suspension NISSAN GT-R 2013 R35 Owners Manual

GT-R Overview
GT-R specific information ............................................... GTR-3Warranty information .................................................. GTR-3
Maintenance information ........................................... GTR-3
GT-R special specification parts ................................... GTR-3 Engine oil ....................................................................... GTR-3
Transmission oil ........................................................... GTR-4
Differential oil (front and rear) .................................. GTR-4
Brake fluid ..................................................................... GTR-4
Tires and road wheels ............................................... GTR-4
Suspension ................................................................... GTR-5
Brake pad and disc rotor .......................................... GTR-5
Exhaust muffler and trunk carpet ............................ GTR-6
Exterior parts (spoiler, etc.) ...................................... GTR-6
Dry carbon fiber rear spoiler (if so equipped) ..... GTR-7
GT-R performance optimization services .................... GTR-7 Wheel alignment inspection and adjustment
(if necessary) (including tire
pressure adjustment) ................................................. GTR-8
Increase tightening of the drive shaft and center
nut on hub ..................................................................... GTR-8
Engine settings (balancing right and left
air flow) ........................................................................\
.. GTR-8
Transmission settings ................................................. GTR-9
Checking the exhaust finisher and rear
bumper clearance ....................................................... GTR-9 Increase tightening of the strut support bar
attachment section with the shock absorber .... GTR-9
Break-in schedule ............................................................ GTR-9
Wheel alignment ..................................................... GTR-10
Precautions before driving ........................................... GTR-10 Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF mode .... GTR-10
Summer tires ............................................................ GTR-11
All-season tires ........................................................ GTR-11
Avoiding body damage .......................................... GTR-11
Fuel ........................................................................\
..... GTR-12
Body repair ............................................................... GTR-12
Driving after replacing tires .................................. GTR-12
Additional maintenance items ..................................... GTR-12
Precautions on performance driving .................. GTR-13
Inspection and adjustments before driving ...... GTR-14
Inspection and adjustments after driving .......... GTR-19
GT-R specific vehicle characteristics ........................ GTR-24 Refueling precautions ............................................ GTR-24
Gasoline smell ......................................................... GTR-24
Outside temperature display indicates
higher temperature ................................................. GTR-24
Idle speed is not steady ........................................ GTR-24
Engine speed is restricted .................................... GTR-24
Engine output ........................................................... GTR-24
Distortion of rear spoiler ....................................... GTR-25

The GT-R is NISSAN’s first supercar category
vehicle. The GT-R is equipped with special
systems. These systems are different than those
used on conventional vehicles to allow for the
high performance driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Your vehicle should be maintained by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. Special skills,
knowledge and equipment are necessary to
properly maintain your GT-R.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully,
together with your Warranty Information Booklet
which describes a number of express limitations,
exclusions and ways to void your warranty for
failing to follow the instructions contained in this
Owner’s Manual, including, but not limited to:
.Failure to use proper parts, fuel and fluids,
. Driving with the VDC off,
. Racing,
. Any competitive driving of any sort whatso-
ever,
. Use on a track or driving on any airstrip,
. Modifications, including adding/replacing,
reprogramming, attempting to reprogram,
altering, disconnecting any computer, con-
trol unit or electronic modules, .
Deleting any or all stored information in any
computer, control unit or electronic module
including VSDR,
. Failure to have required GT-R Performance
Optimization Services performed.
In addition, see your tire warranty for specific
limitations or exclusions for operating summer
tires below −208C(−48F) .
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
.Special skills, knowledge and equipment are
necessary to properly inspect and adjust the
GT-R engine, transmission, suspension and
brakes to maintain performance. A GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer has the GT-R
certified technical staff and the special
equipment to properly maintain your GT-R.
. NISSAN recommends maintenance items
that require the replacement of parts, engine
oil, oil filters and air filters should be
performed by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Make sure the specified fluids and
parts are used when the maintenance is
performed. NISSAN also recommends the
replacement of parts such as brakes should
be performed by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
NOTICE
Only use the following specified fluids
and parts in the GT-R to avoid possible
vehicle damage.
ENGINE OIL
Mobil 1 (0W-40) (100% synthetic oil)
Mobil 1 (0W-40) (100% synthetic) is the factory
fill oil. The VR38 engine with its plasma-sprayed
bores was developed using this oil. NISSAN
cannot ensure proper engine operation and
durability if other 0W-40 synthetic oil is used.
If Mobil 1 (0W-40) is not available, Mobil 1
(10W-40) (100% synthetic) may be used;
however, some performance loss may be
noticed.
The use of additives, chemical materials or
abrasive compounds is prohibited.
The use of additives, chemical materials, abra-
sive compounds or other high performance
engine oils may cause internal engine damage.
Engine oil maintenance
.When the vehicle is delivered, the engine oil
level is 0.39 in (10 mm) below the H mark on
the engine oil dipstick for optimum high
GT-R OverviewGTR-3
GT-R SPECIFIC INFORMATION GT-R SPECIAL SPECIFICATION
PARTS

