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Nissan X-Trail T-31 2007-2013 factory workshop and repair manual download

- Safety first
- Park on a level surface, engage parking brake, chock rear wheels, engine off, key removed.
- Use a hydraulic jack and rated jack stands on vehicle jacking points — never rely on the jack alone.
- Wear eye protection and gloves; work with one hand on the tool at a time near suspension parts to avoid pinch/injury.
- If you are unsure about any loose or rusty fastener, stop and get professional help.

- What “wheel alignment” means (short)
- Alignment = setting toe, camber, and caster (front) and toe/camber (rear) to factory specs so wheels point where they should, tires wear evenly, and steering is predictable.
- On a home job with basic tools you can reliably set toe. Camber and caster often require special tools or parts to change on many cars.

- Tools you need (detailed descriptions and how to use each)
- Hydraulic floor jack
- Description: low-profile jack to lift the vehicle by its jacking points.
- How to use: pump handle to lift; place under specified jacking point, lift until wheel clears the ground slightly; immediately set jack stands under solid points.
- Why: you must lift to remove wheels and access tie rod locknuts and to visually inspect suspension.
- Jack stands (2 or 4, rated)
- Description: adjustable stands that hold the vehicle securely.
- How to use: position under pinch welds or recommended support, lower vehicle onto stands, gently push vehicle to confirm secure support.
- Why: safety — required whenever you work under or at wheel height.
- Wheel chocks
- Description: wedges placed behind wheels to prevent rolling.
- How to use: place behind rear wheels if working at front (or front if working at rear).
- Torque wrench (click-type)
- Description: wrench that clicks at a preset torque.
- How to use: set to correct torque spec (use service manual), tighten nuts/bolts until click.
- Why: tightening suspension/steering fasteners to proper torque is critical for safety and alignment stability.
- Open-end and box wrenches, metric set (including deep sockets)
- Description: a set of wrenches/sockets to fit tie rod locknuts, steering rack, strut top nuts.
- How to use: choose correct size, avoid rounding nuts; use penetrating oil on rusty fasteners.
- Why: needed to loosen/tighten locknuts and adjusters.
- Adjustable wrench / spanner
- Description: backup wrench for odd sizes.
- How to use: set jaw snugly to avoid rounding.
- Breaker bar (long-handled)
- Description: provides extra leverage for stubborn nuts.
- How to use: use carefully to avoid sudden release.
- Why: tie rod locknuts / wheel nuts can be tight; breaker bar helps break them free.
- Pliers / locking pliers (vice grips)
- Description: for holding components or turning if needed.
- How to use: clamp carefully to avoid damage.
- Tape measure (metric and imperial markings)
- Description: retractable ruler.
- How to use: measure distances between set points on wheels or toe plates; use same reference height on rims.
- Why: essential for string/toe measurement method.
- Small spirit level or digital inclinometer (camber gauge)
- Description: measures angle relative to vertical/horizontal.
- How to use: attach to wheel rim or flat plate on rim; read angle; subtract wheel rim offset if used.
- Why: to measure camber. Smartphone apps exist but are less accurate.
- Straightedge or 2 flat toe plates (DIY toe plates) and 2 blocks to ride on
- Description: toe plates are flat square plates that sit against the wheel rim with a straightedge across them; professional plates have measurement scales.
- How to use: place plates against front and rear of rims, measure distance between plates at hub height.
- Why: toe measurement method when you don’t have an alignment rack.
- String and four small clamps (string alignment method)
- Description: nylon string and clamps or pieces of cardboard to hold a reference line around car.
- How to use: wrap string around car and align to wheel centerlines; measure distances front/rear.
- Why: low-cost way to create a straight reference line for toe/camber measuring.
- Steering wheel holder or strap (or two helpers)
- Description: holds steering wheel centered while you adjust toe.
- How to use: lock wheel in center position with strap tied to seat/frame so it doesn’t move when you turn tie rods.
- Why: prevents steering wheel from moving and creating mis-centering between wheels and steering wheel.
- Rubber mallet and pry bar
- Description: for persuading seized components or adjusting tie rod position.
- How to use: tap gently or use pry bar cautiously to move control arms or rack ends when needed.
- Why: some linkage/bushings need a little persuasion to move.
- Penetrating oil and wire brush
- Description: loosens rust and cleans threads.
- How to use: apply, wait, brush off rust before loosening bolts.
- Why: prevents rounded fasteners and eases removal.
- Camber/caster gauge or professional alignment tool (optional but recommended)
- Description: dedicated tool for measuring camber and caster accurately.
- How to use: attach to wheel hub or rim; read degrees; some clamp on with magnets.
- Why: required to set camber/caster precisely — otherwise you’ll need a shop.

- Extra tools required for a full professional alignment and why
- 4-wheel alignment rack with turntables and thrust gauges
- Why: measure and adjust all four wheels simultaneously to factory specs; required for correct caster/camber/toe and steering axis alignment.
- Wheel camber/caster gauge and steering axis inclination (SAI) tools
- Why: measure angles precisely; home tools are not as accurate.
- Steering wheel centering tool and alignment computer
- Why: modern vehicles often need the steering angle sensor/tablet calibration after adjustments.

- Before you start — inspection and prep (what to check and why)
- Check tire pressures and equalize to manufacturer spec; uneven pressure changes measurements.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear (feathering, cupping); these indicate worn steering/suspension parts.
- Inspect tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, control arm bushings, strut mounts
- How: with wheel lifted, grab wheel at 12 and 6 and rock to check play; feel for play in wheel bearings and ball joints.
- Why: you cannot align accurately with worn components — they move under load.
- Ride height and suspension condition
- How: measure and compare left/right ride height; sagging spring affects camber/caster.
- Why: ride height changes alignment geometry.

