wheel alignment INFINITI FX35 2006 Owner's Guide

RSU-1
REAR SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
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SECTION RSU
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RSU
Revision: 2006 December 2006 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 BALL JOINT END PLAY ..... ..... 5
SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION ................ ..... 5
Wheel Alignment Inspection ................................ ..... 5
DESCRIPTION ................................................. ..... 5
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION .......................... ..... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMEN-
DATIONS ......................................................... ..... 5
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS ......................... ..... 6
CAMBER INSPECTION ................................... ..... 6
TOE-IN ............................................................. ..... 6
Removal and installation ..................................... ..... 7
COMPONENTS ............................................... ..... 7
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 ...................................................... ... 10 SUSPENSION 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 AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ... ... 18
Wheel Alignment (Unladen*) ............................... ... 18
Ball Joint .............................................................. ... 18
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*) .............................. ... 18

RSU-2
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
CautionsNES000G0

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: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartNES000G3
Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
× : Applicable Reference page
RSU-7RSU-9—
—
—
RSU-7RSU-5RSU-16
NVH in PR section
NVH in RFD section
NVH in RAX and RSU section NVH in WT section
NVH in WT section
NVH in RAX section NVH in BR sectionNVH 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
REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
DRIVE SHAFT
BRAKES
STEERING
Symptom REAR SUSPENSION Noise
×××××× ××××××××
Shake ×××× × × ××××××
Vibration ××××× × ×× × ×
Shimmy ×××× × ××× ××
Judder ××× ××× ××
Poor quality ride or
handling ××××× ×× ×××

REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY RSU-5
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RSU
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:55020
On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceNES000HU
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component status (wear,
damage) are normal.
INSPECTION OF BALL JOINT END PLAY
Measure axial end play by installing and moving up/down with an
iron pry bar or something similar between suspension arm and axle.
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 InspectionNES000HV
DESCRIPTION

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions” means that fuel, engine cool-
ant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

Check tires for improper air pressure and wear.

Check road wheels for runout.

Check wheel bearing axial end play.

Check ball joint axial end play of suspension arm.

Check shock absorber operation.

Check each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.

Check each link, arm and member for cracks, deformation, and other damage.

Check vehicle posture.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A four-wheel thrust alignment should be performed.
–This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN/INFINITI vehicle.
–The four-wheel “thrust” process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel is
centered.
–The alignment rack itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN/INFINITI vehicle.
–The rack should be checked to ensure that it is level.

Make sure the machine is properly calibrated.
–Your alignment equipment should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.
–Check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment for their recommended Service/Calibration
Schedule. Standard value
Axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)
SEIA0245J

RSU-6
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
IMPORTANT:
Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual.

When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use “indicators”: (Green/red, plus or
minus, Go/No Go). Do NOT use these indicators.
–The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be cor-
rect.
–This may result in an ERROR.

Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an optional “Rolling Compensation” method to “com-
pensate” the sensors (alignment targets or head units). DO NOT use this “Rolling Compensation”
method.
–Use the “Jacking Compensation Method”. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the
vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.
–See Instructions in the alignment machine you're using for more information on this.
CAMBER INSPECTION

Measure camber of both right and left wheels with a suitable
alignment 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.
TOE-IN
If toe-in is not within the specification, adjust with adjusting bolt in
rear lower link.
CAUTION:
Be sure to adjust equally on RH and LH side with adjusting bolt.
If toe-in is not still within the specification, inspect and replace any
damaged or worn rear suspension parts. Standard value
Camber : Refer to RSU-18, "
SERVICE DATA
AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)" .
SRA096A
SEIA0227E
SEIA0228E