.Using non-genuine GT-R tires may affect the
operation of the VDC system.
Tire replacement:
. When tire replacement is required, replacing
tires as a set of four with new tires is
recommended. However, if a tire is punctu-
red or damaged, it may be possible to
replace only the damaged tire. Determining
whether one tire or a complete set of tires
should be replaced is based on a number of
factors including tire wear and condition.
Contact your GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
They can recommend if an individual tire or a
complete set should be replaced.
. The GT-R uses specially designed run-flat
tires which have a rigid side wall. Special
equipment and procedures are required
when replacing these tires. NISSAN recom-
mends that tire replacement be performed at
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
. Specific tire changing equipment must be
used to remove the GT-R tires from the
wheel and to install the GT-R tires onto the
wheel. It is only possible to reuse the tires
when they have no cracks and/or deforma-
tions on the bead portion of the tire. If the
incorrect equipment is used to remove the
GT-R tires from the wheel and to install the GT-R tires onto the wheel, cracks and
deformation may occur on the bead portion
of the tires meaning that the tires cannot be
reused. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer if the tires need to be removed from
the wheels.
. When reusing tires, contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Road wheels
Using non-genuine GT-R wheels may cause the
following:
.vehicle vibration
. the tire coming loose from the wheel during
a flat tire
. reduced wheel lug nut tightness
SUSPENSION
Genuine GT-R special suspension
Use only genuine GT-R special suspension
components.
Using non-genuine GT-R suspension compo-
nents can affect vehicle performance and may
cause body damage when driving depending on
the road conditions.
BRAKE PAD AND DISC ROTOR
Genuine GT-R brake pads and disc rotors
Use only genuine GT-R brake pads and disc
rotors.
This vehicle is equipped with cross-drilled
floating rotors and radial-mounted six-piston
monoblock calipers. This helps to achieve
excellent stopping performance and fade-resis-
tance.
Using non-genuine GT-R brake pads or rotors
can affect vehicle braking performance and the
operation of the ABS and VDC system.
Replacement of brake pads and disc
rotors
NISSAN generally recommends to replace all
four sets of brake pads and disc rotors at the
same time to maintain maximum brake perfor-
mance.
However, replacing only the brake pads may be
allowed in some cases (four wheels or only front
wheels depending on the conditions). A GT-R
certified technician must inspect the vehicle and
determine that only the brake pads need to be
replaced. In this case, replacing all brake pads
and disc rotors as a set is not necessary.
Note that the replacement of brake pads and the
disc rotors as a set on all four wheels should be
GT-R OverviewGTR-5

GTR-8GT-R Overview
NOTE:
.These inspections will be performed
free of charge for labor at a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer only. Inspec-
tions thereafter are recommended
every 12 months or 12,000 miles
(whichever comes first) at the custo-
mer’s expense. See the 2013 NISSAN
GT-R Warranty Information Booklet for
details.
. Repairs and adjustments involving
parts replacement, etc. determined to
be necessary as a result of these
inspections are performed at the cus-
tomer’s expense.
. See the 2013 NISSAN GT-R Warranty
Information Booklet for significant lim-
itations, exclusions and possible void-
ing of your warranty resulting from
failure to have these necessary inspec-
tions, repairs and/or adjustments per-
formed.
. See the 2013 NISSAN GT-R Service and
Maintenance Guide for a detailed ex-
planation of the GT-R Performance
Optimization Services.WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
AND ADJUSTMENT (if necessary)
(including tire pressure adjustment)
This vehicle is equipped with a high perfor-
mance suspension. The vehicle’s wheel align-
ment needs to be measured and adjusted (if
necessary) by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
as necessary as the vehicle is driven and the
suspension parts break-in.
The wheel alignment can be adjusted by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer in accordance with
specifications for city driving to high perfor-
mance driving.
The tires on the GT-R may have different wear
rates and wear patterns in comparison to
conventional passenger vehicles. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to confirm that
the alignment is within specifications.
Preventing toe-out:
Toe-out can cause uneven tire wear or
damage to areas inside the tires due to
high heat. Be sure to have the wheel
alignment toe-in setting checked and ad-
justed by your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer before any performance driving on
closed circuit tracks. Obey all traffic laws
when on public roads.
Toe-in specification
Front 0.059 in (1.5 mm)
Rear 
0.079 in (2.0 mm)
INCREASE TIGHTENING OF THE
DRIVE SHAFT AND CENTER NUT ON
HUB
During the first GT-R special inspection (after
driving 1,000 miles), the front and rear wheel
hub lock nuts (each one on the left and right
sides) must be tightened to the specified
tightening specification. The wheel hub lock
nuts should be properly tightened every time the
inspection is performed.
ENGINE SETTINGS (balancing right
and left air flow)
Each cylinder bank of this engine operates
independently due to the vehicle’s twin turbo-
charger design. Each side of the engine must
operate at the same level of performance. The air
flow of each bank must be checked and
adjusted as necessary by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.