- Basic measurements you’ll need (and how to record)
- Get the factory alignment specs for Nissan X-Trail T31 from service manual or online: front toe, front camber, front caster, rear toe/camber.
- If you don’t have exact numbers, aim for near zero toe (neutral) and minimal camber difference left vs. right; still get shop alignment after any road test.

- How to do a reliable DIY toe alignment (most useful for a beginner)
- Set up vehicle on level ground, chock rear wheels, jack front and support on stands (or lift the rear if front is to be aligned).
- Remove front wheels for easier access to tie rod locknut and to attach toe plates or to mark rim centers.
- Center the steering wheel: straighten wheels by hand and lock steering wheel in that position with strap/holder.
- Prepare your measuring reference: either
- Toe plates method: place plates flush to the rim on both sides of both front wheels and use tape measure between same faces of plates at hub height; or
- String method: stretch string around car parallel to vehicle centerline, equidistant from wheel center on both sides, measure front and rear distance from string to rim at hub height.
- Measure front and rear distances on each wheel pair:
- How: for toe, measure the distance between the front faces of the front tires and compare to the distance between the rear faces of the front tires (or compare left/right against string).
- Interpretation: if front distance is smaller than rear distance = toe-in; if front is larger = toe-out.
- Calculate toe change needed: aim for small toe-in or manufacturer spec. For a simple target, set toe so front and rear distances are equal (zero toe) or a slight toe-in (~2–4 mm total on front axle depending on spec).
- Adjust tie rods:
- Loosen tie rod locknut (outer or inner depending on which locks the sleeve).
- Turn the tie rod to change effective length: rotating the tie rod out or in moves the wheel toe. One full turn gives noticeable change; do small turns and re-measure.
- After adjustment, re-measure both sides until desired toe is achieved and both left and right match symmetrically.
- Tighten the locknuts to the specified torque (use torque wrench).
- Recheck steering wheel center: adjust left/right equally to keep steering wheel straight. If steering wheel is off-center but toe is correct, you can adjust both tie rods equally to center the wheel without changing toe.
- Reinstall wheels, torque wheel nuts to spec, lower vehicle, road-test at low speed and re-check toe after a short drive.

- How to check camber at home (basic)
- Use a digital inclinometer or camber gauge clamped to a flat rim surface or hub.
- With car settled on ground (steering centered), place gauge and note angle reading.
- Compare left and right; acceptable camber difference should be small. Exact degree targets must come from service manual.
- If camber is out and adjustable on your car:
- Some cars have eccentric bolts on lower control arm or slots in strut top to tweak camber; these need specific tools (large spanners) and sometimes a spring compressor if removing strut.
- If non-adjustable, camber correction requires aftermarket adjustable cam bolts/camber kits or replacing control arms with adjustable ones.

- What to do if caster is off
- Caster is usually set by strut positioning/ball joint location and is not adjustable with a tie rod.
- Significant caster changes often involve replacement of subframe parts or adjustable ball joints and are best done in a shop.

- Common parts that require replacement for alignment to hold and why
- Inner/outer tie rod ends
- Why: worn tie rods allow play so toe cannot hold; symptoms: looseness in steering, uneven tire wear, clunking.
- Replacement: replace the worn end; align after installation. Pair replacements are common if both sides similar wear.
- Control arm bushings
- Why: worn bushings allow lateral movement under load, causing inconsistent toe/camber under driving conditions.
- Replacement: press-in bushings or full control arm replacement; required if visible cracking or play when prying.
- Ball joints
- Why: vertical play leads to unpredictable camber/caster changes; unsafe.
- Replacement: replace ball joint or control arm assembly.
- Struts/shock absorbers and mounts
- Why: collapsed strut changes ride height and camber; worn mounts cause noise and alignment drift.
- Replacement: strut assembly or mount if leakage or sagging detected.
- Wheel bearings
- Why: play in the hub changes measured angles and causes uneven tire wear/noise.
- Replacement: press-out hub/bearing assembly.
- Sway bar end links
- Why: worn links can cause handling problems and odd lateral movement.
- Replacement: inexpensive and often necessary if play is present.
- Steering rack (rare)
- Why: internal wear or bent rack causes steering centering problems; expensive to replace.
- After replacing any of these parts always re-check and set alignment.

- When you must go to a professional
- If camber or caster are out and the car has no obvious adjustment points (common on many vehicles).
- If you detect structural damage, bent control arms, or subframe misalignment.
- If you want exact factory specs and a 4-wheel alignment report (recommended after suspension repairs).
- If you can’t achieve steering wheel centering after toe adjustment.

- Quick troubleshooting signs and what they usually mean
- Steering vibration or pulling to one side: possible toe or tire imbalance/worn parts.
- Excessive inner/outer wear: camber issue or prolonged incorrect toe.
- Steering wheel not centered after toe set: steering centering needs correction via equal tie-rod adjustments; if not correctable, worn steering rack/tie rods or bent steering components.

- Final checks and follow-up
- Torque all fasteners to factory specs (consult service manual).
- Test drive 5–10 km at varied speeds, perform gentle left/right turns and recheck wheel centering and tire wear after first 100 km.
- Get a professional computerized alignment if you need exact specs, to align caster/camber precisely, or after replacing suspension parts.

- Final note (short)
- With basic tools you can safely set toe and make a big improvement in tire wear and steering feel. Full three-angle precision alignment (toe, camber, caster) and any corrections if parts are bent or non-adjustable should be done on a professional alignment rack.
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