wheel alignment NISSAN PATHFINDER 1996 R50 / 2.G Owners Manual

IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause increased
tire wear and lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
I
Use ª4Hº or ª4Lº position only when neces-
sary. 4-wheel drive operation lowers fuel
economy.2HÐ (2WD, high range) Only the rear wheels
are driven. Use when driving under the same
conditions as standard 2WD vehicle.
4HÐ (4WD, high range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when driving on roads where it is
difficult to drive in the 2H position (i.e., driving
at normal speeds on snow covered, icy, wet,
muddy or sandy roads).
The ª4Hº position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid excessive
speed, as it will cause loss of traction.
Speed over 50 MPH (80 km/h) in 4H is not
recommend.4LÐ (4WD, low range) Four wheels are
driven. Use when climbing or descending
steep hills, or during hard driving in sand, mud
or deep snow. The ª4Lº position provides
maximum power and traction. Avoid raising
vehicle speed excessively, as the maximum
speed is approximately 30 MPH (50 km/h).
NÐ No wheels are driven. Always keep the
transfer lever out of the ªNº position. Shift the
lever quickly and smoothly when moving
across the ªNº position with the vehicle
stopped.
IDo not drive on dry hard surface
roads in 4-wheel drive.
Driving on dry hard surfaces in ª4Hº
or ª4Lº may cause unnecessary
noise and tire wear. We recommend
driving in the ª2Hº position under
these conditions.
SD0020
TRANSFER CASE
SHIFTING PROCEDURES FOR
4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

When replacing a tire, use the same size and
load carrying capacity as originally equipped.
Recommended types and sizes are shown in
ªwheels and tiresº in the ªTechnical informa-
tionº section. The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), or tread patterns can ad-
versely affect the ride, braking, handling,
ground clearance, body- to-tire clearance,
snow chain clearance, speedometer calibra-
tion, headlight aim and bumper height. Some
of these effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in ªWheels and tiresº in the
ªTechnical informationº section. The use of
tires other than those recommended or the
mixed use of tires of different brands, con-
struction (bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance, body-to-tire clear-
ance, snow chain clearance, speedometer
calibration, headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious personal
injury.If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same offset dimension. Wheels of a different
offset could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early
brake pad/shoe wear.
Do not install a deformed wheel or tire
even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warning.
4-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
Always use tires of the same size, brand,
construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel
alignment should also be checked and cor-
rected as necessary. Contact your NISSAN
dealer.
ONLY use spare tires specified for each
4-wheel drive model.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they
should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX

7,500 miles (12,000 km) for 2WD vehicles and
3,750 miles (6,000 km) for 4WD vehicles.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull 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.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, rollers and links 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 fre-
quently.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.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesMake
sure that all warning lights and buzzers/chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothlyand that the locks (if so equipped) hold se-
curely in all latched positions.
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.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be certain
to keep floormats away from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ªPark positionº
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that
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Z01.2.1/R50-DX