
7. If outside the standard value, adjust with adjusting bolt in rear
lower link.
CAUTION:
Be sure to adjust equally on RH and LH side with adjusting
bolt.
SFA614B
Total toe-in : Refer to RSU-18, "Wheel Alignment"
.
SFA234AC
SEIA0319E