Mastering Nissan/Infiniti Wheel Alignment

Achieving precise wheel alignment is not merely a recommendation; it's a fundamental requirement for the optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your Nissan or Infiniti vehicle. A correctly aligned vehicle ensures even tyre wear, improved fuel efficiency, and predictable handling, making every journey safer and more comfortable. This guide delves into the specific requirements and procedures for aligning Nissan and Infiniti models, drawing directly from manufacturer guidelines to ensure your vehicle performs exactly as intended.

Understanding the intricacies of wheel alignment, from the initial checks to the final adjustments, is crucial. It’s not just about pointing the wheels straight; it involves a meticulous process that accounts for various factors influencing your vehicle's dynamics. By following the recommended practices, you can safeguard your investment and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained vehicle.

Understanding Unladen Conditions: The Foundation of Accuracy

Before any alignment measurement begins, it's paramount that your Nissan or Infiniti vehicle is in an "unladen condition." This isn't just a suggestion; it's a critical prerequisite for obtaining accurate alignment readings. An unladen vehicle provides a baseline measurement, free from external variables that could skew the results. To ensure your vehicle meets this criterion, several specific conditions must be met:

• Fuel, Engine Coolant, and Lubricants: All these fluids must be at their full, designated levels. The weight of these fluids, even seemingly minor, can affect the vehicle's stance and thus the alignment readings.
• Spare Tyre: The spare tyre must be in its designated position, typically in the boot. Its weight is part of the vehicle's standard unladen mass.
• Jack and Hand Tools: Similarly, the vehicle's standard jack and any hand tools provided by the manufacturer must be in their designated storage locations.
• Mats: All floor mats should be in their proper positions within the cabin.

Essentially, an unladen vehicle means it is in its standard, ready-to-drive state, without passengers or cargo, but with all its essential components and fluids at their specified levels and locations. Consulting your Infiniti retailer or Nissan service manual can confirm if any specific models have unique unladen condition requirements, though the general principles outlined above apply broadly.

The Recommended Alignment Type: Four-Wheel Thrust Alignment

For any Nissan or Infiniti vehicle, a four-wheel thrust alignment is the unequivocally recommended procedure. This specific type of alignment is crucial because it takes into account not only the front wheels but also the relationship between all four wheels and the vehicle's geometric centreline, known as the thrust line.

The "thrust" process ensures that all four wheels are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vehicle's true centreline. This is vital for several reasons:

• Steering Wheel Centring: A key benefit of a thrust alignment is that it helps to ensure the steering wheel is perfectly centred when the vehicle is travelling straight. An off-centre steering wheel, even if the vehicle tracks straight, is a sign of an imperfect alignment.
• Optimal Tracking: When all four wheels are aligned relative to the vehicle's thrust line, the car tracks straight down the road without requiring constant steering corrections. This reduces driver fatigue and enhances safety.
• Reduced Tyre Wear: By ensuring tyres are not dragging or scrubbing, a thrust alignment significantly extends tyre life, preventing uneven wear patterns that can lead to premature replacement.
• Enhanced Stability and Handling: A properly aligned vehicle responds more predictably to steering inputs, improving overall stability and handling characteristics, especially at higher speeds or during cornering.

This comprehensive approach to alignment is tailored to the sophisticated suspension systems found in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, providing the most accurate and beneficial results.

Before You Begin: Preliminary Checks

Before commencing any alignment procedure, a series of preliminary checks are absolutely essential. These checks identify underlying issues that could either prevent an accurate alignment or negate its benefits. Ignoring these steps could lead to wasted time and an ineffective alignment. Always ensure the following are thoroughly inspected:

• Tyres: Check for improper air pressure and any signs of uneven wear. Incorrect tyre pressure can significantly affect alignment readings, and worn tyres might mask or exacerbate alignment issues. Refer to your vehicle's specific manual for tyre air pressure guidelines.
• Wheels: Inspect wheels for runout, deformation, cracks, or any other damage. A bent or damaged wheel cannot be accurately aligned and must be repaired or replaced.
• Wheel Bearings: Check for excessive axial end play in the wheel bearings. Loose wheel bearings will introduce play into the wheel assembly, making precise alignment impossible.
• Shock Absorbers: Verify that shock absorbers are operating properly. Worn or leaking shocks can lead to an unstable suspension, affecting ride height and dynamic alignment.
• Suspension Components: Examine each suspension component for cracks, looseness, deformation, or other damage. This includes control arms, bushings, ball joints, and tie rods. Any compromised component will prevent the suspension from holding alignment settings.
• Wheelarch Height: Measure the wheelarch height under unladen conditions. This is a crucial indicator of the vehicle's static ride height and can reveal issues with springs or other suspension components that affect alignment. Refer to the RSU-24 section of your service manual for specific wheelarch height measurements.

