Infiniti FX35, FX50 (S51). Manual - part 1090

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

FSU-7

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

[2WD]

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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

Inspection

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MOUNTING INSPECTION

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

BALL JOINT AXIAL END PLAY

1.

Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position.

2.

Measure axial end play by playing and moving up/down with iron bar or equivalent between transverse
link or upper link and steering knuckle.

CAUTION:

• Never depress brake pedal when measuring.
• Never perform with tires on level ground.
• Be careful not to damage ball joint boot. never damage the installation position by applying

excessive force.

SHOCK ABSORBER

Check for oil leakage, damage. Replace it if necessary.

Axial end play

: Refer to 

FSU-19, "Ball Joint"

.

FSU-8

< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >

[2WD]

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Inspection

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DESCRIPTION

CAUTION:

• Camber, caster, kingpin inclination angles cannot be adjusted.
• If camber, caster, or kingpin inclination angle is outside the standard, check front suspension parts

for wear and damage. Replace suspect parts if a malfunction is detected.

• Kingpin inclination angle is reference value, no inspection is required.
• 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.

PRELIMINARY CHECK

Check the following:
• Tires for improper air pressure and wear.
• Road wheels for runout. Refer to 

WT-74, "Inspection"

.

• Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to 

FAX-5, "Inspection"

.

• Transverse link or upper link ball joint axial end play. Refer to 

FSU-13, "Inspection"

 or 

FSU-15, "Inspection"

.

• Shock absorber operation.
• Each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
• Each of suspension member, shock absorber, upper link and transverse link for cracks, deformation and

other damage.

• Vehicle height (posture).

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• A four-wheel thrust alignment should be performed.
- This type of alignment is recommended for any NISSAN/INFINITI 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/INFINITI 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 Sched-

ule.

 ALIGNMENT PROCESS

IMPORTANT:
Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual.
• When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use “indicators”: (Green/red, plus or

minus, Go/No Go). Do not use these indicators.

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

rect.

- This may result in an ERROR.
• Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an “optional Rolling Compensation” method to “com-

pensate” the sensors (alignment targets or head units). Never use this “Rolling Compensation” method.

- Use the “Jacking Compensation Method”. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the vehi-

cle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.

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

FRONT COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

FSU-9

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

[2WD]

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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

FRONT COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

Exploded View

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Removal and Installation

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REMOVAL

1.

Remove tires with power tool.

2.

Remove wheel sensor and harness connector from shock absorber. Refer to 

BRC-131, "FRONT WHEEL

SENSOR : Exploded View"

.

CAUTION:

Never pull on wheel sensor harness.

3.

Remove brake hose bracket. Refer to 

BR-20, "FRONT : Exploded View"

.

4.

Remove shock absorber from transverse link with power tool.

5.

Separate upper link from steering knuckle. Refer to 

FAX-6, "Exploded View"

6.

Remove shock absorber mounting bracket mounting nuts, and remove shock absorber assembly.
NOTE:
If removing shock absorber is difficult, loosen upper link mounting bolts (vehicle side).

INSTALLATION

Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
• Never tap on the ball joint cap of the stabilizer connecting rod with a hammer or a similar item when inserting

the stabilizer connecting rod into the transverse link.

• Perform final tightening of bolts and nuts at the shock absorber lower side (rubber bushing), under unladen

conditions with tires on level ground.

Disassembly and Assembly

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DISASSEMBLY

CAUTION:

Never damage shock absorber piston rod when removing components from shock absorber.

1.

Gusset

2.

Vehicle body

3.

Mounting seal

4.

Shock absorber mounting bracket

5.

Bound bumper

6.

 Rubber seat

7.

 Coil spring

8.

Shock absorber

Refer to 

GI-4, "Components"

 for symbols in the figure.

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FSU-10

< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >

[2WD]

FRONT COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

1.

Install shock absorber attachment (A) [SST: ST35652000 (

–

)] to shock absorber and secure it in a vise.

CAUTION:

When installing the shock absorber attachment to shock
absorber, wrap a shop cloth around shock absorber to pro-
tect it from damage.

2.

Using a spring compressor (A) (commercial service tool), com-
press coil spring between rubber seat and shock absorber until
coil spring with a spring compressor is free.

CAUTION:

Be sure a spring compressor is securely attached coil
spring. Compress coil spring.

3.

Make sure coil spring with a spring compressor between rubber
seat and shock absorber is free. And then remove piston rod
lock nut while securing the piston rod tip so that piston rod does
not turn.

4.

Remove mounting seal, shock absorber mounting bracket, rub-
ber seat, bound bumper from shock absorber.

5.

After removing coil spring with a spring compressor, then gradually release a spring compressor.

CAUTION:

Loosen while making sure coil spring attachment position does not move.

6.

Remove the shock absorber attachment from shock absorber.

ASSEMBLY

1.

Install shock absorber attachment (A) [SST: ST35652000 (

–

)] to shock absorber and secure it in a

vise.

CAUTION:

When installing the shock absorber attachment to shock absorber, wrap a shop cloth around
shock absorber to protect it from damage.

2.

Compress coil spring using a spring compressor (commercial service tool), and install it onto shock
absorber.

CAUTION:

• Install with the large-diameter side (A) facing up and the

small-diameter side (B) facing down.

• Be sure a spring compressor is securely attached to coil

spring. Compress coil spring.

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