Ins INFINITI QX56 2004 Factory Service Manual

FSU-1
FRONT SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
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SECTION FSU
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B
FSU
Revision: August 20072004 QX56 PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Precautions .............................................................. 2
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3
Special Service Tools ............................................... 3
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 3
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ........................... 5
Components ............................................................. 5
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE ............................................. 6
Front Suspension Parts ............................................ 6
Front Wheel Alignment ............................................. 6
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMEN-
DATIONS .............................................................. 6
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS .............................. 7
CAMBER AND CASTER ....................................... 7
TOE-IN .................................................................. 8
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE ..................... 8
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER ............... 10
Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
REMOVAL ........................................................... 10
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
Disassembly and Assembly ................................... 10
DISASSEMBLY ................................................... 10
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY ............... 10
ASSEMBLY ..........................................................11STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 12
Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
REMOVAL ........................................................... 12
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 12
INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
UPPER LINK ............................................................. 13
Removal and Installation ........................................ 13
REMOVAL ........................................................... 13
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 13
INSTALLATION ................................................... 13
LOWER LINK ............................................................ 14
Removal and Installation ........................................ 14
REMOVAL ........................................................... 14
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 14
INSTALLATION ................................................... 14
UPPER BALL JOINT AND LOWER BALL JOINT ... 15
Removal and Installation ........................................ 15
Inspection ............................................................... 15
SWINGING FORCE ............................................ 15
TURNING FORCE ............................................... 15
VERTICAL END PLAY ........................................ 16
KNUCKLE ................................................................. 17
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service ......................... 17
Removal and Installation ........................................ 17
REMOVAL ........................................................... 17
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 18
INSTALLATION ................................................... 19
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 20
General Specifications (Front) ................................ 20
Wheel Alignment (Unladen*
1 ) ................................ 20
Ball Joint ................................................................. 21
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*
1 ) .............................. 21

FSU-2
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
PrecautionsEES0010D

When installing the rubber bushings, the final tightening must be done under unladen condition and with
the tires on level ground. Oil will shorten the life of the rubber bushings, so wipe off any spilled oil immedi-
ately.

Unladen condition means the fuel tank, engine coolant and lubricants are at the full specification. The
spare tire, jack, hand tools, and mats are in their designated positions.

After installing suspension components, check the wheel alignment.

Lock nuts are not reusable. Always use new lock nuts for installation. New lock nuts are pre-oiled, do not
apply any additional lubrication.

PREPARATION
FSU-3
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Revision: August 20072004 QX56
PREPARATIONPFP:00002
Special Service ToolsEES0010E
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Commercial Service ToolsEES0010F
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool nameDescription
ST29020001
(J-24319-01)
Gear arm pullerRemoving ball joint for knuckle spindle
a: 34 mm (1.34 in)
b: 6.5 mm (0.256 in)
c: 61.5 mm (2.421 in)
HT72520000
(J-25730-A)
Ball joint removerRemoving tie-rod outer end
NT694
NT146
Tool nameDescription
Attachment wheel alignment Measure wheel alignment
a: Screw M24 x 1.5 pitch
b: 35 mm (1.38 in) dia.
c: 65 mm (2.56 in) dia.
d: 56 mm (2.20 in)
e: 12 mm (0.47 in)
Spring compressor Removing and installing coil spring
Power toolLoosening bolts and nuts
NT148
NT717
PBIC0190E

FSU-4
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartEES0010G
Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. Repair or replace parts as necessary.
x: ApplicableReference page
FSU-5FSU-10FSU-5FSU-5FSU-21FSU-6FSU-6FSU-6
PR-3, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
FFD-7, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
FAX -4, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
WT-3, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
WT-3, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
BR-5, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
PS-5, "
NVH Troubleshooting Chart
"
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
AXLE
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
BRAKES
STEERING
SymptomNoise× × ×××× × × × × × ××
Shake×××× × × ×××××
Vib ratio n××××× × ×× ×
Shimmy× × ×× × × × × ××
Shudder××× ×××××
Poor quality ride or handling××××× ×× ×××