Addressing any issues found during these preliminary checks is critical before proceeding with the alignment. Failure to do so will compromise the accuracy and effectiveness of the entire process.

Ensuring Your Alignment Equipment is Ready

The quality of your alignment equipment plays a significant role in the accuracy of the alignment. For Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, specific considerations must be taken into account regarding the alignment rack and machine itself:

• Rack Capability: The alignment rack should be robust enough and designed to accept any Nissan or Infiniti vehicle, accommodating their diverse sizes and weights.
• Rack Levelness: It is imperative that the alignment rack itself is perfectly level. Even a slight incline can introduce errors into the measurements, leading to an inaccurate alignment.
• Machine Calibration: Your alignment machine must be properly and regularly calibrated. Outdated or inaccurate calibration will yield incorrect data, making it impossible to perform a correct alignment. Always check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment for their recommended service and calibration schedule. Regular calibration is the cornerstone of accurate alignment work.

Investing in and maintaining high-quality, calibrated equipment is as important as following the correct procedures. Without it, even the most skilled technician will struggle to achieve the precise alignment required for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

The Alignment Process: Following Nissan/Infiniti Guidelines

When performing the alignment, it's crucial to adhere strictly to Nissan/Infiniti's specific guidelines. Deviation from these can lead to errors and an improperly aligned vehicle.

Use Only Service Manual Specifications

IMPORTANT: Always use only the alignment specifications listed in your specific Nissan/Infiniti Service Manual, particularly referring to section RSU-24, "Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1)". Do not rely on the default specifications programmed into alignment machines, as these may not be correct for your specific vehicle model and year.

Avoid Machine Indicators

Many alignment machines display settings using visual "indicators" such as green/red lights, plus or minus signs, or "Go/No Go" alerts. Do not use these indicators. The alignment specifications programmed into your machine that operate these indicators may not be accurate for your Nissan/Infiniti model, potentially leading to an error. Always refer directly to the numerical specifications provided in the Service Manual.

Compensation Methods: Rolling vs. Jacking

Most modern camera-type alignment machines offer two primary compensation methods to account for runout in the wheels and adapters:

• "Rolling Compensation" (Preferred Method): This is the preferred method for Nissan/Infiniti vehicles. After installing the alignment targets or head units, the vehicle is moved by pushing or pulling on the rear wheel. It's crucial to push or pull on the wheel itself, not on the vehicle body, to avoid introducing flex or inaccuracies. This method allows the machine to compensate for any minor imperfections in the wheels or mounting.
• "Jacking Compensation" (Optional Method): If rolling compensation is not feasible, the jacking compensation method can be used. After installing the alignment targets or head units, the vehicle is raised, and the wheels are rotated approximately 1/2 turn in both directions. This rotation allows the machine to calculate and compensate for runout.

NOTE: If you are using sensor-type alignment equipment (which attaches directly to the wheel hubs), do not use the "Rolling Compensation" method. Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sensor-type equipment for compensation.

Always follow all instructions for the specific alignment machine you are using, in conjunction with the Nissan/Infiniti Service Manual guidelines, for the most accurate results.

Precision Adjustments: Camber and Toe-in

Once measurements are taken and compensation applied, adjustments are made to bring the alignment settings within specifications. The primary adjustable parameters for Nissan/Infiniti vehicles are Camber and Toe-in.

Camber Adjustment

Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If camber is outside the standard value, it is adjusted using the adjusting bolt (1) located in the lower link (2) of the suspension assembly. Specific camber values can be found in RSU-6, "Adjustment" in your service manual.

CAUTION: After adjusting camber, it is absolutely essential to check toe-in. Camber adjustments can influence toe-in settings, requiring further fine-tuning to achieve perfect alignment.

