TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE

SECTION FAX FRONT AXLE

B

FAX

E
CONTENTS
PRECAUTION ............................................... 2 On-Vehicle Inspection and Service .......................... 5 F

PRECAUTIONS ................................................... 2 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ................ 6

Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System G
(SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TEN- DRIVE SHAFT .................................................... 6
SIONER" ................................................................... 2 Removal and Installation .......................................... 6
Precaution ................................................................. 2 WHEEL HUB ...................................................... 8 H
PREPARATION ............................................ 3 Removal and Installation .......................................... 8

PREPARATION ................................................... 3 DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY .............. 10

I
Special Service Tool ................................................. 3 DRIVE SHAFT ................................................... 10
Commercial Service Tool .......................................... 3
Disassembly and Assembly .....................................10
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS ............................... 4 J
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (SDS) ............................................................ 16
(NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING ............................. 4 K
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS
NVH Troubleshooting Chart ...................................... 4
(SDS) ................................................................. 16
ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ..................... 5 Wheel Bearing .........................................................16
Drive Shaft ...............................................................16 L
WHEEL HUB ....................................................... 5 Boot Bands ..............................................................16

Revision: October 2009 FAX-1 2010 Frontier

 PRECAUTIONS
< PRECAUTION >
PRECAUTION
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT
PRE-TENSIONER" INFOID:0000000005548385

The Supplemental Restraint System such as AIR BAG and SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER, used along
with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain
types of collision. This system includes seat belt switch inputs and dual stage front air bag modules. The SRS
system uses the seat belt switches to determine the front air bag deployment, and may only deploy one front
air bag, depending on the severity of a collision and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted.
Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of this Service Man-
ual.
WARNING:
To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in
the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be performed by
an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.
Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal
injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air Bag
Module, see the SR section.
Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this
Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or har-
ness connectors.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS
WARNING:
When working near the Airbag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Airbag System sensors with the Igni-
tion ON or engine running, DO NOT use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with a
hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor(s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing
serious injury.
When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always switch the Ignition OFF, disconnect the
battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service.
Precaution INFOID:0000000005272958

Observe the following precautions when disassembling and servicing the wheel hub and drive shafts.
Perform work in a location which is as dust-free as possible.
Before disassembling and servicing, clean the outside of parts.
Prevention of the entry of foreign objects must be taken into account during disassembly of the component
parts.
Disassembled parts must be carefully reassembled in the correct order. If work is interrupted, a clean cover
must be placed over parts.
Paper shop cloths must be used. Fabric shop cloths must not be used because of the danger of lint adhering
to parts.
Disassembled parts (except for rubber parts) should be cleaned with a suitable solvent which shall be
removed by blowing with air or wiping with paper shop cloths.

Revision: October 2009 FAX-2 2010 Frontier

 PREPARATION
< PREPARATION >
PREPARATION A
PREPARATION
Special Service Tool INFOID:0000000005272959
B
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number Description
(Kent-Moore No.) C
Tool name
ST29020001 Removing ball joint for steering knuckle
(J-24319-01) a: 34 mm (1.34 in) FAX
Gear arm puller b: 6.5 mm (0.256 in)
c: 61.5 mm (2.421 in)

NT694

KV38105500 Installing drive shaft F

( ) a: 32 mm (1.26 in) dia
Protector
G

ZZA0835D
H

KV40107300 Installing boot bands

( )
Boot band crimping tool I

ZZA1229D

Commercial Service Tool INFOID:0000000005272960 K

Tool name Description L

Power tools Removing bolts and nuts

N
PBIC0190E

Revision: October 2009 FAX-3 2010 Frontier

 NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS (NVH) TROUBLESHOOTING
NVH Troubleshooting Chart INFOID:0000000005272961

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

DLN-133, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

DLN-183, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

WT-41, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

WT-41, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

FSU-4, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

BR-6, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

ST-5, "NVH Troubleshooting Chart"

FAX-6

FAX-6

FAX-6

FAX-6

FAX-6

FAX-5
Reference page

Improper installation, looseness

Wheel bearing damage

Joint sliding resistance

FRONT FINAL DRIVE

PROPELLER SHAFT
Excessive joint angle

Parts interference
Possible cause and SUSPECTED PARTS

ROAD WHEEL
SUSPENSION

STEERING
Imbalance

BRAKES
TIRES
Noise
Shake
Vibration
Symptom Shimmy
Shudder
Poor quality ride or han-

dling
: Applicable

Revision: October 2009 FAX-4 2010 Frontier

 WHEEL HUB
< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >
ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE A
WHEEL HUB
On-Vehicle Inspection and Service INFOID:0000000005272962
B
Make sure the mounting conditions (looseness, backlash) of each component and component status (wear,
damage) are normal.
C
WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION
Move wheel hub in the axial direction by hand. Make sure there is
no looseness of wheel bearing.
FAX
Axial end play limit : 0.05 mm (0.002 in) or less
Rotate wheel hub and make sure there is no unusual noise or E
other irregular conditions. If there are any irregular conditions,
replace wheel hub and bearing assembly.

