suspension INFINITI M35 2006 Factory Owner's Guide

FSU-6
[2WD]
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:54010
On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceNES000IA
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component conditions
(wear, damage) are normal.
INSPECTION OF LOWER BALL JOINT END PLAY
1. Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.
2. Place an iron bar or similar tool between transverse link and steering knuckle.
3. Measure axial end play by prying it up and down.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage ball joint boot. Do not damage the installation position by applying
excessive force.
SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION
Check for oil leakage, damage and breakage of installation positions.
Wheel Alignment InspectionNES000IB
DESCRIPTION
Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions.
NOTE:
“Unladen conditions” means that fuel, engine coolant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and
mats are in designated positions.
PRELIMINARY CHECK
Check the following:
1. Tires for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Road wheels for runout. Refer to WT-6, "
ROAD WHEEL" .
3. Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-5, "
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION" .
4. Transverse link ball joint axial end play. Refer to FSU-14, "
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL" .
5. Shock absorber operation.
6. Each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
7. Each of suspension member, shock absorber, upper link and transverse link for cracks, deformation and
other damage.
8. Vehicle height (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.Axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU-7
[2WD]
C
D
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B
FSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
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.
INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES
Camber, caster, kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.
Before inspection, mount front wheels onto turning radius gauge. Mount rear wheels onto a stand that has
same height so vehicle will remain horizontal.
Using a CCK Gauge
Install the CCK gauge attachment [SST: KV991040S0 ( – )] with the following procedure on wheel, then
measure wheel alignment.
1. Remove three wheel nuts, and install the guide bolts to hub bolt.
2. Screw the adapter into the plate until it contacts the plate tightly.
3. Screw the center plate into the plate.
4. Insert the plate assembly on the guide bolt. Put the spring in,
and then evenly screw the three guide bolt nuts. When fastening
the guide nuts, do not completely compress the spring.
5. Place the dent of alignment gauge onto the projection of the
center plate and tightly contact them to measure.
CAUTION:
If camber, caster, or kingpin inclination angle is outside
the standard, check front suspension parts for wear and
damage. Replace suspect parts if a malfunction is
detected.
Kingpin inclination angle is reference value, no inspec-
tion is required.
SEIA0240E
Camber, caster, kingpin inclination angles:
Refer to FSU-19, "
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICA-
TIONS (SDS)" .
SEIA0241E

FSU-8
[2WD]
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
ComponentsNES000IC
SEIA0664E

