suspension INFINITI FX35 2004 Repair Manual

REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY
RFD-11
C
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RFD
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
REAR FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLYPFP:38300
Removal and InstallationADS000JR
REMOVAL
1. Remove exhaust center tube. Refer to EX-3, "EXHAUST SYSTEM" .
2. Remove rear propeller shaft from the final drive. Refer to PR-8, "
REMOVAL" .
3. Remove rear drive shaft from final drive, then suspend it by wire
etc.
4. Remove breather hose from the final drive.
5. Remove ABS rear wheel sensor. Refer to BRC-57, "
WHEEL
SENSORS" .
6. Set transmission jack to rear final drive assembly, and then
remove mounting bolts are nut connecting to the suspension
member.
CAUTION:
Do not place a transmission jack on the rear cover (alumi-
num case).
7. Remove the rear final drive assembly.
INSTALLATION
Install in the reverse order of removal.
CAUTION:
After installation, check the final drive oil level. Refer to MA-31, "
Checking Differential Gear Oil" .
PDIA0886E
1. Rear final drive assembly 2. Rear propeller shaft 3. Washer
4. Lower stopper 5. Upper stopper 6. Drive shaft
SDIA1094E

RSU-1
REAR SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
SECTION RSU
A
B
RSU
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.

PREPARATION
RSU-3
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RSU
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
PREPARATIONPFP:00002
Special Service Tools (SST)AES000MG
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Commercial Service ToolsAES000MH
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
ST3127S000
(See J25742-1)
Preload gauge
1. GG91030000
Torque wrench (J25765)
2. HT62940000 ( — )
Socket adapter (1/2″)
3. HT62900000 ( — )
Socket adapter (3/8″)Measuring 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: 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-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

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
RSU-7
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RSU
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
ComponentsAES000ML
SEIA0332E

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

SUSPENSION ARM
RSU-11
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
MA
B
RSU
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
SUSPENSION ARMPFP:55501
Removal and InstallationAES000MP
REMOVAL
1. Remove tire with power tool.
2. Remove stabilizer connecting rod mounting bracket from suspension arm with power tool.
3. Remove drive shaft from vehicle. (VK45DE models) Refer to RAX-9, "
Removal and Installation" .
4. Remove cotter pin of suspension arm ball joint, and loosen nut.
5. 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.
6. Remove fixing nuts and bolts between suspension arm and rear suspension member with power tool.
7. Remove suspension arm from vehicle.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Visual Inspection

Check suspension arm and bushing for deformation, cracks, or damage. If any non-standard condition is
found, replace it.

Check boot of ball joint for cracks, or damage, and also for grease leakage.
Ball Joint Inspection
Manually move ball stud to confirm it moves smoothly with no binding.
Swing Torque Inspection
NOTE:
Before measuring, move ball joint at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.

Hook a spring scale at cotter pin mounting hole. Confirm spring
scale measurement value is within the specifications when ball
stud begins moving.

If it is outside the specified range, replace suspension arm
assembly.
Rotating Torque Inspection

Attach mounting nut to ball stud. Make sure rotating torque is
within the specifications with a preload gauge (SST).

If it is outside the specified range, replace suspension arm
assembly.
Axial End Play Inspection

Move tip of ball joint in axial direction to check for looseness.

If it is outside the specified range, replace suspension arm assembly.Swing torque:
0.5 − 3.4 N·m (0.06 − 0.34 kg-m, 5 − 30 in-lb)
Measured value of spring scale:
9.7 − 66.0 N (0.99 − 6.7 kg, 2.18 − 14.8 lb)
SDIA1143E
Rotating torque:
0.5 − 3.4 N·m (0.06 − 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
SDIA1150E
Axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)