FRONT & REAR AXLE SECTION

AX

GI MA EM LC EC

CONTENTS
FRONT AXLE ..................................................................2 Precautions ..................................................................2 PRECAUTIONS .........................................................2 Preparation ..................................................................2 SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS ........................................2 COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLS ................................2 Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting ...........................................................3 NVH TROUBLESHOOTING CHART ............................3 On-vehicle Service.......................................................3 FRONT AXLE PARTS ................................................3 FRONT WHEEL BEARING .........................................4 DRIVE SHAFT ...........................................................4 Wheel Hub and Knuckle..............................................5 COMPONENTS .........................................................5 REMOVAL .................................................................5 INSTALLATION..........................................................6 DISASSEMBLY ..........................................................7 INSPECTION .............................................................8 ASSEMBLY ...............................................................8 Drive Shaft ...................................................................9 COMPONENTS .........................................................9 REMOVAL ...............................................................10 INSTALLATION........................................................11
DISASSEMBLY ........................................................11 INSPECTION ...........................................................13 ASSEMBLY .............................................................13

FE AT

Service Data and Specifications (SDS).....................15 DRIVE SHAFT .........................................................15 WHEEL BEARING (FRONT) .....................................16 REAR AXLE ...................................................................17 Precautions ................................................................17 PRECAUTIONS .......................................................17 Preparation ................................................................17 SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS ......................................17 COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLS ..............................17 Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting .........................................................18 On-vehicle Service.....................................................18 REAR AXLE PARTS.................................................18 REAR WHEEL BEARING .........................................18 Wheel Hub .................................................................19 COMPONENTS .......................................................19 REMOVAL ...............................................................19 INSTALLATION........................................................20 Service Data and Specifications (SDS).....................22 WHEEL BEARING (REAR) .......................................22

SU BR ST RS BT HA SC EL IDX

FRONT AXLE
Precautions

Precautions
PRECAUTIONS

NHAX0001

SBR686C

When installing rubber parts, final tightening must be carried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground. *: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions. After installing removed suspension parts, check wheel alignment and adjust if necessary. Use flare nut wrench when removing or installing brake tubes. Always torque brake lines when installing.

Preparation
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here. Tool number (Kent-Moore No.) Tool name HT72520000 (J25730-B) Ball joint remover Description Removing tie-rod outer end and lower ball joint
NHAX0002

NT146

KV38106700 (J34296) KV38106800 (J34297) Differential side oil seal protector

Installing drive shaft LH: KV38106700 (J34296) RH: KV38106800 (J34297)

NT147

COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLS

Tool name 1 Flare nut crowfoot 2 Torque wrench Description Removing and installing each brake piping a: 10 mm (0.39 in)

NHAX0003

NT360

AX-2

FRONT AXLE
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting

NVH TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
Refer to DRIVE SHAFT in this chart.

=NHAX0004 NHAX0004S01

Use the chart below to help you find the cause of the symptom. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.

GI MA

AX-5, 19

AX-4, 18

AX-13

Refer to AXLE in this chart.

SU-4

SU-4

SU-4

BR-7

Reference page

ST-5 STEERING
NHAX0005

EM LC EC

Improper installation, looseness

Wheel bearing damage

Joint sliding resistance

Excessive joint angle

Parts interference

ROAD WHEEL

DRIVE SHAFT

SUSPENSION

Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS

FE
BRAKES

Imbalance

AT

Noise, Vibration DRIVE SHAFT Shake Noise Shake Symptom AXLE Vibration Shimmy Judder Poor quality ride or handling : Applicable

TIRES

AXLE

SU BR ST RS BT HA SC EL

On-vehicle Service
FRONT AXLE PARTS
Check front axle and front suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear or other damage. Shake each front wheel to check for excessive play. Make sure that cotter pin is inserted. Retighten all axle and suspension nuts and bolts to the specified torque. Tightening torque: Refer to SU-9, FRONT SUSPENSION.

IDX

SMA525A

AX-3

FRONT AXLE
On-vehicle Service (Contd)

FRONT WHEEL BEARING

NHAX0006

Check that wheel bearings operate smoothly. Check axial end play. Axial end play: Less than 0.05 mm (0.0020 in) If out of specification or wheel bearing does not turn smoothly, replace wheel bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub and Knuckle, FRONT AXLE, AX-5.

SFA646A

DRIVE SHAFT
Check for grease leakage or other damage.

