check engine NISSAN ALMERA 2001 Service Manual

STEERING SYSTEM
SECTION
ST
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS...............................................................2
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)²AIR
BAG²and²SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER²...............2
Precautions for Steering System .................................2
PREPARATION...............................................................3
Special Service Tools ..................................................3
Commercial Service Tool .............................................4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING.....................................................5
NVH Troubleshooting Chart.........................................5
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE..................................................6
Checking Steering Wheel Play ....................................6
Checking Neutral Position on Steering Wheel ............6
PRE-CHECKING........................................................6
CHECKING...............................................................6
Front Wheel Turning Angle ..........................................6
Checking Gear Housing Movement ............................6
Checking and Adjusting Drive Belts ............................7
Checking Steering Gear and Linkage .........................7
STEERING GEAR......................................................7
STEERING LINKAGE.................................................7
Checking Fluid Level ...................................................7
Checking Fluid Leakage ..............................................7
Bleeding Hydraulic System..........................................8
Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force ....................8
Checking Hydraulic System.........................................9
STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN......... 11
Components............................................................... 11
Removal and Installation ........................................... 11
STEERING WHEEL................................................. 11
STEERING COLUMN...............................................12
Disassembly and Assembly .......................................14
Inspection...................................................................15
TILT MECHANISM...................................................15
POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE................16
Components...............................................................16
Removal and Installation ...........................................17
Disassembly...............................................................18
Inspection...................................................................19
BOOT.....................................................................19
RACK.....................................................................19
GEAR SUB-ASSEMBLY...........................................19
GEAR HOUSING CYLINDER....................................19
TIE-ROD OUTER AND INNER SOCKETS..................20
Assembly ...................................................................20
Adjustment .................................................................23
POWER STEERING OIL PUMP (QG ENGINE)...........25
Components...............................................................25
Pre-disassembly Inspection .......................................25
Disassembly...............................................................26
Inspection...................................................................27
Assembly ...................................................................27
POWER STEERING OIL PUMP (YD ENGINE)............29
Components...............................................................29
Pre-disassembly Inspection .......................................29
Removal and Installation ...........................................30
Disassembly...............................................................30
Inspection...................................................................31
Assembly ...................................................................32
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS).........33
General Specifications ...............................................33
Steering Wheel ..........................................................33
Steering Column ........................................................33
Steering Gear and Linkage .......................................34
Power Steering ..........................................................35

Checking and Adjusting Drive BeltsNJST0011Refer to EM-16, ªChecking Drive Beltsº.
SMA851B
Checking Steering Gear and LinkageNJST0037STEERING GEARNJST0037S01+Check gear housing and boots for looseness, damage or
grease leakage.
+Check connection with steering column for looseness.
STEERING LINKAGENJST0037S02+Check ball joint, dust cover and other component parts for
looseness, wear, damage or grease leakage.
YST003
Checking Fluid LevelNJST0012Check fluid level, referring to the scale on reservoir tank.
Use ªHOTº range for fluid temperatures of 50 to 80ÉC (122 to
176ÉF).
Use ªCOLDº range for fluid temperatures of 0 to 30ÉC (32 to 86ÉF).
CAUTION:
+Do not overfill.
+Recommended fluid is DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent. Refer
to MA-16, ªFluids and Lubricantsº.
YST006
YST007
Checking Fluid LeakageNJST0013Check the lines for improper attachment and for leaks, cracks,
damage, loose connections, chafing and deterioration.
1. Run engine between idle speed and 1,000 rpm.
Make sure temperature of fluid in oil tank rises to 60 to 80ÉC
(140 to 176ÉF).
2. Turn steering wheel right-to-left several times.
3. Hold steering wheel at each ªlockº position for five seconds
and carefully check for fluid leakage.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more
than 15 seconds.
4. If fluid leakage at connectors is noticed, loosen flare nut and
then retighten.
Do not overtighten connector as this can damage O-ring,
washer and connector.
5. If fluid leakage from power steering pump is noticed, check
power steering pump. Refer to ST-25.
6. Check rack boots for accumulation of power steering fluid.
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Checking and Adjusting Drive Belts
ST-7

