NISSAN X-TRAIL 2003 Service Repair Manual

FSU-1
FRONT SUSPENSION
E SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
C
D
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
SECTION
A
B
FSU

FRONT SUSPENSION
PRECAUTIONS .......................................................... 2
Caution ..................................................................... 2
PREPARATION ........................................................... 3
Special Service Tools (SST) ..................................... 3
Commercial Service Tools ........................................ 3
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH)
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 4
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ..................................... 4
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY ........................... 5
Components ............................................................. 5
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service .......................... 6
LOOSENESS, BACKLASH AND DAMAGE OF
MOUNTING PARTS AND CONNECTIONS .......... 6
Wheel Alignment ...................................................... 6
DESCRIPTION ...................................................... 6
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION ............................... 6
INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER, AND
KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES ........................ 6
STEERING ANGLE INSPECTION ........................ 7
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER ................. 8
Removal and Installation .......................................... 8
REMOVAL ............................................................. 8INSTALLATION ..................................................... 8
Disassembly and Assembly ...................................... 8
DISASSEMBLY ..................................................... 8
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY .................. 8
ASSEMBLY ........................................................... 9
TRANSVERSE LINK ................................................. 10
Removal and Installation ........................................ 10
REMOVAL ........................................................... 10
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 10
INSTALLATION ................................................... 10
STABILIZER BAR ..................................................... 11
Removal and Installation ........................................ 11
REMOVAL ........................................................... 11
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL ....................... 11
INSTALLATION ................................................... 11
FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER ............................. 12
Removal and Installation ........................................ 12
REMOVAL ........................................................... 12
INSTALLATION ................................................... 12
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS) ...... 13
General Specification ............................................. 13
Wheel Alignment (Unladen) .................................... 13
Ball Joint ................................................................. 13
Wheelarch Height (Unladen) .................................. 13

FSU-2
PRECAUTIONS

PRECAUTIONSPFP:00001
CautionEES0006Z

When installing rubber bushings, final tightening must be carried out under unladen conditions with tires
on flat, level ground. Oil will shorten the life of rubber bushings. Be sure to wipe off any spilled oil.

“Unladen condition” means that fuel, coolant and lubricant are full and ready for drive. However, spare tire,
jack, and hand tools should be unloaded.

After installing the removed suspension parts, always check wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.

Replace the caulking nut with a new one. Install a new nut without wiping the oil off before tightening.

PREPARATION
FSU-3
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FSU

PREPARATIONPFP:00002
Special Service Tools (SST)EES00070
Commercial Service ToolsEES000JC
Tool number
Tool nameDescription
HT7252000
Ball joint removerRemoving tie-rod outer and lower ball
joint
ST3127S000
Preload gaugeMeasuring ball joint sliding torque
KV991040S1
CCK gauge attachment
1. KV99104020 Adapter A
2. KV99104030 Adapter B
3. KV99104040 Adapter C
4. KV99104050 Adapter D
5. KV99104060 Plate
6. KV99104070 Guide bolt
7. KV99104080 Spring
8. KV99104090 Center plateMeasuring wheel alignment
ST35652000
Strut attachmentDisassembling and assembling strut
S-NT146
ZZA0806D
ZZA1167D
ZZA0807D
Tool nameDescription
Attachment 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) dia.
e: 12 mm (0.47 in) dia.Measure wheel alignment
S-NT148

FSU-4
NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING

NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTINGPFP:00003
NVH Troubleshooting ChartEES000ID
Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
×: ApplicableReference page
FSU-5 FSU-8—
—
—
FSU-5 FSU-6 FSU-11
NVH in PR section
NVH in RFD section.
NVH in RAX and RSU section.
NVH in WT section.
NVH in WT section.
NVH in RAX section.
NVH in BR section.
NVH in PS section.
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
REAR AXLE AND REAR SUSPENSION
TIRES
ROAD WHEEL
DRIVE SHAFT
BRAKES
STEERING
Symptom FRONT SUSPENSIONNoise××××× × ××× ×××××
Shake×××× × × × ×××××
Vibration××××× × ×× × ×
Shimmy×××× × ××× ××
Judder××× ××× ××
Poor quality ride or han-
dling×× × × × ×× × × ×

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU-5
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FSU

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLYPFP:54010
ComponentsEES00071
SEIA0568E

FSU-6
FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

On-Vehicle Inspection and ServiceEES00072
LOOSENESS, BACKLASH AND DAMAGE OF MOUNTING PARTS AND CONNECTIONS
Lift vehicle and inspect the following:

Check mounting point of each component for looseness, backlash and damage.

