INFINITI QX56 2004 Factory Service Manual

BL-6
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSISPFP:00000
Work FlowEIS0 02 R1
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
Interview the customer if possible, to determine the conditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interview to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any
customer's comments; refer BL-10, "
Diagnostic Worksheet" . This information is necessary to duplicate the
conditions that exist when the noise occurs.

The customer may not be able to provide a detailed description or the location of the noise. Attempt to
obtain all the facts and conditions that exist when the noise occurs (or does not occur).

If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer
is concerned about. This can be accomplished by test driving the vehicle with the customer.

After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics.The noise characteristics
are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.

Squeak —(Like tennis shoes on a clean floor)
Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard sur-
faces = higher pitch noise/softer surfaces = lower pitch noises/edge to surface = chirping

Creak—(Like walking on an old wooden floor)
Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow movement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch
dependent on materials/often brought on by activity.

Rattle—(Like shaking a baby rattle)
Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contact/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.

Knock —(Like a knock on a door)
Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/sometimes repeating/often brought on by driver action.

Tick—(Like a clock second hand)
Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of light materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.

Thump—(Heavy, muffled knock noise)
Thump characteristics include softer knock/dead sound often drought on by activity.

Buzz—(Like a bumble bee)
Buzz characteristics include high frequency rattle/firm contact.

Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may
judge as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.

Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperature, may have a great effect on noise level.
SBT 8 42

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
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DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE
If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or location of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle "twist".
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on A/T model).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.

Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.

If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the vehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the
vehicle body.
CHECK RELATED SERVICE BULLETINS
After verifying the customer concern or symptom, check ASIST for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related
to that concern or symptom.
If a TSB relates to the symptom, follow the procedure to repair the noise.
LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
1. Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pinpoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool
(Chassis Ear: J-39570, Engine Ear: J-39565 and mechanic's stethoscope).
2. Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by:

removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from.
Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fastener can be broken
or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.

tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise.
Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only
temporarily.

feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the
noise.

placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.

looking for loose components and contact marks.
Refer to BL-8, "
Generic Squeak and Rattle Troubleshooting" .
REPAIR THE CAUSE

If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.

If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
–separate components by repositioning or loosening and retightening the component, if possible.
–insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or ure-
thane tape. A Nissan Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980) is available through your authorized Nissan Parts
Department.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
The following materials are contained in the Nissan Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980). Each item can be
ordered separately as needed.
URETHANE PADS [1.5 mm (0.059 in) thick]
Insulates connectors, harness, etc.
76268-9E005: 100×135 mm (3.94×5.31 in)/76884-71L01: 60×85 mm (2.36×3.35 in)/76884-71L02: 15×25
mm (0.59×0.98 in)
INSULATOR (Foam blocks)
Insulates components from contact. Can be used to fill space behind a panel.
73982-9E000: 45 mm (1.77 in) thick, 50×50 mm (1.97×1.97 in)/73982-50Y00: 10 mm (0.39 in) thick,
50×50 mm (1.97×1.97 in)
INSULATOR (Light foam block)

BL-8
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
80845-71L00: 30 mm (1.18 in) thick, 30×50 mm (1.18×1.97 in)
FELT CLOTH TAPE
Used to insulate where movement does not occur.Ideal for instrument panel applications.
68370-4B000: 15×25 mm (0.59×0.98 in) pad/68239-13E00: 5 mm (0.20 in) wide tape roll The following materi-
als, not found in the kit, can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
UHMW (TEFLON) TAPE
Insulates where slight movement is present. Ideal for instrument panel applications.
SILICONE GREASE
Used in place of UHMW tape that will be visible or not fit.
Note: Will only last a few months.
SILICONE SPRAY
Use when grease cannot be applied.
DUCT TAPE
Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingEIS0 02 R2
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1. The cluster lid A and instrument panel
2. Acrylic lens and combination meter housing
3. Instrument panel to front pillar garnish
4. Instrument panel to windshield
5. Instrument panel mounting pins
6. Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter
7. A/C defroster duct and duct joint
These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noise. Most of these incidents can be repaired by apply-
ing felt cloth tape or silicone spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate wiring har-
ness.
CAUTION:
Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or rattle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you will
not be able to recheck the repair.
CENTER CONSOLE
Components to pay attention to include:
1. Shifter assembly cover to finisher
2. A/C control unit and cluster lid C
3. Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit
The instrument panel repair and isolation procedures also apply to the center console.
DOORS
Pay attention to the:
1. Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise
2. Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher
3. Wiring harnesses tapping
4. Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops
Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them while driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the areas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks from
the Nissan Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-43980) to repair the noise.