Bleeding Hydraulic SystemNJST00141. Raise front end of vehicle until wheels are clear of the ground.
2. Add fluid into oil tank to specified level. Then quickly turn steer-
ing wheel fully to right and left and lightly touch steering stop-
pers.
Repeat steering wheel operation until fluid level no longer
decreases.
3. Start engine.
Repeat step 2. above.
+Incomplete air bleeding will cause the following to occur. When
this happens, bleed air again.
a) Air bubbles in reservoir tank
b) Clicking noise in oil pump
c) Excessive buzzing in oil pump
Fluid noise may occur in the valve or oil pump. This is common
when the vehicle is stationary or while turning the steering wheel
slowly. This does not affect the performance or durability of the
system.
SST491B
SST090B
Checking Steering Wheel Turning ForceNJST00151. Park vehicle on a level, dry surface and set parking brake.
2. Start engine.
3. Bring power steering fluid up to adequate operating tempera-
ture. [Make sure temperature of fluid is approximately 60 to
80ÉC (140 to 176ÉF).]
Tires need to be inflated to normal pressure.
4. Check steering wheel turning force when steering wheel has
been turned 360É from the neutral position.
Steering wheel turning force:
39 N (4 kg, 9 lb) or less
5. If steering wheel turning force is out of specification, check
rack sliding force.
a. Disconnect steering column lower joint and knuckle arms from
the gear.
b. Start and run engine at idle to make sure steering fluid has
reached normal operating temperature.
c. Pull tie-rod slowly to move it from neutral position to±11.5 mm
(±0.453 in) at speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 in)/s. Check that rack
sliding force is within specification.
Average rack sliding force:
Sedan
152 - 240 N (15.5 - 24.5 kg, 34 - 54 lb)
Hatchback
132 - 308 N (13.5 - 31.4 kg, 30 - 69 lb)
Maximum force deviation:
Sedan
98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)
Hatchback
176 N (17.9 kg, 39 lb)
d. Check sliding force outside the above range at rack speed of
40 mm (1.75 in)/s.
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Bleeding Hydraulic System
ST-8

Rack sliding force (Sedan only):
Not more than 294 N (30 kg, 66 lb)
Maximum force deviation:
147 N (15 kg, 33 lb)
6. If rack sliding force is not within specification, overhaul steer-
ing gear assembly.
7. If rack sliding force is OK, inspect steering column. Refer to
ST-14.
SST834-I
Checking Hydraulic SystemNJST0016Before starting, check belt tension, driving pulley and tire pressure.
1. Set Tool. Open shut-off valve. Then bleed air. Refer to ªBleed-
ing Hydraulic Systemº, ST-8.
2. Run engine at idle speed or 1,000 rpm.
Make sure temperature of fluid in tank rises to 60 to 80ÉC (140
to 176ÉF).
WARNING:
Warm up engine with shut-off valve fully opened. If engine is
started with shut-off valve closed, fluid pressure in oil pump
increases to maximum. This will raise oil temperature abnor-
mally.
3. Check pressure with steering wheel fully turned to left and right
positions with engine idling at 1,000 rpm.
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel in a locked position for more
than 15 seconds.
Oil pump maximum standard pressure:
QG15 engine (Sedan)
7,600 - 8,200 kPa (76.0 - 82.0 bar, 77.5 - 83.6
kg/cm
2, 1,102 - 1,189 psi)
QG 18 engine (Sedan)
8,600 - 9,200 kPa (86.0 - 92.0 bar, 87.7 - 93.8
kg/cm
2, 1,247 - 1,334 psi)
QG15, 18 engine (Hatchback)
8,600 - 9,200 kPa (86.0 - 92.0 bar, 88.7 - 93.8
kg/cm
2, 1,247 - 1,334 psi)
YD22 engine
8,800 - 9,400 kPa (88.0 - 94.0 bar, 88.7 - 95.8
kg/cm
2, 1,261 - 1,362 psi)
+If pressure reaches maximum operating pressure, system is
OK.
+If pressure increases above maximum operating pressure,
check power steering pump flow control valve. Refer to ST-25.
4. If power steering pressure is below the maximum operating
pressure, slowly close shut-off valve and check pressure
again.
CAUTION:
Do not close shut-off valve for more than 15 seconds.
+If pressure increases to maximum operating pressure, gear is
damaged. Refer to ªRemoval and Installationº, ST-17.
+If pressure remains below maximum operating pressure, pump
is damaged. Refer to ªDisassemblyº, ST-26.
5. After checking hydraulic system, remove Tool and add fluid as
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Checking Steering Wheel Turning Force (Cont'd)
ST-9

SST713C
10. Prevent adjusting screw from turning, and tighten lock nut to
specified torque.
SST090B
11. Check rack sliding force on vehicle as follows:
a. Install steering gear onto vehicle, but do not connect tie-rod to
knuckle arm.
b. Connect all piping and fill with steering fluid.
c. Start engine and bleed air completely.
d. Disconnect steering column lower joint from the gear.
e. Keep engine at idle and make sure steering fluid has reached
normal operating temperature.
f. Pull tie-rod slowly to move it from neutral position to±11.5 mm
(±0.453 in) at speed of 3.5 mm (0.138 in)/s. Check that rack
sliding force is within specification.
Average rack sliding force:
Sedan
152 - 240 N (15.5 - 24.5 kg, 34.2 - 54.0 lb)
Hatchback
132 - 308 N (13.5 - 31.4 kg, 30 - 69 lb)
Maximum force deviation:
Sedan
98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)
Hatchback
176 N (17.9 kg, 39 lb)
g. Check sliding force outside above range at rack speed of 40
mm (1.57 in)/s.
Maximum rack sliding force (Sedan only):
294 N (30 kg, 66 lb)
Maximum force deviation (Sedan only):
147 N (15 kg, 33 lb)
+If rack sliding force is not within specification, readjust by
repeating adjustment procedure from the beginning.
+If rack sliding force is still out of specification after
readjustment, gear assembly needs to be replaced.
POWER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE
Adjustment (Cont'd)
ST-24

