Front Suspension: Other Nissan Maxima A34

Special Service Tools

The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINATION

Note. Camber, caster and kingpin inclination are preset at factory and cannot be adjusted.

Scheme 24

1. Measure the camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both the right and left wheels using attachment Tool and a suitable alignment gauge. Camber, caster and kingpin inclination : Refer to «FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT (UNLADEN *1)»(ref-233650-S36835182322006052600000) .
2. If the camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within specification, inspect the front suspension parts. Replace any damaged or worn out parts.

TOE-IN

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

1. Bounce the front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the vehicle height (posture).
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both front tires at the same height as hub center (Scheme 25) These marks are measuring points.
4. Measure the distance "A" on the rear side of the front tires (Scheme 26)
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180° degrees (1/2 a turn). CAUTION: If the wheels have rotated more than 180° degrees (1/2 turn), start this procedure again from the beginning. Never push the vehicle backward.
6. Measure the distance "B" on the front side of the front tires at the same marks (Scheme 26) Total toe-in: Refer to «FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT (UNLADEN *1)»(ref-233650-S36835182322006052600000).
7. Adjust the toe-in by varying the length of the steering outer tie-rods. Loosen the outer tie-rod lock nuts. Adjust the toe-in by screwing the outer tie-rods in or out. Standard length "L": Refer to «STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE»(ref-233655-S00531277272006052600000). Tighten the outer tie-rod lock nuts to specified torque. Lock nut: Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233655-S42846884672006052600000).

Scheme 28

1. Set the front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Then move the vehicle forward until the front wheels rest on the turning radius gauge (Scheme 28)
2. Rotate steering wheel all the way right and left; measure the turning angles "A" and "B" (Scheme 28) Wheel turning angle (full turn): Refer to «FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT (UNLADEN *1)»(ref-233650-S36835182322006052600000).

Scheme 29

1. Remove the wheel and tire using power tool. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-233651-S15446684972006052600000) .
2. Disconnect the ABS sensor wire and front brake hose from the brackets on the front shock absorber (strut).
3. Disconnect the connecting rod upper link using power tool.
4. Support the wheel hub and steering knuckle assembly with a suitable wire.
5. Remove the engine side covers.
6. Remove the shock absorber lower bolts and nuts using power tool.
7. Remove the three upper strut mounting nuts using power tool. CAUTION: Do not remove piston rod lock nut on vehicle.
8. Remove the coil spring and shock absorber (strut) assembly.

MOUNTING INSULATOR AND RUBBER PARTS

Check cemented rubber-to-metal portion for separation or cracks. Check rubber parts for deterioration and replace if necessary.

THRUST BEARING

Check thrust bearing parts for abnormal noise or excessive rattle in axial direction and replace if necessary.

COIL SPRING

1. Check for cracks, deformation or other damage and replace if necessary.
2. Check the free spring height. Front spring free height SE model : 350 mm (13.78 in) SL model : 360 mm (14.73 in)

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

1. When installing coil spring on strut, it must be positioned (Scheme 30)
2. Install upper spring seat with alignment mark facing the outer side of vehicle, in line with strut-to-knuckle attachment points. See to (Scheme 31).

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

1. Remove the wheel and tire.
2. Remove front exhaust tube using power tool. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233649-S22833986492006052600000) .
3. Disconnect the connecting rod end at the stabilizer bar using power tool. Prevent the stabilizer connecting rod from turning by inserting a hex wrench into the end of the ball stud, then remove nut.
4. Remove the rear engine mount insulator using power tool. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233650-S01688699322006052600000) .
5. Remove the left-hand and right-hand member pin stays using power tool, then remove the rear suspension member mounting nuts. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233650-S01688699322006052600000) . Support rear of suspension member, then lower rear of suspension member to gain access to stabilizer bar mounting brackets.
6. Remove the two stabilizer bar brackets from the front suspension member using power tool.
7. Remove the front stabilizer bar. Remove the two stabilizer bushings as necessary.

Visual Check

1. Check the transverse link for damage, cracks or deformation. Replace it if necessary.
2. Check the bushing for damage, cracks and deformation. Replace the transverse link if necessary.

Lower Ball Joint

1. Check the ball joint for excessive play. Replace the transverse link assembly if any of the following exists
2. Lower ball joint stud is worn.
3. Lower ball joint is hard to swing.
4. Lower ball joint play in axial directions or end play is excessive.

Swinging Force

Note. Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball joint is properly broken in.

Swinging force "A" (measuring from cotter pin hole of ball stud) : 7.8 - 54.9 N (0.8 - 5.6 kg-f, 1.8 - 12.3 lb-f)

Scheme 34

Turning Force

Note. Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball joint is properly broken in.

Turning torque "B" : 0.49 - 3.43 N.m (5.0 - 35.0 kg-cm, 4.3 - 30.4 in-lb)

Scheme 35

Vertical End Play

Check dust cover for damage. Replace it and the cover clamp if necessary.

Note. Before checking the axial forces and end play, turn the lower ball joint at least 10 revolutions so that the ball joint is properly broken in.

Vertical end play "C" : 0 mm (0 in)

Scheme 36

Lower Ball Joint - Service Data & Specification Chart Swinging force "A" (Measuring point: cotter pin hole of ball stud) N (kg-f, lb-f) 7.8 - 54.9 (0.8 - 5.6, 1.8 - 12.3) Turning torque "B" N.m (kg-cm, in-lb) 0.49 - 3.43 (5.0 - 35.0, 4.3 - 30.4) Vertical end play "C" mm (in) 0 (0)

Scheme 37

Wheelarch Height (Unladen)

Wheelarch Height - Service Data & Specification Chart Unit: mm (in) Tire 225/55R17 245/45R18 Front (Hf) 738 (29.06) 737 (29.02) Rear (Hr) 705 (27.76) 705 (27.76) Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions

Scheme 38