Service Procedure

The following diagnostic procedure is for all steering pull incidents. Refer to the flow charts for specific incident complaints.

Basic Diagnostic Procedure

1. Verify the incident by road testing the vehicle (with the customer, if possible). Check the tire pressure and correct if necessary. Check for any unusual loading of the vehicle or use of non-original equipment tires which may cause the incident.

2. If the vehicle exhibits consistent pull to one side, exchange the left and right front tires. If this does not resolve the incident, or if the road test indicates wander or steering wheel off-center, continue to step 3.

3. Check the wheel alignment on a four-wheel alignment rack (Hunter D111, or equivalent).





Adjust the alignment if its out of specification, and road test vehicle (see vehicle summary of adjustable suspension/steering angles). If the alignment was originally within specification or was adjusted into specification but the incident still exists, continue to Step 4.

4. Adjust the steering rack friction.





a. Mark the original position of the adjusting screw and lock nut relative to the steering rack housing. (see illustration)

b. Loosen the lock nut with a 38 mm wrench while preventing the adjusting screw from turning.





c. Carefully tighten the adjusting screw (clockwise).

d. Tighten the lock nut to 29-43 foot-pounds torque while preventing the adjusting screw from turning.

e. Verify the effectiveness with a road test.

Note:
If the adjusting screw is over-tightened, the steering wheel "return to center" will be affected. Check steering wheel "return to center" after turns to ensure adjusting screw is tightened correctly before returning the vehicle to the customer.

f. If the incident isn't resolved, continue to step 5.

5. Nissan has identified a pulling incident unique to some Bridgestone SF-406 Steel All Season radial tires 205/65R15 equipped on the applied model. This pulling condition is called "residual cornering force," and causes the vehicle to pull consistently in only one direction left or right).

This occurs on 1989-90 Maximas built before April 24, 1990 (JN1HJ01P**T420988) that pulls to the right.

and

1990-91 Maximas built after April 24, 1990 (JN1HJ01P420988) that pull to the left.

a. Replace all four (4) Bridgestone SF-406 Steel All Season Radial Tires 205/65R15 with countermeasure Bridgestone SF-406 Steel All Season Radial Tires 205/65R15

Countermeasure Part Number Former Part Number
BS205-65R15CM BS205-65R15

The countermeasure tires can be identified in two ways:

Tire Dot Identification Color Line on Tread
Countermeasure EM9L DAC*** Brown
Before Countermeasure EM9L JNE*** Brown & White
EM9L CBB***

b. Drive vehicle on a long, flat straight road section again to determine if the incident is resolved. If it is not resolved, determine the direction of the drift (left or right).

c. If the incident is resolved, return the vehicle to the customer. If it is not resolved, call FIXS Hotline for further assistance 1-800-662-3497.

REFER TO DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE SUMMARY