Tension Rod

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Tension Rod, also known as compression rod, strut rod, or caster/castor rod. Sometimes called a radius rod or reaction rod, or even a tie bar (although that suggests a tie-rod bar).

Overview

The tension rods keep the front wheels located fore/aft. It forms one leg of the virtual lower A-arm. The LCA makes up the other leg of the "A".

H10 1973-1975 1200 rods
H74 1976-1994 1200 rods (also used by 1976-up 120Y)

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1976 and later tensions rods have a different bolt spacing at the end, to match the updated bolt pattern on the 1976 and later LCAs. Because of the changed patterns, H74 requires notched Tension Rods with bolt holes drilled farther apart
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The tension rod is the lower bar in this photo:
Album 9433

With bushes in place:
Album 13474 Album 24594

Red poly bushings for a stiffer ride
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Album 8712

Part Numbers

Early 1200 (B110, un-notched)
* 54470-H1000 ROD-TENSION FRONT SUSPENSION RH
* 54471-H1000 ROD-TENSION FRONT SUSPENSION LH

1975.October-1979.October (notched) B120 & B210
* 54470-H7400 Tension rod R.H
* 54471-H7400 Tension rod L.H

79.November and newer B121/B122 also all B310
* 54470-H8500 Tension rod R.H
* 54471-H8500 Tension rod L.H

BOLTS: For the two bolts that fix the Tension Rod to the ball joint & LCA, see see Ball Joints.

54472-18000 WASHER-SPECIAL TENSION ROD -7910
54472-H8500 WASHER-THRUST TENSION ROD 7911-
54630-H1001 COLLAR-BUSH TENSION ROD
08915-44210 WASHER-PLAIN M12
08912-34210 NUT-HEX SELF LOCK M12

Bushes - approximately 21 mm thick
* 54476-W5000* Tension rod bushing (2 per side) $2.73
** formerly 54476-H1001
Album 24595
rockauto
* MCQUAY-NORRIS FA1320
* RAYBESTOS 5781039 
* ACDELCO 45G25039 or 88913237 $4.70/side (bushings, collar, washer & nut)
* MOOG K9217 $6.23/set of four

B210

JAPAN
Early B210
 54474-H5000 ROD ASS'Y-tension, front suspension (R.H.)
 54475-H5000 ROD ASS'Y-tension, front suspension (L.H.)
Late B210 Van 1075-, sedan/coupe 1275-
 54474-H7400 ROD ASS'Y-tension, front suspension (R.H.)
 54475-H7400 ROD ASS'Y-tension, front suspension (L.H.)
54472-18000 WASHER-special, tension rod (4)
54630-H1001 COLLAR-bush, tension rod (4)
54476-H1001 BUSH-tension rod (4)
08915-44210 WASHER-plain (2)
08912-34210 NUT (2)
54880-H5000 BRACKET ASS'Y-tension rod (R.H.) A12 & A14 
54480-H5900 ASSY-BRACKET,TENSION ROD RH USA & L16 JDM

NORTH AMERICA (HLB210, fits PB210 LCA)
54474-H5900 ASSY-ROD,TENSION RH 
54475-H5900 ASSY-ROD,TENSION LH
54537-21003 WASHER-SPECIAL (4)
54479-21000 COLLAR-BUSH TENSION ROD (2)
54476-21000 BUSH-TENSION ROD (4)
08915-54210 WASHER-PLAIN (2)
08912-34210 NUT-SELF LOCK TYPE N M12 (2)
54480-H5900 ASSY-BRACKET,TENSION ROD RH USA & L16 JDM

B310

54470-H8500 ROD-TENSION,FRONT SUSPENSION RH
54471-H8500 ROD-TENSION,FRONT SUSPENSION LH
54472-H8500 WASHER-SPECIAL TENSION ROD TO BRACKET (4)
54630-H1001 COLLAR-BUSH,TENSION ROD TO BRACKET (2)
54476-W5000 BUSH-TENSION ROD TO BRACKET (4)
08915-44210 WASHER-PLAIN (2)
08912-34210 NUT-HEX,SELF LOCK TYPE (2)

Brackets

The tension rod chassis brackets are welded to the front side member (front rail)

74830, 74831
54532-H1001 BRACKET-SUSPENSION ROD, RH
54533-H1001 BRACKET-SUSPENSION ROD, LH

Album 24597 Album 24596 Album 27033 Album 12653

If it cracks, re-weld and reinforce as necessary. A large washer can be welded to reinforce the opening
Album 7199

If battery rust corrodes the right bracket, replace it
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Custom Rods

For custom or adjustable rods, including Nissan Competition, see main article: Custom Caster Rods

Nissan Competition

This kit prevents suspension geometry changes under high cornering forces, and reduces front end dive while braking.

See Tension Rod Bearing Kit

Increased Caster

Cut the collar (metal tube) shorter. See How To: More Castor