Rear Suspension Assembly

DESCRIPTION
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-97, "Inspection". Testing and Inspection
^ Wheel bearing axial end play: Refer to RAX-5, "Inspection". Rear Axle
^ Ball joint axial end play of suspension arm: Refer to RSU-19, "Ball Joint". Rear Suspension
^ Shock absorber operation.
^ Each mounting point of axle and suspension for looseness and deformation.
^ Each of front lower link, rear lower link, radius rod, rear suspension member, suspension arm and shock absorber 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). 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). Never 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.