Check lower ball joint end play.
1. Attach a dial gauge so that the contact rests on the brake caliper.
2. Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.
3. Measure axial end play by placing an iron pry bar or something similar between transverse link and steer-
ing knuckle.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.
4. If axial end play is outside the standard, remove transverse link and check lower ball joint.
Wheel AlignmentEES00073
DESCRIPTION

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions. “Unladen conditions” means that fuel, coolant, and
lubricant are full. However, spare tyre, jack, and hand tools should be unloaded.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
1. Check the tyre for improper air pressure and wear.
2. Check road wheels for runout.
3. Check wheel bearing axial endplay.
4. Check lower ball joint axial endplay.
5. Check strut operation.
6. Check each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
7. Check each link and arm for cracks, deformation, and other damage.
8. Check the vehicle posture.
INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER, AND KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES

Camber, caster, and kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.

Before inspection, mount front wheels onto turning radius gauge. Mount rear wheels onto a stand that has
same height so the vehicle will remain horizontal.
1. Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right and
left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
2. If camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within specification,
inspect front suspension parts. Replace dam-aged or worn out
parts.
1. Upper mounting plate 2. Strut spacer 3. Strut mounting insulator
4. Strut mounting insulator bracket 5. Thrust bearing 6. Spring upper seat
7. Upper rubber seat 8. Bound bumper 9. Coil spring
10. Strut 11. Axle assembly 12. Cotter pin
13. Clamp 14. Bushing 15. Stabilizer bar
16. Washer 17. Connecting rod 18. Suspension member
19. Member pin stay 20. Transverse link 21. Steering stopper bracket
Axial endplay : 0 mm (0 in)
Camber, caster and kingpin inclination:
FSU-13, "
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
(SDS)"
SRA096A

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY
FSU-7
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FSU

To e - i n
Measure toe-in using the following procedure.
WARNING:

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 front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of tread (rear side) of both tyre at the
same height as hub center. These are measuring points.
4. Measure distance “A” (rear side).
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180degrees
(1/2 turn).
If the wheels have rotated more than 180 degrees (1/2 turn), try
the above procedure again from the beginning. Never push
vehicle backward.
6. Measure distance “B” (front side).
STEERING ANGLE INSPECTION
1. Set wheels in straight-ahead position. Move vehicle to set front wheels on turning radius gauge.
2. Turn steering wheel fully to right and left, and measure steering angle. Refer to PS-42, "
SERVICE DATA
AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)" .
AFA050
To ta l t o e - i n :
FSU-13, "
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
(SDS)"SFA234AC

FSU-8
COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBERPFP:54302
Removal and InstallationEES00074
REMOVAL
1. Remove tyre. Remove brake caliper and hung it aside.
CAUTION:
Avoid depressing brake pedal with brake caliper removed.
2. Remove electrical wires of wheel sensor from strut.
3. Remove brake hose lock plate.
4. Remove mounting bolts and nuts securing steering knuckle to strut.
5. Remove mounting nuts on upper mounting plate and remove upper mounting plate and strut from vehicle.
INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" in “Front Suspension Assembly” for tightening torque. Tighten in the
reverse order of removal.

Be sure arrows on strut mount insulator and spring upper seat
are positioned as shown. Also be sure notch in strut spacer is
positioned as shown. Then install strut.

Assemble upper mounting plate with its notch facing toward the
outside.
Disassembly and AssemblyEES00075
DISASSEMBLY
1. Install strut attachment (SST) to strut and fix it in a vise.
CAUTION:
When installing strut attachment (SST), wrap a shop cloth
around strut to protect it from damage.
2. Slightly loosen piston rod lock nut.
WARNING:
Do not remove piston rod lock nut completely. If it is
removed completely, coil spring jumps out and may cause
serious damage or injury.
3. Compress coil spring using a spring compressor.
WARNING:
Make sure that the pawls of the two spring compressors are firmly hooked on the spring. The
spring compressors must be tightened alternately so as not to tilt the spring.
4. After making sure coil spring is free between upper and lower seats after Step 3. Remove piston rod lock
nut.
5. Remove small parts on strut.

