Front Suspension

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Inspection


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. Refer to "Tire Air Pressure" [1][2]Specifications.
- Road wheels for runout.
- Wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to "Inspection" Inspection.
- Transverse link or upper link ball joint axial end play. Refer to "Inspection" Component Tests and General Diagnostics.
- 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 Schedule.

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).
Never use these indicators.
- The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be correct.
- This may result in an ERROR.
- Most camera-type alignment machines are equipped with both "Rolling Compensation" method and optional
"Jacking Compensation" method to "compensate" the alignment targets or head units. "Rolling Compensation" is the preferred method.
- If using the "Rolling Compensation" method, after installing the alignment targets or head units, push or pull on the rear wheel to move the vehicle.
Do not push or pull on the vehicle body.
- If using the "Jacking Compensation" method, after installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.
NOTE:
Do not use the "Rolling Compensation" method if you are using sensor-type alignment equipment.
- Follow all instructions for the alignment machine you're using for more information.