GTR-10GT-R Overview
.Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
600 to 1,200 miles (1,000 to 2,000 km):
. Drive with the engine speed kept relatively
high with the shift lever in the
&Mposition.
Shifting is recommended between 1st and
4th gears.
. Avoid unnecessary quick steering and
abrupt braking.
. Drive with the suspension setup switch in
the COMF mode to allow more suspension
stroke.
Even though the mileage reaches over 1,200
miles (2,000 km) , the clutch may take longer to
properly engage if the vehicle is mainly driven in
town at a low speed. NISSAN recommends
breaking in the clutch at a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Do not adjust the wheel alignment until the
mileage reaches 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Until
then, the suspension may not engage enough
and the height may be higher.
However, make sure to adjust the alignment
after 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .
The wheel alignment can be adjusted by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer in accordance with
specifications for city driving to high perfor-
mance driving.
The tires on the GT-R may have different wear
rates and wear patterns in comparison to
conventional passenger vehicles. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to confirm that
the alignment is within specifications.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF MODE
Always make sure the VDC is ON before driving
the vehicle by checking that the VDC OFF
indicator lights on the meter and the VDC set-up
switch are not illuminated. The GT-R is a high
performance vehicle and the VDC must be on/
activated to provide proper powertrain operation
and intended drivability.
WARNING
.
The VDC OFF mode should ONLY be
used briefly to help free the vehicle
if stuck in snow or mud by tempora-
rily stopping operation of the VDC
to maintain wheel torque.
. Driving the GT-R with the VDC off
may lead to handling issues related
to steering maneuvers, acceleration,
or deceleration. Moreover, driving
with the VDC off can result in an
inoperative vehicle by causing ser-
ious damage to the powertrain,
including damage to the Transaxle
Assembly including Transfer, Clutch,
Gears, Transaxle case and all of its
components and other drivetrain
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE DRIVING

GTR-16GT-R Overview
.Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
Suspension and wheel alignment
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
(
“Wheel alignment” page GTR-10)
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for high performance driv-
ing. Preventing toe-out:
Toe-out can cause uneven tire wear or
damage to areas inside the tires due to
high heat. Be sure to have the wheel
alignment toe-in setting checked and ad-
justed by your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer before any performance driving on
closed circuit tracks. Obey all traffic laws
when on public roads.
Toe-in specification
Front 0.059 in (1.5 mm)
Rear 
0.079 in (2.0 mm)
Wheels and tires
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
. Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)

Suspension and wheel alignment
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for normal driving.
Wheels and tires
.Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page GTR-
16) If you do not drive under the conditions
listed in this section, see (
“Wheels and
tires” page 8-31)
. Check that the wheel nuts are not stripped.
Check if there is no deformation on the
contact surface of the wheel nuts.
. Make sure the wheel nuts are tight.
(
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)
. Make sure the drive shaft nuts are tight.
. Check wheel hub run out and that the wheel
rotates smoothly without any friction. Check
these with the tires removed whenever an inspection is performed with the vehicle
jacked up.
. Make sure the tire has not slipped on the
wheel causing the assembly to be out of
balance. The reference marks on the tire and
wheel should be aligned. If the reference
marks are not aligned, the tire has slipped on
the wheel. Have the wheels/tires reba-
lanced. Make sure the old reference marks
are erased and new reference marks are
applied to the wheel and tire. When instal-
ling new tires on the wheels, make sure new
reference marks are applied to the wheels
and tires. (
“Wheels and tires” page
GTR-16)
. Make sure that the TPMS sensor installation
nuts and the sensor valve are tight and there
is no nitrogen leak.
Brakes
.Check for the heat deterioration of the
brakes and parts around the brakes.
. Check the condition of the brake pads and
disc rotors and replace them as necessary.
Engine and powertrain
.Check the engine, transmission, differential
and under the vehicle for oil and coolant leaks.
. Inspect the area surrounding the catalytic
converter for heat deterioration.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance between
the exhaust finisher and rear bumper is more
than 0.24 in (6 mm) (up/down) and more
than 0.20 in (5 mm) (left/right) .
. The clutch clearance and shift fork position
may need to be adjusted.
. Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
. Check that there is no abnormal noise,
vibrations or warning lights illuminated when
making tight turns at slow speed (for tight
corner braking phenomenon) .
GT-R OverviewGTR-23