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU-9
[2WD]
C
D
F
G
H
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L
MA
B
FSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
Refer to GI section for symbol marks in the figure. Refer to GI-9, "HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL" .
Removal and Installation NES000ID
REMOVAL
1. For VK45DE engine models, disconnect related electric wires and hoses from engine assembly to remove
front suspension member with engine assembly. Refer to EM-244, "
ENGINE ASSEMBLY" .
2. Remove cowl top panel and hood. Refer to EI-18, "
COWL TOP" , EI-17, "HOOD" .
3. For VQ35DE engine models, install engine slinger, and then hoist engine. Refer to EM-113, "
Removal and
Installation (2WD Models)" .
4. Remove tires from vehicle with a power tool.
5. Remove wheel sensor from steering knuckle. Refer to BRC-57, "
WHEEL SENSOR" .
CAUTION:
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.
6. Remove brake hose bracket. Refer to BR-12, "
BRAKE TUBE AND HOSE" .
7. Remove undercover with a power tool.
8. Remove cotter pin (1), and then loosen the nut.
9. Remove steering outer socket (2) from steering knuckle (3) so
as not to damage ball joint boot (4) using the ball joint remover
(suitable tool).
CAUTION:
Temporarily tighten the nut to prevent damage to threads
and to prevent the ball joint remover (suitable tool) from
suddenly coming off.
10. Remove the mounting nut on the upper side of stabilizer con-
necting rod with a power tool, and then remove stabilizer con-
necting rod from transverse link.
11. Separate steering gear assembly and lower joint. Refer to PS-13, "
STEERING COLUMN" .
12. Remove rack stay. Refer to FSU-8, "
Components" .
13. Remove steering hydraulic piping bracket from front suspension member. Refer to PS-38, "
HYDRAULIC
LINE" .
14. Remove the mounting nut and bolt on the lower side of shock absorber with a power tool, and then
remove shock absorber from transverse link.
15. Remove cotter pin of transverse link and steering knuckle, and then loosen nut.
16. Set jack under front suspension member.
17. Remove transverse link from steering knuckle so as not to damage ball joint boot using the ball joint
remover (suitable tool)
CAUTION:
Temporarily tighten the nut to prevent damage to threads and to prevent ball joint remover (suit-
able tool) from suddenly coming off.
18. Remove the mounting nuts of engine mounting insulator. Refer to EM-113, "
ENGINE ASSEMBLY" .
19. Remove the mounting bolts of member bracket, and then remove member bracket from front suspension
member with a power tool. Refer to FSU-8, "
Components" .
20. Remove the mounting nut and bolts of member stay, and then remove member stay from front suspension
member and vehicle with a power tool.
21. Remove the mounting nut of front suspension member with a power tool. Refer to FSU-8, "
Components" .
22. For VQ35DE engine models, gradually lower a jack to remove front suspension assembly from vehicle.
1. Shock absorber mounting bracket 2. Bound bumper 3. Rubber seat
4. Coil spring 5. Shock absorber 6. Upper link
7. Steering knuckle 8. Transverse link 9. Washer
10. Steering stopper bracket 11. Stabilizer connecting rod 12. Stabilizer bar
13. Stabilizer bushing 14. Stabilizer clamp 15. Front suspension member
16. Rack stay 17. Member stay 18. Member bracket
19. Clamp 20. Cotter pin 21. Stopper rubber
SGIA1183E

FSU-10
[2WD]
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
For VK45DE engine models, gradually lower a jack to remove front suspension assembly with engine
assembly from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse order of removal. For tightening torque, refer to FSU-8, "Components" .
Perform final tightening of each of parts (rubber bushing), under unladen conditions, which were removed
when removing front suspension assembly. Check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "
Wheel Alignment
Inspection" .
Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor after checking wheel alignment. Refer to BRC-6, "Adjust-
ment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position" .
Check wheel sensor harness for proper connection. Refer to BRC-57, "WHEEL SENSOR" .

FSU-14
[2WD]
TRANSVERSE LINK
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
TRANSVERSE LINKPFP:54500
Removal and InstallationNES000IG
REMOVAL
1. Remove tires from vehicle with a power tool.
2. Remove undercover with a power tool.
3. Remove the mounting nut on the upper side of stabilizer connecting rod with a power tool, and then
remove stabilizer connecting rod from transverse link.
4. Separate steering gear assembly and lower joint. Refer to PS-13, "
STEERING COLUMN" .
5. Remove rack stay. Refer to FSU-8, "
Components" .
6. Remove the mounting nut and bolt on the lower side of shock absorber with a power tool, and then
remove shock absorber from transverse link.
7. Remove transverse link from steering knuckle. Refer to FAX-5, "
Removal and Installation" .
8. Set jack under front suspension member.
9. Remove the mounting bolts of member bracket, and then remove member bracket from front suspension
member with a power tool. Refer to FSU-8, "
Components" .
10. Remove the mounting nut and bolts of member stay, and then remove member stay from front suspension
member and vehicle with a power tool.
11. Remove the mounting nut of front suspension member with a power tool. Refer to FSU-8, "
Components" .
12. Gradually lower the suspension member to the position where transverse link mounting bolts is remove.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to lower it too far. (Do not overload the links)
13. Remove mounting nut and bolts, and then remove transverse link from vehicle.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Visual Inspection
Check the following:
Transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks or damage. Replace it if a malfunction is detected.
Ball joint boot for cracks or other damage, and also for grease leakage. Replace it if a malfunction is
detected.
Ball Joint Inspection
Manually move ball stud to confirm it moves smoothly with no binding.
Swing Torque Inspection
NOTE:
Before measurement, move ball stud at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.
Hook a spring balance at cotter pin mounting hole. Confirm
spring balance measurement value is within specifications when
ball stud begins moving.
If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link
assembly.Swing torque
: 0.5 - 3.6 Nꞏm (0.06 - 0.36 kg-m, 5 - 31 in-lb)
Spring balance measurement
: 7.8 - 56.3 N (0.8 - 5.7 kg, 1.8 - 12.5 lb)
SEIA0523E