SMA571A

Revision: October 2009 FAX-5 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
DRIVE SHAFT
Removal and Installation INFOID:0000000005272963

WDIA0341E

1. Differential side oil seal 2. Drive shaft 3. Drive shaft lock nut
4. Cotter pin

REMOVAL
1. Remove wheel and tire using power tool.
2. Remove rear engine under cover using power tool.
3. Remove wheel sensor harness from mount on knuckle, then disconnect wheel sensor harness connector.
CAUTION:
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.
4. Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to FAX-8, "Removal and Installation".
It is not necessary to remove wheel sensor from wheel hub when wheel hub is not being replaced.
Carefully feed wheel sensor harness through hole in splash shield.
5. Separate upper link ball joint stud from steering knuckle using
Tool.
Support lower link with jack.

Tool number : ST29020001 (J-24319-01)

6. Remove drive shaft assembly.
Pry drive shaft front final drive using suitable tool.
Remove differential side oil seal. Refer to DLN-188, "Removal
and Installation".
WEIA0119E

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Move joint up, down, left, right, and in axial direction. Check for any rough movement or significant loose-
ness.
Check boot for cracks or other damage, and for grease leakage.
If damaged, disassemble drive shaft to verify damage, and repair
or replace as necessary.

SFA108A

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

Revision: October 2009 FAX-6 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
When installing drive shaft onto front final drive, use Tool to pre-
vent damage to the oil seal while inserting drive shaft. Slide drive A
shaft sliding joint and tap with a hammer to install securely.

Tool number : KV38105500 (J-33904) B

CAUTION:
Never reuse the differential side oil seal.
Tighten wheel nuts to specification. Refer to WT-46, "Rotation". C

SDIA2615E

FAX

Revision: October 2009 FAX-7 2010 Frontier

 WHEEL HUB
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
WHEEL HUB
Removal and Installation INFOID:0000000005272964

WDIA0228E

1. Disc rotor 2. Wheel hub and bearing assembly 3. Wheel stud

4. Splash guard 5. Steering knuckle 6. Wheel sensor bracket

REMOVAL
1. Remove wheel and tire using power tool.
2. Without disassembling the hydraulic lines, remove caliper torque member bolts using power tool. Then
reposition brake caliper aside with wire. Refer to BR-41, "Removal and Installation of Brake Caliper and
Disc Rotor".
CAUTION:
Do not press brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.
3. Put alignment mark on disc rotor and wheel hub and bearing
assembly, then remove disc rotor.

WDIA0044E

4. On models with 4WD, remove cotter pin, then remove lock nut from drive shaft using power tool. Refer to
FAX-6, "Removal and Installation".
5. Remove wheel sensor from wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to BRC-69, "Removal and Installa-
tion" (Type 1), BRC-178, "Removal and Installation" (Type 2), BRC-298, "Removal and Installation" (Type
3).
Inspect the wheel sensor O-ring, replace the wheel sensor assembly if damaged.
Clean the wheel sensor hole and mounting surface with a suitable brake cleaner and clean lint-free
shop rag. Be careful that dirt and debris does not enter the axle bearing area.
Apply a coat of suitable grease to the wheel sensor O-ring and mounting hole.
CAUTION:
Do not pull on the wheel sensor harness.
6. On models with 4WD, separate drive shaft from wheel hub and bearing assembly.
7. Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly bolts using power tool.

Revision: October 2009 FAX-8 2010 Frontier

 WHEEL HUB
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
8. Remove splash guard and wheel hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle.
Carefully remove wheel sensor and harness through hole in splash guard. A
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Check for deformity, cracks and damage on each part and replace if necessary.
B
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
Use new bolts when installing the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
When installing disc rotor on wheel hub and bearing assembly, C
position the disc rotor according to alignment mark.
(When not using the alignment mark, refer to BR-41, "Removal
and Installation of Brake Caliper and Disc Rotor".) FAX
When installing wheel and tire, refer to WT-46, "Rotation".

