240sx Front Suspension (S13): tension rod, ball joint, wheel bearings and more

1989-1994 Nissan 240sx S13

Nissan's S13 240SX uses a Macpherson strut-type front suspension system.
System includes a coil spring, mounted over a vertically-mounted shock absorber,
transverse link with ball joint, stabilizer bar and tension rod.

WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENTS

Wheel bearing is pressed into wheel hub and is not adjustable. To check wheel bearing,
loosen hub nut and retighten to specification. Using a dial indicator, measure axial end
play at wheel hub. Maximum axial play is .0012" (.03 mm). If reading exceeds specification,
replace wheel bearing assembly.

BALL JOINT CHECKING

1. Jack up front of your Nissan 240sx and support with stands. Check ball joint for grease
leakage and dust cover for cracks or damage. Check ball joint end play.
2. Attach dial indicator to transverse link with indicator tip against lower edge of brake
caliper. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight-ahead. Place a pry bar between transverse
link and wheel.
3. With brake pedal depressed, raise and release pry bar. Observe dial
indicator. There should be zero vertical end play. If reading exceeds specification, replace
ball joint.
4. Remove wheel. Separate transverse link from ball joint. Attach torque wrench to top of
ball joint stud nut. Measure ball joint stud turning torque.

• Nissan S13 240SX: 4.3-30.4 inch Lbs. (.49-3.43 N.m.)

5. Using a spring gauge, measure ball joint side-to-side torque. Side-to-side torque should
be 1.8-12.3 lbs. (0.8-5.6 kg). If readings exceed specification, replace ball joint.

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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

COIL SPRING AND STRUT ASSEMBLY

Removal
1. Raise and support your Nissan 240sx. Remove wheel. Remove bolts holding strut to
knuckle arm. Detach knuckle arm from bottom of strut. Remove 3 nuts holding upper end
of strut to body. See figure.
DO NOT remove piston rod nut.
2. Remove spring/strut assembly from vehicle. Secure strut lower end in a soft-jawed
vise. Slightly loosen piston rod nut. Compress spring with spring compressor and remove
piston rod nut. Slowly release compressor tension. Remove spring from strut.

Inspection
Check strut for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension.
Check for oil leakage. Check piston for cracks, deformation or other damage.

Installation
Ensure flat spring surface is facing upward. Install spring onto strut assembly. Ensure
cutout on upper spring seat faces inward on vehicle. To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification.

HUB AND KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Raise and support your Nissan 240sx. Remove wheel. Remove brake caliper
bolts and wire caliper aside. Remove rotor. Remove wheel bearing
dust cover, cotter pin, lock nut and lock washer from steering knuckle. Remove hub
assembly from steering knuckle. See figure.
Remove tie rod-to-steering knuckle nut. Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle.
2. Remove ball joint nut and separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove steering
knuckle-to-strut assembly bolts. Remove steering knuckle assembly. To install, reverse
removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification.

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TRANSVERSE LINK AND BALL JOINT

Removal
Raise and support your Nissan 240sx. Remove wheel. Remove tension rod bolts at transverse link.
Remove ball joint nut. Separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove transverse link pivot
bolt and remove transverse link and ball joint.

Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. DO NOT tighten nuts and bolts to final torque until
weight of vehicle is on wheels. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. Check wheel alignment.

STABILIZER BAR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Raise and support your Nissan 240sx. Remove splash guard. Remove nuts securing stabilizer
bar to transverse link. Remove stabilizer bracket bolts and brackets. Remove stabilizer bar.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. DO NOT tighten nuts and bolts to final torque until weight
of vehicle is on wheels. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification.

TENSION ROD REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Raise and support your Nissan 240sx. Remove splash guard. Remove nuts securing tension rod
to mounting bracket. Remove bolts attaching tension rod to transverse link. Remove tension rod.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification.
If installing performance tension rods then please follow the install procedure provided by the
manufacturer.

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WHEEL BEARING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Raise and support your Nissan 240sx. Remove wheel. Remove brake caliper bolts and
wire caliper aside. Remove rotor. Remove dust cover, cotter pin, hub nut and lock washer from
steering knuckle. See figure.
2. Remove hub assembly from steering knuckle. Remove grease seal. Remove snap ring.
Press wheel bearing assembly from hub. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Tighten nuts and bolts to specification.

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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Ft. Lbs. (N.m)

• Brake Caliper Bolt: 53-72 (72-97)
• Piston Rod Nut: 44-58 (59-78)
• Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolt: 29-36 (39-49)
• Stabilizer Bar-To-Connecting Rod Nut: 34-38 (46-52)
• Strut-To-Body Nut: 29-40 (39-54)
• Strut-To-Steering Knuckle Nut: 84-98 (114-133)
• Tension Rod Bracket-To-Body Bolt: 29-36 (39-49)
• Tension Rod Through Bolt: 65-80 (88-108)
• Tension Rod-To-Transverse Link Nut: 65-80 (88-108)
• Tie Rod End Nut: 21-36 (29-49)
• Transverse Link-To-Crossmember Pivot Bolt: 65-80 (88-108)
• Wheel Bearing Lock Nut: 108-159 (147-216)
• Wheel Lug Nut: 72-87 (97-118)

1989-1994 Nissan 240sx S13

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