SBR686C
Precautions
PRECAUTIONSNJSU0001+When installing rubber parts, final tightening must be car-
ried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground.
Oil will shorten the life of rubber bushes. Be sure to wipe
off any spilled oil.
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
+After installing removed suspension parts, check wheel
alignment and adjust if necessary.
+Use flare nut wrench when removing or installing brake
tubes.
+Always torque brake lines when installing.
+Lock nuts are unreusable parts; always use new ones.
When replacing, do not wipe the oil off the new lock nut
before tightening.
Preparation
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLSNJSU0002
Tool number
Tool nameDescription
HT72520000
Ball joint remover
NT146
Removing tie-rod outer end and lower ball joint
COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLSNJSU0003
Tool name Description
Attachment Wheel align-
ment
NT148
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)
1 Flare nut crowfoot
2 Torque wrench
NT360
Removing and installing each brake piping
a: 10 mm (0.39 in)
FRONT SUSPENSION
Precautions
SU-2

SMA525A
On-vehicle Service
FRONT SUSPENSION PARTSNJSU0006Check front axle and front suspension parts for excessive play,
cracks, wear or other damage.
+Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play.
+Make sure that cotter pin is inserted.
+Retighten all axle and suspension nuts and bolts to the speci-
fied torque.
Tightening torque:
Refer to ªFRONT SUSPENSIONº, SU-5.
SFA392B
+Check strut (shock absorber) for oil leakage or other damage.
+Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint
dust cover for cracks or other damage.
If ball joint dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace trans-
verse link.
SFA818AA
+Check spring height from top of wheelarch to the ground.
a) Vehicle must be unladen*, parked on a level surface, and tires
checked for proper inflation and wear (tread wear indicator
must not be showing).
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
b) Bounce vehicle up and down several times before measuring.
Standard height: Refer to SDS, SU-15.
c) Spring height is not adjustable. If out of specification, check for
worn springs or suspension parts.
SSU031
+Check suspension ball joint end play.
a) Jack up front of vehicle and set the stands.
b) Clamp dial indicator onto transverse link and place indicator tip
on lower edge of brake caliper.
c) Make sure front wheels are straight and brake pedal is
depressed.
d) Place a pry bar between transverse link and inner rim of road
wheel.
e) While raising and releasing pry bar, observe maximum dial
indicator value.
Vertical end play: 0 mm (0 in)
f) If ball joint movement is beyond specifications, remove and
replace it.
FRONT SUSPENSION
On-vehicle Service
SU-6

SFA975B
BALANCING WHEELSNJSU0042Preliminary InspectionNJSU0042S011. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.
If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
a. Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on a tire balance
machine.
b. Set dial indicator as shown in the illustration.
Wheel runout (Dial indicator value):
Refer to SDS, SU-15.
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).
SMA829C
TIRE ROTATIONNJSU0043+Do not include the T-type spare tire when rotating the tires.
Wheel nuts:
: 98 - 118 N´m (10.0 - 12.0 kg-m, 72 - 87 ft-lb)
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENTNJSU0045Before 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.
SRA096A
Camber, Caster and Kingpin InclinationNJSU0045S01Camber, 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-14.
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-7

SBR686C
Precautions
PRECAUTIONSNJSU0024+When installing each rubber part, final tightening must be
carried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground.
Oil will shorten the life of rubber bushes. Be sure to wipe
off any spilled oil.
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack,
hand tools and mats in designated positions.
+Use flare nut wrench when removing or installing brake
tubes.
+After installing removed suspension parts, check wheel
alignment.
+Do not jack up at the trailing arm and lateral link.
+Always torque brake lines when installing.
+Lock nuts are unreusable parts; always use new ones.
When replacing, do not wipe the oil off of the new lock nut
before tightening.
Preparation
COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLSNJSU0026
Tool name Description
Equivalent to
1 Flare nut crowfoot
2 Torque wrench
NT360
Removing and installing brake piping
a: 10 mm (0.39 in)
Spring compressor
NT717
Removing and installing coil spring
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Troubleshooting
NJSU0027Refer to ªNoise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshootingº,
ªFRONT SUSPENSIONº, SU-4.
REAR SUSPENSION
Precautions
SU-16

SMA525A
On-vehicle Service
REAR SUSPENSION PARTSNJSU0029Check axle and suspension parts for excessive play, wear or dam-
age.
+Shake each rear wheel to check for excessive play.
SSU036
+Retighten all nuts and bolts to the specified torque.
Tightening torque:
Refer to ªREAR SUSPENSIONº, SU-17.
SMA113
+Check shock absorber for oil leakage or other damage.
+Check wheelarch height. Refer to ªOn-vehicle Serviceº,
ªFRONT SUSPENSION PARTSº, SU-6.
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENTNJSU0030Before checking rear 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.
SFA975B
Preliminary InspectionNJSU0030S011. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.
If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.
a. Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on a tire balance
machine.
b. Set dial indicator as shown in the illustration.
Wheel runout (Dial indicator value):
Refer to SDS, SU-15.
3. Check front wheel bearings for looseness.
4. Check front suspension for looseness.
REAR SUSPENSION
On-vehicle Service
SU-18