wheel alignment INFINITI QX4 2001 Factory Service Manual

SBR686C
Precautions
PRECAUTIONSNBAX0001IWhen installing rubber parts, final tightening must be car-
ried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground.
*Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
IUse flare nut wrench when removing and installing brake
tubes.
IAfter installing removed suspension parts, check wheel
alignment and adjust if necessary.
IAlways torque brake lines when installing.
Preparation
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLSNBAX0002The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
ST29020001
(J24319-01)
Ball joint remover
NT694
Removing tie-rod outer end and lower ball
joint
a: 34 mm (1.34 in)
b: 6.5 mm (0.256 in)
c: 61.5 mm (2.421 in)
KV401021S0
(Ð)
Bearing race drift
NT153
Installing wheel bearing outer race
KV40105400
(J36001)
Wheel bearing lock nut
wrench
NT154
Removing and installing wheel bearing lock
nut
COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLSNBAX0003
Tool name Description
1 Flare nut crowfoot
2 Torque wrench
NT360
Removing and installing each brake piping
a: 10 mm (0.39 in)
Hub cap drift
NT115
Installing hub cap
a: 57 mm (2.24 in) dia.
b: 46 mm (1.81 in) dia.
FRONT AXLE
Precautions
AX-2

SBR686C
Precautions
PRECAUTIONSNBAX0023IWhen installing rubber parts, final tightening must be car-
ried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground.
*Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
IUse flare nut wrench when removing and installing brake
tubes.
IAfter installing removed suspension parts, check wheel
alignment and adjust if necessary.
IAlways torque brake lines when installing.
Preparation
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLSNBAX0024The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
KV40101000
(J25604-01)
Axle stand
NT159
Removing rear axle shaft
ST36230000
(J25840-A)
Sliding hammer
NT126
Removing rear axle shaft
ST38020000
(Ð)
Bearing lock nut wrench
NT160
Removing wheel bearing lock nut
HT72480000 or
HT72210000
(J25852-B)
Rear axle shaft bearing
puller
NT161
Removing wheel bearing
ST37840000
(Ð)
Rear axle shaft guide
NT162
Installing rear axle shaft
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REAR AXLE
Precautions
AX-17

NBMA0003
General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation
of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform
checks and inspections themselves or they can have their INFINITI dealers do them.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.
ItemReference page
TiresCheck the pressure with a gauge periodically when at a service station,
including the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if necessary. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.Ð
Wheel nutsWhen checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.Ð
Tire rotationTires should be rotated every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). MA-24
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
alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway speeds,
wheel balancing may be needed.MA-24, SU-6, ªFront
Wheel Alignmentº
Windshield wiper
bladesCheck for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. Ð
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
lubrication frequently.MA-27
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
LampsMake sure that the headlamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, and
other lamps are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check
headlamp aim.Ð
Warning lamps and
buzzers/chimesMake sure that all warning lamps and buzzers/chimes are operating properly. Ð
Windshield wiper
and washerCheck that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do
not streak.Ð
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient
quantity when operating the heater or air conditioning.Ð
Steering wheelCheck that it has the specified play. Be sure to check for changes in the
steering condition, such as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises.
Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in)Ð
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.Ð
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-28, RS-7, ªSeat Belt
Inspectionº
BrakesCheck that the brake does not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. Ð
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
MA-4

