Front Suspension

DESCRIPTION
^ Measure wheel alignment under unladen conditions.

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

PRELIMINARY CHECK
^ Check tires for improper air pressure and wear.
^ Check road wheels for runout.
^ Check wheel bearing axial end play.
^ Check ball joint axial end play of compression rod, upper link, and steering knuckle
^ Check shock absorber operation.
^ Check each mounting part of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
^ Check each link, rod and member for cracks, deformation and other damage.
^ Check vehicle 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.

THE 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 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.

INSPECTION OF CAMBER, CASTER AND KINGPIN INCLINATION ANGLES
^ Camber, caster, 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 vehicle will remain horizontal.