NHAX0007

SFA108A

AX-4

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle

Wheel Hub and Knuckle

COMPONENTS
=NHAX0008

GI MA EM LC EC FE AT

SU
SAX024

BR ST RS BT

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Drive shaft Snap ring Knuckle Baffle plate ABS sensor

6. 7. 8. 9.

Wheel bearing assembly Snap ring Hub bolt Wheel hub

10. 11. 12. 13.

Wheel bearing lock nut Cotter pin Brake disc Wheel nut

REMOVAL

NHAX0009

CAUTION: Before removing the front axle assembly, disconnect the ABS wheel sensor from the assembly. Then move it away from the front axle assembly area. Failure to do so may result in damage to the sensor wires and the sensor becoming inoperative. 1. Remove wheel bearing lock nut. 2. Remove brake caliper assembly and rotor. Brake hose need not be disconnected from brake caliper. In this case, suspend caliper assembly with wire so as not to stretch brake hose. Be careful not to depress brake pedal, or piston will pop out. Make sure brake hose is not twisted.

HA SC EL IDX

SFA898A

AX-5

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)

3. Separate tie-rod from knuckle with Tool. Install stud nut on stud bolt to prevent damage to stud bolt.

SFA247B

4.
SFA651A

Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping it. If it is hard to remove, use a puller. Cover boots with shop towel so as not to damage them when removing drive shaft. When removing drive shaft, do not exceed more than 22 angle on drive shaft joint portion. Or, in doing so, try not to excessively stretch the slide joint. Do not lift the drive shaft with axle while holding only the middle axle. After tightening drive shaft or side shaft with bolts, do not lift the drive shaft while holding only the middle axle. Do not put down drive shaft while it is inserted into transaxle without supporting the middle axle, wheel side joint etc.

5. 6. 7.

Loosen lower ball joint tightening nut. Separate knuckle from lower ball joint stud with Tool. Remove knuckle from transverse link.

SFA113A

INSTALLATION

NHAX0010

1. Install knuckle with wheel hub. When installing knuckle to strut, be sure to hold bolts and tighten nuts. : 125 - 155 Nm (13 - 15 kg-m, 93 - 114 ft-lb) Before tightening, apply oil to threaded portion of drive shaft. When removing drive shaft, do not exceed more than 22 angle on drive shaft joint portion. Or, in doing so, try not to excessively stretch the slide joint.
SFA652A

AX-6

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)

2. 3. 4.

Do not lift the drive shaft with axle while holding only the middle axle. After tightening drive shaft or side shaft with bolts, do not lift the drive shaft while holding only the middle axle. Do not put down drive shaft while it is inserted into transaxle without supporting the middle axle, wheel side joint etc. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut. : 255 - 333 Nm (26 - 34 kg-m, 188 - 245 ft-lb) Check that wheel bearings operate smoothly. Check wheel bearing axial end play. Axial end play: Less than 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

GI MA EM LC EC FE AT

SFA653A

DISASSEMBLY

NHAX0011

CAUTION: When removing wheel hub or wheel bearing from knuckle, replace wheel bearing assembly (outer race, inner races and grease seals) with a new one.

SU BR ST RS

Wheel Hub

NHAX0011S01

Drive out hub with inner race (outside) from knuckle with a suitable tool.
SFA116A

Wheel Bearing

NHAX0011S02

When replacing wheel bearing, replace complete wheel bearing assembly (Inner races and outer race). 1. Remove bearing inner race (outside).

BT HA SC

SFA654A

EL
2. Remove snap rings.

IDX

SAX005

AX-7

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)

3.

Press out bearing outer race.

SFA905A

INSPECTION Wheel Hub and Knuckle

NHAX0012 NHAX0012S01

Check wheel hub and knuckle for cracks by using a magnetic exploration or dyeing test.

Snap Ring
Check snap ring for wear or cracks. Replace if necessary.

NHAX0012S02

ASSEMBLY

NHAX0013

When removing baffle plate, replace it with a new one. When installing the baffle plate, press new plate so that it is in contact with knuckle wall. Refer to figure at left.

SFA921B

1. 2.

Install inner snap ring into groove of knuckle. Press new wheel bearing assembly into knuckle until it contacts snap ring. Maximum load P: 29 kN (3 ton, 3.3 US ton, 3.0 Imp ton) CAUTION: Do not press inner race of wheel bearing assembly. Do not apply oil or grease to mating surfaces of wheel bearing outer race and knuckle. 3. Install outer snap ring into groove of knuckle. Press wheel hub into knuckle until it stops when the end of the wheel bearing is hit. Maximum load P: 49 kN (5 ton, 5.5 US ton, 4.9 Imp ton)

SFA655A

4.