F
WDIA0044E

Revision: October 2009 FAX-9 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
DRIVE SHAFT
Disassembly and Assembly INFOID:0000000005272965

WDIA0342E

1. Circlip 2. Dust cover 3. Housing

4. Snap ring 5. Ball cage, steel ball and inner race assembly 6. Stopper ring
7. Boot band 8. Boot 9. Shaft
10. Joint sub-assembly

DISASSEMBLY
Final Drive Side
1. Mount the drive shaft in a vise.
CAUTION:
When mounting the drive shaft in a vise, use copper or aluminum plates between the vise and the
drive shaft.
2. Remove boot bands and slide the boot back.
3. Put matching marks on housing and shaft before separating joint assembly.
CAUTION:
Use paint or similar substance for matching marks. Do not scratch the surfaces.
4. Remove the stopper ring using a suitable tool as shown, and pull
the housing off.

SFA476

Revision: October 2009 FAX-10 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
5. Remove the snap ring using a suitable tool, then remove the ball
cage, steel ball, and inner race assembly from the shaft. A

SFA514A

FAX
6. Remove the boot from the shaft.
7. Remove circlip and dust cover from the housing.
8. Clean the old grease off of the housing using paper towels. E
Wheel Side
1. Mount the drive shaft in a vise.
CAUTION: F
When mounting the drive shaft in a vise, use copper or aluminum plates between the vise and the
drive shaft.
2. Remove the boot bands and slide the boot back. G
3. Screw a sliding hammer or suitable tool 30 mm (1.18 in) or more
into threaded part of joint sub-assembly. Pull joint sub-assembly
off of shaft as shown. H
NOTE:
Align the sliding hammer and shaft and remove the joint sub-
assembly by pulling directly.
I
CAUTION:
If the joint sub-assembly cannot be removed after five or
more unsuccessful attempts, replace the entire drive shaft
assembly. J
SDIA0606E

K
4. Remove boot from the shaft.
5. Remove circlip from the shaft.
6. While rotating the ball cage, clean the old grease off of the joint sub-assembly using paper towels. L
INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY
Shaft
Replace the shaft if there is any bending, cracking, or other damage. M

Joint Sub-assembly
Check for any rough rotation or unusual axial looseness.
N
Clean any foreign material from inside the joint sub-assembly.
Check for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.
CAUTION:
If any irregular conditions are found in the joint sub-assembly components, replace the entire joint O
sub-assembly.
Housing
NOTE: P
Housing, ball cage, steel ball, and inner race are in a set.
Check for any compression scars, cracks, fractures, or unusual wear on the ball rolling surface.
Check for any deformation of the boot installation components.
Ball Cage
Check the sliding surface for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures of sliding surface.
Steel Ball

Revision: October 2009 FAX-11 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
Check for any compression scars, cracks, fractures, or unusual wear.
Inner Race
Check the ball sliding surface for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.
Check for any damage to the serrated part.
ASSEMBLY
Final Drive Side
1. Wrap the serrated part of the shaft with tape. Install the boot
band and boot to shaft.
NOTE:
Discard the old boot band and boot and use a new one for
assembly.
2. Remove the tape wound around the serrated part of the shaft.

SFA800

3. Install the ball cage, steel ball, and inner race assembly on the
shaft, and secure them using the snap ring.
NOTE:
Discard the old snap ring and use a new one for assembly.

SDIA1125E

4. Insert the specified quantity of Genuine NISSAN Grease or

equivalent, into the housing. Refer to MA-16, "For North Amer-
ica: Fluids and Lubricants".

Grease capacity : 120 140 g (4.23 4.94 oz)

CAUTION:
If grease adheres to the boot mounting surface (indicated
by * marks) on shaft and housing, boot may come off.
Remove all grease from surfaces.

SDIA1446E

5. Install the stopper ring onto the housing.

CAUTION:
Do not reuse stopper rings.
Make sure that housing and stopper ring are fully engaged.
6. Install the boot securely into the grooves (indicated by * marks)
as shown.
CAUTION:
If there is grease on boot mounting surfaces (indicated by *
marks) of shaft and housing, boot may come off. Remove
all grease from surfaces.
7. Check that the boot installation length (L) is the length indicated
below. Insert a flat-tip screwdriver or similar tool into the large
end of the boot. Bleed air from boot to prevent boot deformation.