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
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BACK DOOR
Back door noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the rear of the vehicle by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Back door bumpers out of adjustment
2. Back door striker out of adjustment
3. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, securing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINER
Noises in the sunroof/headliner area can often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sun visor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headliner and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (FRONT AND REAR)
Overhead console noises are often caused by the console panel clips not being engaged correctly. Most of
these incidents are repaired by pushing up on the console at the clip locations until the clips engage.
In addition look for:
1. Loose harness or harness connectors.
2. Front console map/reading lamp lense loose.
3. Loose screws at console attachment points.
SEATS
When isolating seat noise it's important to note the position the seat is in and the load placed on the seat when
the noise is present. These conditions should be duplicated when verifying and isolating the cause of the
noise.
Cause of seat noise include:
1. Headrest rods and holder
2. A squeak between the seat pad cushion and frame
3. The rear seatback lock and bracket
These noises can be isolated by moving or pressing on the suspected components while duplicating the con-
ditions under which the noise occurs. Most of these incidents can be repaired by repositioning the component
or applying urethane tape to the contact area.
UNDERHOOD
Some interior noise may be caused by components under the hood or on the engine wall. The noise is then
transmitted into the passenger compartment.
Causes of transmitted underhood noise include:
1. Any component mounted to the engine wall
2. Components that pass through the engine wall
3. Engine wall mounts and connectors
4. Loose radiator mounting pins
5. Hood bumpers out of adjustment
6. Hood striker out of adjustment
These noises can be difficult to isolate since they cannot be reached from the interior of the vehicle. The best
method is to secure, move or insulate one component at a time and test drive the vehicle. Also, engine RPM
or load can be changed to isolate the noise. Repairs can usually be made by moving, adjusting, securing, or
insulating the component causing the noise.

BL-10
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
Diagnostic WorksheetEIS0 02 R3
SBT 8 60

SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
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Revision: August 20072004 QX56
SBT 8 44

BL-12
HOOD
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
HOODPFP:F5100
Fitting AdjustmentEIS0 02 R4
1. Hood hinge 2. Hood stay 3. Hood lock assembly
4. Hood assembly 5. Front grille 6. Headlamp
7. Front fender 8. Front bumper fascia
LIIA1442E

HOOD
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CLEARANCE AND SURFACE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
1. Remove the hood lock assembly and adjust the height by rotating the bumper rubber until the hood clear-
ance of hood and fender becomes 1 mm (0.04 in) lower than fitting standard dimension.
2. Temporarily tighten the hood lock, and position it by engaging it with the hood striker. Check the lock and
striker for looseness, and tighten the lock bolts to the specified torque.
3. Adjust the clearance and surface height of hood and fender according to the fitting standard dimension by
rotating right and left bumper rubbers.
CAUTION:
Adjust right/left gap between hood and each part to the following specification.
HOOD LOCK ADJUSTMENT
1. Move the hood lock to the left or right so that striker center is vertically aligned with hood lock center
(when viewed from vehicle front).
2. Make sure the secondary latch is properly engaged with the sec-
ondary striker with hood's own weight by dropping it from
approx. 200 mm (7.87 in) height or by pressing it lightly approx.
3 kg (29 N, 7lb).
CAUTION:
Do not drop the hood from 300 mm (11.81 in) height or
higher.
3. After adjusting hood lock, tighten the lock bolts to the specified
torque.
Removal and Installation of Hood AssemblyEIS002R5
1. Support the hood striker with a proper material to prevent it from
falling.
WAR NIN G:
Body injury may occur if no supporting rod is holding the
hood open when removing the damper stay.
2. Remove the hinge nuts from the hood to remove the hood
assembly.
CAUTION:
Operate with two workers, because of its heavy weight.
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.Hood and headlamp (B–B) : Less than 2.0 mm
PIIA3806E
LIIA1443E

BL-14
HOOD
Revision: August 20072004 QX56
Removal and Installation of Hood Lock ControlEIS0 02 R6
REMOVAL
1. Remove the front fender protector (LH). Refer to EI-23, "FENDER PROTECTOR" .
2. Disconnect the hood lock primary and secondary hood lock cables from the hood lock. Unclip the primary
cable from the radiator core support upper and hood ledge.
3. Remove the hood lock assembly.
4. Remove the secondary hood lock release assembly.
5. Remove the grommet on the dashboard, and pull the primary hood lock cable toward the passenger
room.
CAUTION:
While pulling, be careful not to damage the outside of the hood lock cable.
1. Hood lock assembly 2. Secondary hood lock release
assembly3. Secondary hood lock cable
4. Primary hood lock cable 5. Grommet 6. Hood lock release handle
LIIA1444E

HOOD
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INSTALLATION
1. Pull the hood lock cable through the panel hole to the engine room.
Be careful not to bend the cable too much, keeping the radius
100mm (3.94 in) or more.
2. Make sure the cable is not offset from the grommet, and push
the grommet into the panel hole securely.
3. Apply sealant to the grommet (at * mark) properly.
4. Install the primary and secondary cables securely to the hood
lock.
5. Install the hood lock and the secondary hood lock release
assemblies.
6. Check the hood lock adjustment and hood opener operation.
Refer to BL-12, "
Fitting Adjustment" .
Hood Lock Control InspectionEIS002R7
CAUTION:
If the hood lock cable is bent or deformed, replace it.
1. Make sure the secondary latch is properly engaged with the sec-
ondary striker with hood's own weight by dropping it from
approx. 200 mm (7.87 in) height.
2. While operating the hood opener, carefully make sure the front
end of the hood is raised by approx. 20 mm (0.79 in). Also make
sure the hood opener returns to the original position.
3. Check the hood lock lubrication condition. If necessary, apply
“body grease” to the points shown in the figure.
PIIA0173E
PIIA0174E
PIIA1086E
PIIA0176E