RSU-8
REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires from vehicle 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 height sensor harness from rear suspension member (if equipped).
5. Remove center muffler and main muffler. Refer to EX-3, "
Components" .
6. Remove stabilizer bar. Refer to RSU-16, "
Removal and Installation" .
7. Remove rear propeller shaft. Refer to PR-9, "
Removal and Installation" .
8. Separate attachments between parking brake cable and vehicle and rear suspension member.
9. Remove rear lower link and coil spring. Refer to RSU-15, "
Removal and Installation" .
10. Remove fixing bolt in lower side of shock absorber with power tool.
11. Set jack under rear final drive.
12. Remove fixing bolts and nuts of tunnel stay and member stay with power tool, then remove those parts from vehicle.
13. Remove fixing bolts and nuts of rear pin stay with power tool and then remove rear pin stay from vehicle.
14. Gradually lowering jack, remove rear suspension assembly.
INSTALLATION

Refer to RSU-7, "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 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 assembly
13. Cotter pin 14. Radius rod 15. Front lower link protector
16. Front lower link 17. Stopper rubber 18. Shock absorber assembly
19. Suspension arm 20. Stabilizer connecting rod mounting bracket 21. 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 A: With height sensor B: Without height sensor
Refer to GI-11, "
Components" , for the symbols in the figure.

SHOCK ABSORBER RSU-9
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RSU
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
SHOCK ABSORBERPFP:56210
Removal and InstallationNES000G8
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires from vehicle with power tool.
2. Set jack under rear lower link.
3. Remove fixing bolt in lower side of shock absorber assembly with power tool.
4. Remove fixing nuts in upper side of shock absorber assembly with power tool and remove shock absorber assembly from
vehicle.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check shock absorber assembly for deformation, cracks, or damage, and replace if necessary.

Check piston rod for damage, uneven wear, or distortion, and replace if necessary.

Check welded and sealed areas for oil leakage, and replace if necessary.
INSTALLATION

Refer to RSU-7, "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 shock absorber assembly lower side (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 AssemblyNES000G9
DISASSEMBLY
CAUTION:
Make sure piston rod on shock absorber is not damaged when removing components from shock
absorber.
1. Remove mounting seal from mounting seal bracket.
2. Wrap a shop cloth around lower side of shock absorber and fix it in a vise.
CAUTION:
Do not set the cylindrical part of shock absorber in vise.
3. Fix piston rod with hexagon wrench, and remove piston rod lock nut.
4. Remove mounting seal bracket, bushing, distance tube, bound bumper cover and bound bumper from shock absorber.
FA-0274D
SEIA0366E

RSU-12
SUSPENSION ARM
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
INSTALLATION

Refer to RSU-7, "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 rear suspension member installation position (rubber bushing) under unladen
conditions with tires on level ground. Check wheel alignment. Refer to RSU-5, "
Wheel Alignment Inspec-
tion" .

After adjusting wheel alignment, adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor. Refer to BRC-6, "Adjust-
ment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position" .

RADIUS ROD RSU-13
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RSU
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
RADIUS RODPFP:55110
Removal and InstallationNES000GB
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires from vehicle with power tool.
2. Set jack under rear lower link.
3. Remove fixing bolt and nut in axle side of radius rod.
4. Remove fixing bolt in rear suspension member side of radius rod with power tool, then remove radius rod from vehicle.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Check radius rod and bushing for any deformation, cracks, or damage. Replace if necessary.
INSTALLATION

Refer to RSU-7, "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 rear suspension member and axle installation position (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" .

RSU-14
FRONT LOWER LINK
Revision: 2006 December 2006 FX35/FX45
FRONT LOWER LINKPFP:55110
Removal and InstallationNES000GC
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires from vehicle with power tool.
2. Set jack under rear lower link.
3. Remove front lower link protector.
4. Remove shock absorber assembly from vehicle. Refer to RSU-9, "
Removal and Installation" .
5. Remove fixing nut and bolt between front lower link and axle with power tool.
6. Remove fixing nut and bolt between front lower link and rear suspension member with power tool.
7. Remove front lower link from vehicle.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Check front lower link and bushing for any deformation, crack, or damage. Replace if necessary.
INSTALLATION

Refer to RSU-7, "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 rear suspension member and axle installation position (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" .