Service Procedure

Note:
The procedure must be followed for each of the four wheels on every Maxima affected by this campaign.

1. Verify the Affected aluminum wheel manufacturer by measuring the length of the casting marks which are located on the wheel surface. Please use the template located in this bulletin to determine the wheel manufacturer.





If the casting mark matches the template, go to step 2 below.

If the casting mark is larger than the template, inspection ends, no further action required.

(Approximately 80% of the Maximas are equipped with wheels with the small casting marks).

2. Check the front lug nuts for loosening torque using a "Click" type torque wrench set to 30 ft.lb.

Loosen the nuts slowly and note if the torque wrench "clicks". If any nuts are torqued to less than 30 ft.lb., skip step 5 for that wheel and replace all five wheel studs and lug nuts at that front wheel. The torque check is not required on the rear wheels. Go to step 3.

3. Place the vehicle on a hoist and raise off the ground.

4. Remove all four wheels





5. Inspect the lug nuts and wheel studs for damage (if not already replaced).

^ When inspecting the lug nuts look at the tapered seat area for wear, damage or rust. Also make sure they turn smoothly on the threads of the wheel stud.

^ Inspect for damage to the threads, bending, or unusual wear. A known good nut should spin freely on the wheel studs for the length of the wheel studs.

^ If any wheel stud or lug nut displays damage, replace all five wheel studs and lug nuts on that hub only.

6. Inspect the wheel insert (lug nut seat) area and the wheel center pilot hole.

When inspecting the wheels look for worn or damaged inserts:

^ Wheel insert bores that are noticeably oblong.

^ Wheel insert bores that have thread marks due to contact with the hub bolts.

^ Wheel inserts with the taper portion scored, rusted and/or rounded.

^ Wheel center pilot hole inside is scored.

If a front or rear wheel has damage, replace that wheel and all ten front wheel studs and all front lug nuts (if not already replaced). All front studs are replaced in this case because the damaged wheel is likely to have been rotated from a front location.

7. If there was no evidence of damage in steps 5, and 6, proceed to step 22, clear coat removal.

WHEEL STUD REPLACEMENT

8. Remove the front brake caliper.

9. Support the front brake caliper using a suitable hook or piece of wire.

10. Remove the brake rotor.





11. Cut and discard the section of backing plate as shown. An air powered cutoff tool is recommended.
It is not necessary to remove the hub from the vehicle.

NOTE:
Smooth the edges of cut backing plate with sand paper.





12. Paint the edges of the cut section with black spray paint. Be sure to avoid getting paint on the hub flange face.

13. Remove the damaged wheel studs using the special tool provided. Before using the stud remover, apply grease to the threads of the tool to ensure long life for the tool. Additional tools can be ordered from Kent Moore, part # J6627-A.

CAUTION:
Do not use a hammer to remove the wheel studs. This may damage the hub and hub bearings.

14. Clean wheel stud holes of any foreign material.

15. Insert the new wheel studs into the hub.

16. Install three washers (P/N 08915-4421A) onto one of the studs.





17. Install the lug nuts backwards as shown.

18. Tighten the nuts to 87 ft.lb. (12 kg-m) of torque.

19. Inspect the wheel studs to ensure they are seated properly. If not, continue to tighten until the stud is fully seated against the hub.

20. Remove the nut and washers and use them on the remaining studs, then discard the washers and the lug nut.

21. Install the front rotor and brake caliper onto the steering knuckle. Torque the mounting bolts to 53 - 72 ft.lb. ( 7.3 - 9.9 kg-m).

WHEEL CLEAR COAT REMOVAL





22. Set the removed wheel and tire on the ground and remove the clear coat on the front and back of the wheel as shown. The drill speed should not exceed 2,900 rpm. If a damaged wheel is replaced with a wheel from dealer stock (not ordered), clear coat removal is required. All ordered wheels will already have the clear coat removed.

FRONT OF WHEEL

Insert the special wire brush provided, into the center of the wheel nut insert as shown above and brush for no more than 2 seconds per wheel nut insert. Use about 10 lbs of force to push down on the brush. To obtain additional brushes, please contact Kent Moore, and order part # J41517.

REAR OF WHEEL





Use the Snap On wire brush (P/N AC240A), provided, on the back side of the wheel as shown above for about 45-60 seconds depending on clear coat thickness. Use about 20 lbs of force to push down on the brush. Remove almost all of the clear coat from the wheel mounting surface; a few spots of residual clear coat is O.K. If additional brushes are required, order them directly from Snap On.

23. Install wheels on vehicle and torque to 87 ft.lb. (12 kg-m).