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU-5
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Revision: August 20072004 QX56
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:54010
ComponentsEES0010H
1. Washer 2. Spacer 3. Shock absorber mounting insulator
4. Shock absorber bushing 5. Upper seat 6. Coil spring
7. Dust cover 8. Shock absorber 9. Upper link
10. Steering knuckle 11. Cotter pin 12. Drive shaft
13. Lower link 14. Bolt 15. Jounce bumper
16. Cam washer 17. Stabilizer bar 18. Stabilizer bar bushing
19. Stabilizer bar mounting bracket 20. Connecting rod
WEIA0083E

FSU-6
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
ON-VEHICLE SERVICEPFP:00000
Front Suspension PartsEES0010I
Check front suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear and
other damage.

Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play.
If looseness is noted, inspect wheel bearing end play, then
check ball joint end play. Refer to FSU-15, "
Inspection" .

Make sure that the cotter pin is inserted (4WD only).

Retighten all nuts and bolts to the specified torque.

Check shock absorber for oil leakage and other damage.

Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint
dust cover for cracks and other damage.
Front Wheel AlignmentEES0010J
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
WAR NIN G:
Always adjust the alignment with the vehicle on a flat surface.
NOTE:
If alignment is out of specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn rear suspension parts before
making any adjustments.
1. Check and adjust the wheel alignment with the vehicle under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions”
means that the fuel, coolant, and lubricant are full; and that the spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in
their designated positions.
2. Check the tires for incorrect air pressure and excessive wear.
3. Check the wheels for run out and damage. Refer to WT-4, "
Inspection" .
4. Check the wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-5, "
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION" .
5. Check the shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
6. Check each mounting point of the suspension components for any excessive looseness or damage.
7. Check each link, arm, and the rear suspension member for any damage.
8. Check the vehicle height. Refer to FSU-21, "
Wheelarch Height (Unladen*1 )" .

For air leveling vehicles, verify the level using Consult-II memory register 1103 and set to 0 ± 10 mm (0
± 0.39 in) as necessary.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A Four-Wheel Thrust Alignment should be performed.

This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN vehicle.

The four-wheel “thrust” process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel
is centered.

The alignment machine itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN vehicle.

The alignment machine should be checked to ensure that it is level.
2. Make sure the alignment machine is properly calibrated.

Your alignment machine should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.Suspension component torques : Refer to FSU-5,
"Components" .
SM A52 5A
SFA392B

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
FSU-7
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FSU
Revision: August 20072004 QX56

Check with the manufacturer of your specific alignment machine for their recommended Service/Cali-
bration Schedule.
THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS
IMPORTANT: Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual. Refer to FSU-21,
"Wheelarch Height (Unladen*1 )" .
1. 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 alignment machine that operate these indicators
may not be correct.

This may result in an ERROR.
2. 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 are using for more information.
CAMBER AND CASTER
1. Measure camber and caster of both the right and left wheels
with a suitable alignment gauge and adjust as necessary to
specification.
2. If outside of the specified value, adjust camber and caster using
the adjusting bolts in the front lower link.
CAUTION:
After adjusting the camber then check the toe-in.
NOTE:
Camber changes about 3' (0.11°) with each graduation of one
adjusting bolt. Refer to table below for examples of lower link
adjusting bolt effect on camber and caster.
3. Tighten the adjusting bolt nuts to specification. Refer to FSU-5, "
Components" . Camber : Refer to FSU-20, "
Wheel Alignment
(Unladen*1 )" .
SRA0 96 A
LEIA0092E
Rear adjusting
bolt1 In 1 Out 1 In 1 Out 0 0 1 In 1 Out
Front adjusting
bolt1 Out 1 In 1 In 1 Out 1 In 1 Out 0 0
Camber
Degree minute
(Decimal degree)0 (0) 0 (0) 7' (0.11°)-7' (-0.11°)3' (0.11°) -3' (-0.11°)3' (0.11°) -3' (-0.11°)
Caster
Degree minute
(Decimal degree)-14' (-0.11°) 14' (0.11°) 0 (0) 0 (0) 7' (0.11°) -7' (-0.11°)-7' (-0.11°)7' (0.11°)

FSU-8
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
TOE-IN
WAR NIN G:

Always perform the following procedure on a flat surface.