SRS797-A
Maintenance ItemsNBRS0011CAUTION:
Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuit.
1. Check operation of ªAIR BAGº warning lamp.
After turning ignition key to ªONº position, air bag warning lamp
illuminates. The ªAIR BAGº warning lamp will go off after about
7 seconds if no malfunction is detected. If any of the following
warning lamp conditions occur, immediately check the air bag
or seat belt pre-tensioner system. Refer to RS-38 for details.
IThe ªAIR BAGº warning lamp does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned ªONº.
IThe ªAIR BAGº warning lamp does not go off about 7 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned ªONº.
IThe ªAIR BAGº warning lamp blinks after about 7 seconds after
the ignition switch is turned ªONº.
2. Visually check SRS components.
1) Diagnosis sensor unit
ICheck diagnosis sensor unit and bracket for dents, cracks and
deformities.
ICheck connectors for damage, and terminals for deformities.
2) Air bag module and steering wheel
IRemove air bag module from steering wheel, instrument panel
or seatback. Check harness cover and connectors for damage,
terminals for deformities, and harness for binding.
IInstall driver air bag module to steering wheel to check fit or
alignment with the wheel.
ICheck steering wheel for excessive free play.
IInstall passenger air bag module to instrument panel to check
fit or alignment with the instrument panel.
IInstall side air bag module to seatback to check fit and align-
ment with the seat.
3) Spiral cable
ICheck spiral cable for dents, cracks, or deformities.
ICheck connectors and protective tape for damage.
ICheck steering wheel for noise, binding or heavy operation.
4) Main harness, air bag harness, body harness, side air bag
module sub-harness
ICheck connectors for poor connections, damage, and termi-
nals for deformities.
ICheck harnesses for binding, chafing or cut.
5) Seat belt pre-tensioner
ICheck harness cover and connectors for damage, terminals
for deformities, and harness for binding.
ICheck belts for damage and anchors for loose mounting.
ICheck retractor for smooth operation.
IPerform self-diagnosis for seat belt pre-tensioner using air bag
warning lamp or CONSULT-II. Refer to ªSRS Operation Checkº
for details. (RS-38)
6) Satellite sensor
ICheck satellite sensor (including bracket portion) for dents,
cracks or deformities.
ICheck connectors for damage, and terminals for deformities.
CAUTION:
Replace previously used special bolts and ground bolt with
new ones.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
Maintenance Items
RS-14

Collision Diagnosis=NBRS0049FOR FRONTAL COLLISIONNBRS0049S01To repair the SRS, perform the following steps.
When SRS (except the side air bag) is activated in a collision:
1) Replace the diagnosis sensor unit.
2) Remove the air bag modules (except the side air bag module) and seat belt pre-tensioner assemblies.
3) Check the SRS components using the table shown below:
IReplace any SRS components showing visible signs of damage (dents, cracks and deformation).
4) Install new air bag modules (except the side air bag module) and seat belt pre-tensioner assemblies.
5) Conduct self-diagnosis using CONSULT-II or ªAIR BAGº warning lamp. Refer to ªSRS Operation Checkº
for details (RS-38). Ensure entire SRS operation properly.
When SRS is not activated in a collision:
1) Check the SRS components using the table shown below:
IReplace any SRS components showing visible signs of damage (dents, cracks and deformation).
2) Conduct self-diagnosis using CONSULT-II or ªAIR BAGº warning lamp. Refer to ªSRS Operation Checkº
for details (RS-38). Ensure entire SRS operation properly.
SRS Inspection (For frontal collision)NBRS0049S0101
Part SRS is activated SRS is NOT activated
Air bag module (driver
and passenger side)REPLACE
Install with new bolts.1. Remove air bag module. Check harness cover and connectors for damage,
terminals for deformities, and harness for binding.
2.
a. Install driver air bag module into the steering wheel to check fit and alignment
with the wheel.
b. Install passenger air bag module into the instrument panel to check fit with the
instrument panel.
3. No damage found, reinstall with new bolts.
4. If damagedÐREPLACE. Install air bag modules with new bolts. Air bag must
be deployed before discarding.
Seat belt pre-ten-
sioner assemblyREPLACE
Install seat belt pre-
tensioner with new
bolts.1. Remove seat belt pre-tensioners.
Check harness cover and connectors for damage, terminals for deformities,
and harness for binding.
2. Check belts for damage and anchors for loose mounting.
3. Check retractor for smooth operation.
4. If no damage is found, reinstall seat belt pre-tensioner assembly.
5. If damagedÐREPLACE. Install the seat belt pre-tensioners with new bolts
coated with bonding agent. Seat belt pre-tensioners must be deployed before
discarding.
Diagnosis sensor unit REPLACE
Install with new bolts
coated with bonding
agent.1. Check case for dents, cracks or deformities.
2. Check connectors for damage, and terminals for deformities.
3. If no damage is found, reinstall with new special bolts and ground bolt coated
with bonding agent.
4. If damagedÐREPLACE. Install diagnosis sensor unit with new special bolts
and ground bolt coated with bonding agent.
Steering wheel 1. Visually check steering wheel for deformities.
2. Check harness (built into steering wheel) and connectors for damage, and terminals for deformities.
3. Install air bag module to check fit or alignment with steering wheel.
4. Check steering wheel for excessive free play.
5. If no damage is found, reinstall with bolts.
6. If damagedÐREPLACE.
Spiral cable 1. Visually check spiral cable and combination switch for damage.
2. Check connectors and protective tape for damage.
3. Check steering wheel for noise, binding or heavy operation.
4. If no damage is found, reinstall with bolts.
5. If damagedÐREPLACE.
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SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
Collision Diagnosis
RS-59