TRANSVERSE LINK
FSU-15
[2WD]
C
D
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B
FSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
Rotating Torque Inspection
Attach mounting nut to ball stud. Make sure that rotating torque
is within specifications with a preload gauge [SST].
If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link
assembly.
Axial End Play Inspection
Move tip of ball stud in axial direction to check for looseness.
If it is outside the specified range, replace transverse link assembly.
INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse order of removal. For tightening torque, refer to FSU-8, "Components" .
Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the front suspension member installation position and the
shock absorber lower side (rubber bushing) under unladen conditions with tires on level ground. Check
wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "
Wheel Alignment Inspection" .
Adjust neutral position of steering angle sensor after checking wheel alignment. Refer to BRC-6, "Adjust-
ment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position" . Rotating torque
: 0.5 - 3.9 Nꞏm (0.06 - 0.39 kg-m, 5 - 34 in-lb)
SDIA1150E
Axial end play : 0 mm (0 in)

FSU-20
[AWD]
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
[AWD]PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
CautionNES000IM
When installing rubber bushings, the final tightening must 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.

PREPARATION
FSU-21
[AWD]
C
D
F
G
H
I
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K
L
MA
B
FSU
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
PREPARATIONPFP:00002
Special Service Tools [SST]NES000IN
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Commercial Service ToolsNES000IO
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
KV991040S0
(—)
CCK gauge attachment
1. Plate
2. Guide bolt
3. Nut
4. Spring
5. Center plate
6. KV99104020 Adapter A
a: 72 mm (2.83 in) dia.
7. KV99104030 Adapter B
b: 65 mm (2.56 in) dia.
8. KV99104040 Adapter C
c: 57 mm (2.24 in) dia.
9. KV99104050 Adapter D
d: 53.4 mm (2.102 in) dia.Measuring wheel alignment
ST35652000
( —)
Strut attachmentDisassembling and assembling shock
absorber
ST3127S000
(See J-25765-A)
Preload Gauge
1. GG91030000
(J-25765-A)
Torque wrench
2. HT62940000
( —)
Socket adapter
3. HT62900000
(—)
Socket adapter Measuring rotating torque of ball joint
S-NT498
ZZA0807D
NT124
Tool nameDescription
Power tool
Removing wheel nuts
Removing torque member fixing bolts
Removing undercover
Removing front suspension compo-
nents parts
Removing hub lock nut
Spring compressor Removing and installing coil springPBIC0190E
S-NT717

FSU-22
[AWD]
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
Revision: 2006 January2006 M35/M45
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartNES000IP
Use chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
: ApplicableReference page
FSU-25FSU-29
—
—
—
FSU-25
FSU-23FSU-35
NVH in PR section
NVH in RFD section
NVH in FAX and FSU section
NVH in WT section
NVH in FAX section
NVH in BR section
NVH in PS section
Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS
Improper installation, looseness
Strut 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
ROAD WHEEL
DRIVE SHAFT
BRAKES
STEERING
Symptom FRONT SUSPENSIONNoise
Shake
Vibration
Shimmy
Judder
Poor quality ride or handling