Infiniti FX35 / FX45. Manual - part 712

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

FSU-5

< SERVICE INFORMATION >

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FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

On-Vehicle Inspection and Service

INFOID:0000000001327537

Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, back lash) of each component and component conditions
(wear, damage) are normal.

INSPECTION LOWER BALL JOINT END PLAY

1.

Set front wheels in a straight-ahead position. Do not depress brake pedal.

2.

Place an iron bar or similar tool between transverse link and steering knuckle.

3.

Measure axial end play by prying it up and down.

CAUTION:

Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.

STRUT INSPECTION

• Check strut for oil leakage, damage and replace if there are. Refer to 

FSU-10

.

Wheel Alignment Inspection

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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 Sched-

ule.

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 cor-

rect.

- This may result in an ERROR.
• Some newer alignment machines are equipped with an optional “Rolling Compensation” method to “com-

pensate” the sensors (alignment targets or head units). DO NOT use this “Rolling Compensation”
method.

Axial end play

: 0 mm (0 in)

FSU-6

< SERVICE INFORMATION >

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

- Use the “Jacking Compensation Method”. After installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the vehi-

cle 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.

Removal and Installation

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COMPONENTS

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

FSU-7

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1.

Strut upper plate

2.

Strut spacer

3.

Mounting insulator

4.

Mounting insulator bracket

5.

Mounting bearing

6.

Spring upper seat

7.

Spring upper rubber seat

8.

Coil spring

9.

Spring lower rubber seat

10. Bound bumper

11. Strut

12. Steering knuckle

13. Front suspension member

14. Transverse link

15. Stabilizer bar

16. Stabilizer bushing

17. Stabilizer clamp

18. Stabilizer connecting rod

PEIA0101E

FSU-8

< SERVICE INFORMATION >

FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY

REMOVAL

1.

Set an engine slinger to engine, then suspend engine.

2.

Remove tire from vehicle with power tool.

3.

Remove brake caliper with power tool. Hang it in a place where it will not interfere with work. Refer to 

BR-

18

.

4.

Remove brake hose lock plate. Then remove brake hose from
strut assembly.

5.

Remove disc rotor.

6.

Remove wheel sensor harness from strut assembly.

CAUTION:

Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.

7.

Remove undercover with power tool.

8.

Remove front cross bar.

9.

Remove steering hydraulic piping bracket from front suspension
member. Refer to 

PS-37

.

10. Remove cotter pin at steering outer socket, then loosen mount-

ing nut.

11. Use a ball joint remover (SST) to remove steering outer socket

from steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.

CAUTION:

Tighten temporarily mounting nut to prevent damage to
threads and to prevent ball joint remover (SST) from com-
ing off.

12. Remove mounting bolts of steering gear with power tool, then

hang steering gear on vehicle. Refer to 

PS-17

.

13. Remove front final drive side of drive shaft with power tool. (For

AWD models) Refer to 

FAX-15, "Removal and Installation (Left

Side)"

, 

FAX-16, "Removal and Installation (Right Side)"

.

14. Set jack under front suspension member.

15. Remove fixing bolts and nuts between strut assembly and steering knuckle with power tool.
16. Remove stabilizer connecting rod upper nut with power tool,

separate stabilizer connecting rod and strut assembly.

17. Remove mounting nuts between engine mounting insulator and

front suspension member.

19. Front cross bar 

20. Cotter pin

Refer to 

GI-8, "Component"

, for the symbols in the figure.

SEIA0328E

SEIA0329E

PEIA0109E

SEIA0330E