SFA980B

AX-8

FRONT AXLE
Wheel Hub and Knuckle (Contd)

5. a.

b. c.

Check bearing operation. Add load P with press. Load P: 49.0 kN (5.0 ton, 5.5 US ton, 4.92 Imp ton) Spin knuckle several turns in both directions. Make sure that wheel bearings operate smoothly.

GI MA EM

SFA182A

Drive Shaft
COMPONENTS
NHAX0016

LC EC FE AT

SU BR ST RS BT HA SC
SAX027

EL
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ABS sensor rotor Joint assembly Boot band Circular clip Boot Dynamic damper band 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Dynamic damper Dust shield Circular clip Support bearing dust shield Snap ring Support bearing 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Support bearing retainer Support bearing bracket Shield heat plate Snap ring Support bearing dust shield Dust shield

IDX

AX-9

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)

REMOVAL

=NHAX0014

1. Remove wheel bearing lock nut. Brake caliper need not be disconnected. Do not twist or stretch brake hose when moving components. 2. Remove strut lower mount bolts. 3. Remove brake hose clip. 4. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping it. If it is hard to remove, use a puller. Cover boots with shop towel so as not to damage them when removing drive shaft. When removing drive shaft, do not exceed more than 22 angle on drive shaft joint portion. Or, in doing so, try not to excessively stretch the slide joint. Do not lift the drive shaft with axle while holding only the middle axle. After tightening drive shaft or side shaft with bolts, do not lift the drive shaft while holding only the middle axle. Do not put down drive shaft while it is inserted into transaxle without supporting the middle axle, wheel side joint etc. Refer to Wheel Hub and Knuckle, FRONT AXLE, AX-5. 5. Remove right drive shaft from transaxle. 6. Remove left drive shaft from transaxle.

For A/T models Insert screwdriver into transaxle opening for right drive shaft and strike with a hammer. Be careful not to damage pinion mate shaft and side gear.

SFA730

AX-10

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)

INSTALLATION

NHAX0015

When removing drive shaft, do not exceed more than 22 angle on drive shaft joint portion. Or, in doing so, try not to excessively stretch the slide joint. Do not lift the drive shaft with axle while holding only the middle axle. After tightening drive shaft or side shaft with bolts, do not lift the drive shaft while holding only the middle axle. Do not put down drive shaft while it is inserted into transaxle without supporting the middle axle, wheel side joint etc.
NHAX0015S01

GI MA EM LC EC FE AT

Transaxle Side
1.

2.

Drive a new oil seal to transaxle. Refer to MA-21, Replacing Oil Seal or Differential Side Oil Seal Replacement, ON-VEHICLE SERVICE. Set Tool along the inner circumference of oil seal.

SFA482-C

3. 4. 5.

Insert drive shaft into transaxle. Be sure to properly align the serrations and then withdraw Tool. Push drive shaft, then press-fit circular clip on the drive shaft into circular clip groove of side gear. After its insertion, try to pull the flange out of the slide joint by hand. If it pulls out, the circular clip is not properly meshed with the side gear.

SU BR ST

SFA483-C

Wheel Side

RS
NHAX0015S02

Install drive shaft into knuckle. Tighten upper knuckle nut and wheel bearing lock nut. Refer to section Installation in Wheel Hub and Knuckle, FRONT AXLE, AX-5.

BT HA SC EL

DISASSEMBLY Transaxle Side

The joint on the transaxle side cannot be disassembled.

NHAX0017 NHAX0017S01

IDX

AX-11

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)

Wheel Side

NHAX0017S02

CAUTION: The joint on the wheel side cannot be disassembled. 1. Before separating joint assembly, put matching marks on drive shaft and joint assembly. 2. Remove ABS sensor rotor.

SBR984C

3. Be 4. 5.

Separate joint assembly with a suitable tool. careful not to damage threads on drive shaft. Remove boot bands. Draw out boot.

SFA092A

Support Bearing
1. 2. Remove dust shield. Remove support bearing dust shield.

NHAX0017S03

SFA442B

3.

Remove snap ring.

SFA692

4. 5. 6.

Press support bearing assembly off of drive shaft. Remove support bearing dust shield. Remove snap ring.