1. Headlight and turn signal switch (P.2-49)
2. Paddle shifters (P.5-15)
3. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (left side)*
4. Meters and gauges (P.2-5)
5. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)— MRK (Mark) switch*
— Cruise control (P.5-34) 6. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P.2-46)
7. VDC, transmission and suspension set up
switches (P.5-24)
8. Trunk lid release switch (P.3-20)
9. Hood release handle (P.3-18)
10. Intelligent Key port (P.5-11) 11. Horn (P.2-53)
12. Tilting/telescopic steering wheel lever (P.3-26)
13. Push-button ignition switch (P.5-9)
14. Parking brake (P.5-33, P.5-45)
15. Shift lever (P.5-15)
*: Refer to the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
Illustrated table of contents0-7
COCKPIT

1-40Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
Other supplemental front air bag
precautions
WARNING
.Do not place any objects on the
steering wheel pad or on the instru-
ment panel. Also, do not place any
objects between any occupant and
the steering wheel or instrument
panel. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause
injury if the front air bag inflates.
. Do not place objects with sharp
edges on the seat. Also, do not
place heavy objects on the seat that
will leave permanent impressions in
the seat. Such objects can damage
the seat or occupant classification
sensor (pattern sensor) . This can
affect the operation of the air bag
system and result in serious perso-
nal injury.
. Do not use water or acidic cleaners
(hot steam cleaners) on the seat.
This can damage the seat or occu-
pant classification sensor. This can
also affect the operation of the air bag system and result in serious
personal injury.
. Immediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components
will be hot. Do not touch them; you
may severely burn yourself.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the supplemental air bag system.
This is to prevent accidental infla-
tion of the supplemental air bag or
damage to the supplemental air bag
system.
. Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect proper
operation of the front air bag sys-
tem.
. Tampering with the supplemental
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and
the instrument panel assembly by
placing material over the steering
wheel pad and above the instrument
panel or by installing additional trim
material around the air bag system. .
Modifying or tampering with the
front passenger seat may result in
serious personal injury. For exam-
ple, do not change the front seats by
placing material on the seat cushion
or by installing additional trim ma-
terial, such as seat covers, on the
seat that is not specifically designed
to assure proper air bag operation.
Additionally, do not stow any ob-
jects under the front passenger seat
or the seat cushion and seatback.
Such objects may interfere with the
proper operation of the occupant
classification sensor.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the seat belt system. This may
affect the front air bag system.
Tampering with the seat belt system
may result in serious personal in-
jury.
. Work on and around the front air
bag system should be done by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. In-
stallation of electrical equipment
should also be done by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer. The Sup-
plemental Restraint System (SRS)

1-42Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
practical away from the side air bags. The side
air bags and curtain air bags inflate quickly in
order to help protect occupants. Because of
this, the force of the side air bags and curtain air
bags inflating can increase the risk of injury if the
occupant is too close to, or is against, these air
bag modules during inflation. The side air bags
and curtain air bags will deflate quickly after the
collision is over.
The side air bags and curtain air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
systems are operational.
WARNING
.Do not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door
finisher and the front seat. Such
objects may become dangerous
projectiles and cause injury if a side
air bag inflates.
. Right after inflation, several side air bag and curtain air bag system
components will be hot. Do not
touch them; you may severely burn
yourself.
. No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the side air bags and curtain air
bags. This is to prevent damage to
or accidental inflation of the side air
bag and curtain air bag systems.
. Do not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle’s electrical system,
suspension system or side panel.
This could affect proper operation
of the side air bag and curtain air
bag systems.
. Tampering with the side air bag
system may result in serious perso-
nal injury. For example, do not
change the front seat by placing
material near the seatback or by
installing additional trim material,
such as seat covers, around the side
air bags.
. Work around and on the side air bag
and curtain air bag systems should
be done by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer. The
SRS wiring harnesses* should not
be modified or disconnected. Un-
authorized electrical test equipment
and probing devices should not be
used on the side air bag and curtain
air bag systems.
* The SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow and orange for easy identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the side air bag and
curtain air bag systems and guide the buyer to
the appropriate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
SEAT BELTS WITH PRETEN-
SIONERS (front seats)
WARNING
. The pretensioners cannot be reused
after activation. They must be re-
placed together with the retractor
and buckle as a unit.
. If the vehicle becomes involved in a
collision but the pretensioner is not
activated, be sure to have the pre-
tensioner system checked and, if