Remove strut spacer, strut mount insulator, strut mounting insulator bracket thrust bearing, spring upper
seat, and upper rubber seat. Then remove coil spring.
6. Remove bound bumper from spring upper seat.
7. Gradually release spring compressor (commercial service tool), and remove coil spring.
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY
Strut

Check strut for deformation, cracks, and damage, and replace if necessary.

Check piston rod for damage, uneven wear, and distortion, and replace if necessary.

Check welded and sealed areas for oil leakage, and replace if necessary.
SEIA0123E
SEIA0124E

COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
FSU-9
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FSU

Insulator and Rubber Parts
Check strut mount insulator for cracks and rubber parts for wear. Replace them if necessary.
Coil Spring
Check for cracks, wear, and damage, and replace if necessary.
ASSEMBLY
1. Compress coil spring using a spring compressor (commercial
service tool), and install it onto the strut.
CAUTION:
Face tube side of coil spring downward. Align lower end to
spring seat as shown in the figure.
WARNING:
Be sure spring compressor is securely attached to coil
spring. Compress coil spring.
2. Connect bound bumper to spring upper seat.
CAUTION:

Be sure to install bound bumper to spring upper seat
securely.

When installing bound bumper, use soapy water. Do not use machine oil or other lubricants.
3. Install small parts to the strut.

Connect upper rubber seat, spring upper seats, thrust bearing, strut mount insulator, and strut spacer.
Temporarily install piston rod lock nut.
CAUTION:
Do not reuse piston rod lock nut.
4. Be sure arrows on strut mount insulator and spring upper seat
are positioned as shown. Also be sure notch in the strut spacer
is positioned as shown.
5. Be sure coil spring is properly set in spring rubber seat. Gradu-
ally release spring compressor.
CAUTION:
Be sure upper rubber seat is properly aligned to spring
upper seat and coil spring.
6. Tighten piston rod lock nut to the specified torque.
7. Remove strut attachment (SST).
SEIA0125E
SEIA0123E
SEIA0124E

FSU-10
TRANSVERSE LINK

TRANSVERSE LINK PFP:54500
Removal and InstallationEES00076
REMOVAL
1. Remove steering knuckle from transverse link. Refer to FAX-7, "REMOVAL" .
2. Remove mounting nuts and washers on lower portion of stabilizer connecting rod.
3. Slightly loosen transverse link mounting bolts.
4. Remove transverse link mounting bolts and nuts, and remove transverse link from suspension member.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Visual Inspection
Check transverse link and bushing for deformation, cracks, and other damage. Replace the entire transverse
link assembly if cracks, deformation or any other damage is found.
Ball Joint Inspection
CAUTION:
Before measurement, move the ball joint at least ten times by hand to check for smooth movement.
Swing Torque Inspection

Hook spring scale at cotter pin mounting hole. Confirm spring
scale measurement value is within specifications when ball stud
begins moving.

If the value is outside the standard, replace transverse link.
Rotating Torque Inspection

Attach mounting nut to ball stud. Check that rotating torque is
within specifications with a preload gauge (SST).

If the value is outside the standard, replace transverse link.
Axial Endplay Inspection

Move tip of ball joint in axial direction to check for looseness.

If any looseness is noted, replace transverse link.
INSTALLATION

Refer to FSU-5, "Components" for tightening torque. Tighten in the reverse order of removal.

Tighten transverse link mounting bolts with vehicle unladen and all four tyre on flat, level ground.

After installation, check wheel alignment. Refer to FSU-6, "Wheel Alignment" . Swing force:
0.50 - 3.4 N·m (0.06 - 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
Measurement on spring balance:
7.94 - 53.97 N (0.81 - 5.50 kg, 1.79 - 12.2 lb)
SEIA0122E
Rotating torque:
0.50 - 3.4 N·m (0.06 - 0.34 kg-m, 5 - 30 in-lb)
FAC1021D
Axial endplay : 0.1 mm (0.004 in) or less