SST489B
Checking Steering Wheel PlayNBST00051. With wheels in a straight-ahead position, check steering wheel
play.
Steering wheel play:
35 mm (1.38 in) or less
2. If it is not within specification, check the following for loose or
worn components.
Steering gear assembly
Steering column
Front suspension and axle
SST490BA
Checking Neutral Position on Steering WheelNBST0006PRE-CHECKINGNBST0006S01IMake sure that wheel alignment is correct.
Wheel alignment:
Refer to SU-13, ªWheel Alignmentº.
IVerify that the steering gear is centered before removing the
steering wheel.
CHECKINGNBST0006S021. Check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position when
driving straight ahead.
2. If it is not in the neutral position, remove the steering wheel and
reinstall it correctly.
3. If the neutral position is between two teeth, loosen tie-rod lock
nuts. Turn the tie-rods by the same amount in opposite direc-
tions on both left and right sides.
SMA127
Front Wheel Turning AngleNBST00071. Rotate steering wheel all the way right and left; measure turn-
ing angle.
Turning angle of full turns:
Refer to SU-13, ªWheel Alignmentº.
SST651C
2. If it is not within specification, check rack stroke.
Rack stroke ªSº:
Refer to SDS (ST-33).
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ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Checking Steering Wheel Play
ST-7

FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION
SECTION
SU
CONTENTS
FRONT SUSPENSION....................................................2
Precautions ..................................................................2
PRECAUTIONS.........................................................2
Preparation ..................................................................2
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS........................................2
COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLS................................2
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Troubleshooting ...........................................................3
NVH TROUBLESHOOTING CHART............................3
Components.................................................................4
On-vehicle Service.......................................................5
FRONT SUSPENSION PARTS...................................5
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT.....................................6
Coil Spring and Strut Assembly...................................8
COMPONENTS.........................................................8
REMOVAL.................................................................9
DISASSEMBLY..........................................................9
INSPECTION.............................................................9
ASSEMBLY.............................................................10
Stabilizer Bar .............................................................10
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION...............................10
INSPECTION........................................................... 11
Transverse Link and Lower Ball Joint ....................... 11
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION............................... 11
INSPECTION...........................................................12
Service Data and Specifications (SDS).....................13
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT).....................13
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (UNLADEN*1)..........................13
LOWER BALL JOINT...............................................13
WHEELARCH HEIGHT (UNLADEN*).........................14
WHEEL RUNOUT AVERAGE*..................................14
REAR SUSPENSION.....................................................15
Precautions ................................................................15
PRECAUTIONS.......................................................15
Preparation ................................................................15
COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLS..............................15
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Troubleshooting .........................................................15
Components...............................................................16
On-vehicle Service.....................................................16
REAR SUSPENSION PARTS...................................16
Removal and Installation ...........................................17
Coil Spring and Shock Absorber ...............................18
COMPONENTS.......................................................18
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION...............................19
INSPECTION...........................................................19
Upper Link, Lower Link and Panhard Rod ................19
INSPECTION...........................................................19
BUSHING REPLACEMENT.......................................19
INSTALLATION........................................................20
Stabilizer Bar .............................................................20
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION...............................20
Service Data and Specifications (SDS).....................20
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (REAR).......................20
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SBR686C
Precautions
PRECAUTIONSNBSU0001IWhen installing rubber parts, final tightening must be car-
ried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground.
*Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
IUse flare nut wrench when removing and installing brake
tubes.
IAfter installing removed suspension parts, check wheel
alignment and adjust if necessary.
IAlways torque brake lines when installing.
Preparation
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLSNBSU0002The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
ST29020001
(J24319-01)
Ball joint remover
NT694
Removing tie-rod outer end and lower ball joint
a: 34 mm (1.34 in)
b: 6.5 mm (0.256 in)
c: 61.5 mm (2.421 in)
COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLSNBSU0003
Tool name Description
1 Flare nut crowfoot
2 Torque wrench
NT360
Removing and installing each brake piping
a: 10 mm (0.39 in)
Spring compressor
NT717
Removing and installing coil spring
FRONT SUSPENSION
Precautions
SU-2