Toe-in Adjustment

Toe-in refers to how much the front of the wheels are pointed inward or outward relative to each other. If toe-in is not within the specified range, it is adjusted with the adjusting bolt (1) in the suspension arm (2). Specific toe-in values are also detailed in RSU-6, "Adjustment".

CAUTION: Several critical cautions apply to toe-in adjustment:

• Equal Adjustment: Be sure to adjust toe-in equally on both the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) sides using the adjusting bolt. Unequal adjustments can lead to a crooked steering wheel or pulling.
• Preventing Bolt Turning: When tightening the nut firmly and checking the torque, use a wrench to prevent the adjusting bolt from turning. This ensures the setting remains precise as the nut is torqued.
• Inspect and Replace Worn Parts: If toe-in still cannot be brought within specification despite proper adjustment attempts, it indicates a deeper issue. In such cases, thoroughly inspect and replace any damaged or worn suspension parts that might be preventing proper adjustment.
• Steering Angle Sensor: After toe-in adjustment, it is critical to adjust the neutral position of the steering angle sensor. This sensor provides input to various vehicle systems (like ABS, VDC), and an incorrect neutral position after alignment can lead to system errors or impaired functionality. Refer to BRC-70, "Work Procedure" in your manual for this adjustment.

Precise adjustment of both camber and toe-in, coupled with adherence to all cautions, ensures your Nissan or Infiniti's suspension geometry is perfectly optimised for performance and safety.

The Long-Term Benefits of Accurate Alignment

Investing the time and effort into a meticulous wheel alignment for your Nissan or Infiniti yields significant long-term benefits. Beyond the immediate improvement in handling and steering feel, a properly aligned vehicle will experience:

• Extended Tyre Life: By eliminating uneven wear, your tyres will last longer, saving you money on premature replacements.
• Improved Fuel Economy: When wheels are aligned correctly, there is less rolling resistance, which can translate into better fuel efficiency.
• Enhanced Safety: A vehicle that tracks straight and handles predictably is inherently safer, especially during emergency manoeuvres or adverse driving conditions.
• Reduced Wear on Suspension Components: Proper alignment reduces stress on various suspension and steering components, potentially extending their lifespan.
• Increased Driving Comfort: Eliminating pulls, vibrations, and an off-centre steering wheel makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable driving experience.

Regularly checking and adjusting your vehicle's wheel alignment, especially after hitting potholes, replacing suspension components, or noticing any irregular tyre wear, is a cornerstone of responsible vehicle ownership for any Nissan or Infiniti owner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does "unladen condition" mean for my Nissan/Infiniti's alignment?

An "unladen condition" means your vehicle is in its standard, empty state for accurate alignment measurements. This includes having all fuel, engine coolant, and lubricants at full levels, and the spare tyre, jack, hand tools, and floor mats in their designated positions. No passengers or extra cargo should be in the vehicle.

Why is a four-wheel thrust alignment recommended for Nissan/Infiniti vehicles?

A four-wheel thrust alignment is recommended because it aligns all four wheels relative to the vehicle's geometric centreline (the thrust line). This comprehensive approach ensures the steering wheel is centred, the vehicle tracks straight, and all tyres wear evenly, providing optimal handling and stability.

Can I trust my alignment machine's green/red indicators?

No, for Nissan/Infiniti vehicles, you should not rely on your alignment machine's built-in green/red indicators or "Go/No Go" alerts. These indicators are often based on generic specifications that may not be accurate for your specific Nissan or Infiniti model. Always refer to the precise numerical specifications found in your vehicle's official Service Manual (e.g., RSU-24).

What's the difference between "Rolling Compensation" and "Jacking Compensation"?

"Rolling Compensation" is the preferred method where the vehicle is gently pushed or pulled by its rear wheels (not the body) after targets are installed. "Jacking Compensation" involves raising the vehicle and rotating the wheels 1/2 turn both ways. Both methods compensate for wheel/adapter runout, but rolling compensation is generally preferred for Nissan/Infiniti vehicles. Note that rolling compensation should not be used with sensor-type alignment equipment.

What should I do if my toe-in is still out of specification after adjustment?

If, after attempting to adjust toe-in, it remains outside the specified range, it indicates that there may be damaged or worn suspension components. You should thoroughly inspect and replace any parts such as control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rod ends that could be preventing proper adjustment. Additionally, remember to adjust the steering angle sensor's neutral position after any toe-in adjustment.

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