Front Suspension - Metallic Noise On Rough Roads
87nissan071985-1987 Maxima &
Models 1987 Stanza
Section Front Axle & Suspension
Classification FA87-007
Bulletin No. TS87-181
Date December 14, 1987
FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE
APPLIED MODELS: 1985-1987 Maxima and 1987 Stanza
SERVICE INFORMATION
Some 1985-1987 Maxima and 1987 Stanza vehicles may exhibit a metallic noise from the front suspension when driven over rough roads (potholes, broken pavement, etc.) at low speeds (5-20 mph). The noise is most easily heard with the window down and is caused by the coils of the front spring contacting each other. This noise is not an indication of suspension malfunction. This bulletin contains Parts Information and Service Procedures to eliminate this noise.
PARTS AND SUPPLIES INFORMATION
The countermeasure consists of 6 pieces of urethane tubing. The tubing isolates the spring coils and prevents metal-to-metal contact.
PART DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER QUANTITY
Spring Tube 55031-15E00 6
These tubes should be attached to the spring with the following adhesive.
SUPPLY DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
High-strength contact 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive
adhesive # 08001 (Amber)
# 08008 (Black) or equivalent
NOTE: Normal weatherstrip adhesive should not be used. It does not have adequate strength for long-term durability.
FIGURE 1:
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Perform the following steps for both front strut assemblies:
1A. Maxima SE models only:
^ Open the hood and remove the three nuts on the strut insulator (Figure 1).
^ Lift the cap to one side and disconnect the electrical connector on the top of the piston rod.
^ Install two nuts on the strut insulator outer bolts finger tight.
FIGURE 2:
1B. Maxima GL, GXE and Stanza models only:
^ Open the hood and loosen (do not remove) the three nuts on the strut insulator (Figure 2).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist and remove both front wheels. Remove the clips securing the brake hose to the strut and slide the brake hose out of the bracket.
FIGURE 3:
3. Remove both strut bolts and nuts at the lower strut mounting bracket (Figure 3). Remove the nuts on the strut insulator and remove the strut from the vehicle.
FIGURE 4:
4. Install the strut in the strut attachment and clamp in a vise (Figure 4). Loosen (do not remove) the piston rod lock nut (Figure 4).
FIGURE 5:
FIGURE 6:
5. Compress the spring until the upper spring seat can be turned by hand (Figure 5). Remove the piston rod lock nut, washer, strut mount insulator, thrust seat and spring seat. Lift off the spring. Clean the coils with solvent where the tubes will be installed to remove grease, oil, road dirt and undercoating (Figure 6).
FIGURE 6:
6. Apply a thin coating of adhesive to the inside of the urethane tubes and to the coils on the spring in the areas shown. Position the upper and lower tubes so that they are 15 mm from the end of the coil. Position the middle tube as shown (Figure 6).
FIGURE 7:
7. Let the tubes dry in place for 10-20 minutes. Remove any excess adhesive, then install the spring onto the strut. Install the spring with the paint code marks DOWN and the bottom coil matched to the lower spring seat (Figure 7).
FIGURE 7:
FIGURE 8:
8. Compress the spring. Install the spring seat, thrust washer, strut mount insulator, washer and lock nut. Tighten the lock nut, then release the spring compressor. Make sure the spring and spring seat are positioned as shown (Figures 7 and 8). The notch in the upper spring seat must be centered over the opening in the lower strut mounting bracket.
9. Install the strut in the vehicle. Install the brake hose and securing clips. Then install the front wheels. Make sure to connect the shock absorber electrical connector on SE models.
Tightening Torques:
Piston rod lock nut.........................43-58 ft.lbs. Strut insulator nuts (SE model).........51-65 ft.lbs. Strut insulator nuts (all others).........43-58 ft.lbs. Strut mounting bracket nuts.............82-91 ft.lbs. Lug nuts........................................72-87 ft.lbs.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
CS PNC CT OP CODE FLAT RATE
4R 54010 35 LA99AA 2.1/hr.