Make sure that no person is in front of the vehicle before pushing it.
1. Bounce the front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the vehicle height (posture).
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both front tires
at the same height as hub center as shown. These marks are
measuring points.
4. Measure the distance “A” on the rear side of the front tires as
shown.
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180°
degrees (1/2 a turn).
CAUTION:
If the wheels have rotated more than 180° degrees (1/2
turn), start this procedure again from the beginning. Never
push the vehicle backward.
6. Measure the distance “B” on the front side of the front tires at the
same marks as shown. Total toe-in is calculated as “A” – “B”.
7. Adjust the toe-in by varying the length of the steering outer tie-
rods.
a. Loosen the outer tie-rod lock nuts.
b. Adjust the toe-in by screwing the outer tie-rods in or out.
c. Tighten the outer tie-rod lock nuts to specification.
FRONT WHEEL TURNING ANGLE
1. Start engine and run at idle.
2. Set wheels in straight-ahead position. Then move vehicle for-
ward until front wheels rest on turning radius gauge properly.

Make sure vehicle is level.
3. Rotate steering wheel all the way right and left; measure turning
angle.

If front wheel turning angles are out of the specification, check
if the following parts are worn or damaged.
AFA05 0
Total toe-in : Refer to FSU-20, "Wheel Alignment
(Unladen*1 )" .
SFA234AC
Standard length “L” : Refer to PS-15, "POWER
STEERING GEAR AND LINK-
AGE" .
Lock nut : Refer to PS-15, "
Removal and
Installation" .
SFA486A
Wheel turning angle
(full turn): Refer to FSU-20, "Wheel
Alignment (Unladen*1 )" .
SFA439BA

FSU-10
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBERPFP:56210
Removal and InstallationEES0010K
REMOVAL
1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool.
2. Remove the shock absorber lower bolt using power tool.
3. Remove the three shock absorber upper mounting nuts using
power tool.
4. Remove the coil spring and shock absorber assembly.

Turn steering knuckle out to gain enough clearance for
removal.
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

The step in the shock absorber assembly lower seat faces outside of vehicle.

Tighten all nuts and bolts to specification. Refer to FSU-5, "Components" .

When installing wheel and tire, refer to WT-6, "Rotation" .
Disassembly and AssemblyEES0010L
DISASSEMBLY
1. Set the shock absorber in a vise, then loosen (without removing)
the piston rod lock nut as shown.
CAUTION:
Do not remove piston rod lock nut at this time.
2. Compress the spring using commercial service tool until the
shock absorber mounting insulator can be turned by hand.
WAR NIN G:
Make sure that the pawls of the two spring compressors are
firmly hooked on the spring. The spring compressors must
be tightened alternately and evenly so as not to tilt the
spring.
3. Remove the piston rod lock nut.

Discard the piston rod lock nut, use a new nut for assembly.
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY
Shock Absorber Assembly

Check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension.

Check for oil leakage on welded or gland packing portions.

Check piston rod for cracks, deformation or other damage and replace if necessary.
Mounting Insulator and Rubber Parts
Check cemented rubber-to-metal portion for separation or cracks. Check rubber parts for deterioration and
replace if necessary.
LEIA0093E
SSU0 02
SSU0 03

COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
FSU-11
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Revision: August 20072004 QX56
Coil Spring

Check for cracks, deformation or other damage and replace if necessary.

Check the free spring height.
ASSEMBLY
1. When installing coil spring on shock absorber, it must be posi-
tioned as shown.
2. Install upper mounting insulator as shown in line with lower
shock absorber mount and step in shock absorber lower seat.

The step in the shock absorber lower seat faces outside of
vehicle.
3. Tighten the piston rod lock nut to specification. Refer to FSU-5,
"Components" .

Use a new piston rod lock nut for assembly.Front spring free height
2WD : 325.5 ± 3 mm (12.8 ± 0.1 in)
4WD : 335.0 ± 3 mm (13.2 ± 0.1 in)
SFA508A
WEIA0093E