SFA693

AX-12

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)

7.

Separate support bearing from support bearing retainer.

GI MA EM
SFA617

INSPECTION

NHAX0018

Thoroughly clean all parts in cleaning solvent, and dry with compressed air. Check parts for evidence of deformation or other damage.

LC EC FE

Drive Shaft
Replace drive shaft if it is twisted or cracked.

NHAX0018S01

Boot

NHAX0018S02

Check boot for fatigue, cracks or wear. Replace boot with new boot bands.

AT

Joint Assembly (Transaxle side)

NHAX0018S03

Check serration for deformation. Replace if necessary. Check slide joint housing for any damage. Replace if necessary.
NHAX0018S04

SU BR

Joint Assembly (Wheel side)

Replace joint assembly if it is deformed or damaged.

Support Bearing

NHAX0018S05

Make sure wheel bearing rolls freely and is free from noise, cracks, pitting or wear.

ST RS BT HA SC EL

Support Bearing Bracket

NHAX0018S06

Check support bearing bracket for cracks with a magnetic exploration or dyeing test.

ASSEMBLY

NHAX0019

After drive shaft has been assembled, ensure that it moves smoothly over its entire range without binding. Use NISSAN GENUINE GREASE or equivalent after every overhaul.

Wheel Side

NHAX0019S01

1. Install boot and new small boot band on drive shaft. Cover drive shaft serration with tape so as not to damage boot during installation.

IDX

SFA800

AX-13

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)

2.

Set joint assembly onto drive shaft by lightly tapping it. Install joint assembly securely, ensuring marks which were made during disassembly are properly aligned.

SFA942A

3.

4.

Pack drive shaft with specified amount of grease. Specified amount of grease: 115 - 125 g (4.06 - 4.41 oz) Make sure that boot is properly installed on the drive shaft groove. Set boot so that it does not swell and deform when its length is L1. Length L1: 103 mm (4.06 in)

SAX028

5.

Lock new larger and smaller boot bands securely with a suitable tool.

AFA022

CAUTION: Fix boot band so that dimension M in figure is within specification below. Dimension M: Large-diameter side: 2.0 - 3.0 mm (0.079 - 0.118 in) Small-diameter side: 2.0 - 3.0 mm (0.079 - 0.118 in)

DSF0047D

6.

Install the sensor rotor. For front sensor rotor, use hammer and wooden block. For rear sensor rotor, use suitable drift and press. Always replace sensor rotor with new one.

SBR985C

AX-14

FRONT AXLE
Drive Shaft (Contd)

Dynamic Damper
1. 2.

NHAX0019S02

Use new damper bands when installing. Install dynamic damper from stationary-joint side while holding it securely. Length: A: 205 - 215 mm (8.07 - 8.46 in) B: 50 mm (1.97 in)
NHAX0019S03

GI MA EM LC EC FE AT

Transaxle Side
The joint on the transaxle side cannot be disassembled.
SAX029

Support Bearing
Press bearing into retainer. Install snap ring. Install support bearing dust shield.

NHAX0019S04

SFA618

Press drive shaft into bearing.

SU BR ST
SFA694

Install snap ring. Install support bearing dust shield. Install dust shield.

RS BT HA SC

SFA444B

EL

Service Data and Specifications (SDS)

DRIVE SHAFT
Applied model Transaxle side Joint type Wheel side Quality Grease Boot length mm (in) Capacity g (oz) Wheel side ZF100 Nissan genuine grease or equivalent 115 - 125 (4.06 - 4.41) 103 (4.06) All SS86
NHAX0020

IDX

Wheel side L1

AX-15

FRONT AXLE
Service Data and Specifications (SDS) (Contd)
Applied model All

SAX030

WHEEL BEARING (FRONT)

Wheel bearing axial end play limit mm (in) Nm (kg-m, ft-lb) Less than 0.05 (0.0020) 255 - 333 (26 - 34, 188 - 245)

NHAX0021

Wheel bearing lock nut tightening torque

AX-16

REAR AXLE
Precautions

Precautions
PRECAUTIONS

NHAX0022

SBR686C

When installing each rubber part, final tightening must be carried out under unladen condition* with tires on ground. *: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions. Use flare nut wrench when removing or installing brake tubes. After installing removed suspension parts, check wheel alignment. Do not jack up at the trailing arm and lateral link. Always torque brake lines when installing.