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Troubleshooting
=NBSU0035NVH TROUBLESHOOTING CHARTNBSU0035S01Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
Reference page
SU-4, 16
SU-8, 18
Ð
Ð
Ð
SU-8, 18
SU-6
SU-10, 20
SU-6
Ð
Ð
Ð
Ð
Ð
Ð
PD-3
PD-3
AX-3
AX-3
Refer to SUSPENSION
in this chart.
Refer to TIRES
in this chart.
Refer to ROAD WHEEL
in this chart.
BR-6
ST-6
Possible cause and
SUSPECTED
PA R T S
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
Out-of-round
Imbalance
Incorrect air pressure
Uneven tire wear
Deformation or damage
Non-uniformity
Incorrect tire size
PROPELLER SHAFT
DIFFERENTIAL
DRIVE SHAFT
AXLE
SUSPENSION
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
BRAKES
STEERING Symptom
SUSPENSION
Noise´ ´ ´´´´ ´´´´ ´ ´ ´´
Shake´´´´´ ´´´ ´´´´
Vibration´ ´ ´´´ ´ ´´ ´ ´
Shimmy´´´´ ´ ´ ´ ´´´
Judder´´´ ´ ´ ´´´
Poor quality
ride or han-
dling´ ´ ´´´ ´´ ´ ´ ´
TIRES
Noise´ ´´´´´´ ´´´´ ´ ´ ´´
Shake´ ´´´´´ ´´ ´´ ´ ´ ´´
Vibration´´´´´´ ´
Shimmy´ ´´´´´´´ ´ ´ ´ ´´
Judder´ ´´´´´ ´ ´ ´ ´ ´´
Poor quality
ride or han-
dling´ ´´´´´ ´ ´ ´ ´
ROAD WHEEL
Noise´ ´´ ´ ´´´´ ´ ´ ´´
Shake´ ´´ ´ ´ ´´ ´ ´ ´´
Shimmy,
Judder´´´´´´´´´
Poor quality
ride or han-
dling´´´´´´´
´: Applicable
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FRONT SUSPENSION
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting
SU-3

SFA975B
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENTNBSU0006Before checking front wheel alignment, be sure to make a prelimi-
nary inspection (Unladen*).
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand
tools and mats in designated positions.
Preliminary InspectionNBSU0006S011. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.
If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
NOTE:
Measure both the inner and outer sides for the radial runout and
lateral runout, and confirm the figures are within the standards.
Wheel runout (Dial indicator value):
Refer to SDS.
3. Check front wheel bearings for looseness.
4. Check front suspension for looseness.
5. Check steering linkage for looseness.
6. Check that front shock absorbers work properly.
7. Check vehicle posture (Unladen).
SFA894
Camber, Caster and Kingpin InclinationNBSU0006S02Camber, caster and kingpin inclination are preset at factory
and cannot be adjusted.
1. Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right
and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
Camber, Caster and Kingpin inclination:
Refer to SDS, SU-13.
2. If camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within
specification, inspect front suspension parts. Replace dam-
aged or worn out parts.
FRONT SUSPENSION
On-vehicle Service (Cont'd)
SU-6