Nissan Altima (L32) 2007-2012 Service Manual: On-vehicle maintenance

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

Inspection and Adjustment

INSPECTION

Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component conditions (wear, damage) are normal.

LOWER BALL JOINT END PLAY

1. Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.

2. Place an iron bar or similar tool between upper link and steering knuckle.

3. Measure axial end play by prying it up and down.Refer to FSU-17, "Ball Joint".

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage ball joint boot. Do not damage the installation position by applying excessive force.

SHOCK ABSORBER

Check for oil leakage, damage and replace if malfunction is detected.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Description

Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions.

NOTE: "Unladen conditions" means that fuel, engine coolant, and lubricant are full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in designated positions.

General Information and Recommendations

• A four-wheel thrust alignment should be performed.

- This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN vehicle.

- The four-wheel "thrust" process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel is centered.

- The alignment rack itself should be capable of accepting any NISSAN vehicle.

- The rack should be checked to ensure that it is level.

• Make sure the machine is properly calibrated.

- Your alignment equipment should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.

- Check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment for their recommended Service/Calibration Schedule.

Preliminary Check

Check the following: 1. Tires for improper air pressure and wear.

2. Road wheels for runout. Refer to WT-70, "Road Wheel".

3. Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to FAX-27, "Wheel Bearing".

4. Transverse link ball joint axial end play. Refer to FSU-10, "Removal and Installation".

5. Shock absorber operation.

6. Each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.

7. Each of suspension member, shock absorber, upper link and transverse link for cracks, deformation and other damage.

8. Vehicle height (posture).

Alignment Process

IMPORTANT: Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual.

• When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use "indicators" Do not use these indicators.: (Green/red, plus or minus, Go/No Go).

- The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be correct.

- This may result in an ERROR.

• Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an optional "Rolling Compensation" method to "compensate" the sensors (alignment targets or head units). Do not use this "Rolling Compensation" method.

- Use the "Jacking Compensation Method". After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.

- See Instructions in the alignment machine you're using for more information on this.

ADJUSTMENT

Camber, Caster and Kingpin Inclination Angles

CAUTION: Camber, caster, kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.