SDIA2493E

Revision: October 2009 FAX-12 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >

Boot installation length (L) : 163.9 - 164.3 mm A

(6.45 - 6.47 in)
CAUTION:
The boot may break if the boot installation length is less than the specified value. B
Do not to touch the tip of the screwdriver to the inside of the boot.
8. Secure the big and small ends of the boot with the new boot
bands as shown. C
NOTE:
Discard not reuse boot bands.
FAX

SFA395

F
9. Secure housing and shaft and then make sure that they are in the correct position when rotating boot. Use
a new boot band if the boot band needs to be loosened to reposition the boot.
10. Install circlip and dust cover to housing. G
NOTE:
Do not reuse circlip and dust cover.
Wheel Side H
1. Insert the Genuine NISSAN Grease or equivalent, into the joint
sub-assembly serration hole until the grease begins to ooze
from the ball groove and serration hole. Refer to MA-16, "For I
North America: Fluids and Lubricants". After inserting the
grease, use a shop cloth to wipe off the grease that has oozed
out.
J

K
SDIA1127E

2. Wrap the serrated part of the shaft with tape. Install the boot L
band and boot onto the shaft. Do not damage the boot.
NOTE:
Discard the old boot band and boot and use a new one for
assembly. M
3. Remove the protective tape wound around the serrated part of
the shaft.
N

SFA800
O

Revision: October 2009 FAX-13 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
4. Attach the circlip to the shaft. The circlip must fit securely into
the shaft groove. Attach the nut to the joint sub-assembly.
Use a soft hammer to press-fit the circlip.
NOTE:
Discard the old circlip and use a new one for assembly.

RAC0049D

5. Insert the specified quantity of Genuine NISSAN Grease or

equivalent, into the joint sub-assembly and the large end of the
boot. Refer to MA-16, "For North America: Fluids and Lubri-
cants".

Grease capacity : 115 135 g (4.01 4.76 oz)

CAUTION:
If grease adheres to the boot mounting surface (indicated
by * marks) on shaft and housing, boot may come off.
Remove all grease from surfaces.
SDIA1446E

6. Install the boot securely into the grooves (indicated by the *

marks) as shown.
CAUTION:
If there is grease on the boot mounting surfaces (indicated
by the * marks) of the shaft and joint sub-assembly, the
boot may come off. Remove all grease from the drive shaft
surfaces.
7. Check that the boot installation length (L) is the specified length.
Insert a flat-tip screwdriver or similar tool into the big side of the
boot. Bleed the air from the boot to prevent boot deformation.
SDIA2493E

Boot installation length (L) : 135.1 mm (5.32 in)

CAUTION:
The boot may break if the boot installation length is less than the specified length.
Do not contact inside surface of boot with the tip of the screwdriver.
8. Secure large and small ends of the boot using new boot bands
using tool as shown.

Tool number : KV40107300 ( )

NOTE:
Do not reuse boot bands.

RAC1133D

Revision: October 2009 FAX-14 2010 Frontier

 DRIVE SHAFT
< DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY >
Secure boot band so that dimension (M) meets specification
as shown. A

Dimension (M) : 1.0 4.0 mm (0.039 0.157 in)

9. After installing the housing to the shaft, rotate the boot to check B
that it is positioned correctly. If the boot is not positioned cor-
rectly, remove the old boot bands then reposition the boot and
secure the boot with new boot bands. C

DSF0047D

FAX

Revision: October 2009 FAX-15 2010 Frontier

 SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
< SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
SERVICE DATA AND SPECIFICATIONS (SDS)
Wheel Bearing INFOID:0000000005272966

Axial end play limit 0.05 mm (0.002 in) or less

Drive Shaft INFOID:0000000005272967

SDIA2493E

Final drive side Rzeppa

Drive shaft joint type
Wheel side Rzeppa
Specification Genuine NISSAN Grease or equivalent
Grease Final drive side 120 - 140 g (4.23 - 4.94 oz)
Capacity
Wheel side 115 - 135 g (4.01 - 4.76 oz)
Final drive side 163.9 - 164.3 mm (6.45 - 6.47 in)
Boot installed length (L)
Wheel side 135.1 mm (5.32 in)

Boot Bands INFOID:0000000005272968

Unit: mm (in)

DSF0047D

Dimension (M) 1.0 - 4.0 (0.039 - 0.157)

Revision: October 2009 FAX-16 2010 Frontier