GI MA EM LC EC FE AT

Preparation
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here. Tool number (Kent-Moore No.) Tool name ST15310000 ( Drift ) Description Install ABS sensor rotor a: 84 mm (3.31 in) dia. b: 96 mm (3.78 in) dia. c: 8 mm (0.31 in) d: 20 mm (0.79 in)
NHAX0032

SU BR ST RS BT
NHAX0024

NT607

COMMERCIAL SERVICE TOOLS

Tool name GG94310000 1 Flare nut crowfoot 2 Torque wrench Description Removing and installing brake piping a: 10 mm (0.39 in)

HA SC EL

NT360

Drift

Install ABS sensor rotor a: 75 mm (2.95 in) dia. b: 62 mm (2.44 in) dia.

IDX

NT371

AX-17

REAR AXLE
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting

NHAX0025

Refer to Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Troubleshooting, FRONT AXLE, AX-3.

On-vehicle Service
REAR AXLE PARTS
NHAX0026

Check axle and suspension parts for excessive play, wear or damage. Shake each rear wheel to check for excessive play.

SMA525A

REAR WHEEL BEARING

NHAX0027

SRA690A

Check axial end play. Axial end play: Less than 0.05 mm (0.0020 in) Check that wheel hub bearings operate smoothly. Check tightening torque of wheel bearing lock nut. : 187 - 254 Nm (19 - 26 kg-m, 138 - 188 ft-lb) Replace wheel bearing assembly if there is axial end play or wheel bearing does not turn smoothly. Refer to Wheel Hub, REAR AXLE, AX-19.

AX-18

REAR AXLE
Wheel Hub

Wheel Hub
COMPONENTS
NHAX0028

GI MA EM LC EC FE AT

SU
SAX026

BR ST RS

1. 2. 3.

Spindle Baffle plate ABS sensor rotor

4. 5.

Wheel hub bearing Wheel bearing lock nut

6. 7.

Hub cap ABS sensor

REMOVAL

NHAX0029

CAUTION: Before removing the rear wheel hub assembly, disconnect the ABS wheel sensor from the assembly. Then move it away from the hub assembly. Failure to do so may result in damage to the sensor wires and the sensor becoming inoperative. Wheel hub bearing does not require maintenance. If any of the following symptoms are noted, replace wheel hub bearing assembly. 1) Growling noise is emitted from wheel hub bearing during operation. 2) Wheel hub bearing drags or turns roughly. This occurs when turning hub by hand after bearing lock nut is tightened to specified torque.

BT HA SC EL IDX

AX-19

REAR AXLE
Wheel Hub (Contd)

1. Remove brake caliper assembly. 2. Remove wheel bearing lock nut. 3. Remove brake rotor. 4. Remove wheel hub bearing from spindle. Brake hose does not need to be disconnected from brake caliper. Suspend caliper assembly with wire so as not to stretch brake hose. Be careful not to depress brake pedal, or piston will pop out. Make sure brake hose is not twisted.
SRA692A

5.

Remove the sensor rotor using suitable puller, drift and bea ring replacer.

ARA082

INSTALLATION

NHAX0030

With vehicles equipped with ABS, press-fit ABS sensor rotor into wheel hub bearing using a drift. Do not reuse ABS sensor rotor. When installing, replace it with a new one.

SRA733AA

Press-fit ABS sensor rotor as far as the location shown in figure at left.

SRA734A

Install wheel hub bearing. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut. Before tightening, apply oil to threaded portion of rear spindle. Do not reuse wheel bearing lock nut. : 187 - 254 Nm (19 - 26 kg-m, 138 - 188 ft-lb) Check that wheel bearings operate smoothly.

SRA693A

AX-20

REAR AXLE
Wheel Hub (Contd)

Check wheel hub bearing axial end play. Axial end play: Less than 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)

GI MA EM
SRA737A

Clinch two places of lock nut.

LC EC FE AT

SFA599B

Install hub cap using a suitable tool. Do not reuse hub cap. When installing, replace it with a new one.

SU BR ST

SRA738A

RS BT HA SC EL IDX

AX-21

REAR AXLE
Service Data and Specifications (SDS)

Service Data and Specifications (SDS)

WHEEL BEARING (REAR)
Wheel bearing axial end play limit mm (in) Nm (kg-m, ft-lb) Less than 0.05 (0.0020) 187 - 254 (19 - 26, 138 - 188)
=NHAX0031

Wheel bearing lock nut tightening torque

AX-22