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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).
Contents |
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)
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
The tension rod is the lower bar attached to the LCA, the other bar is the anti-sway bar
With bushes in place:
Red poly bushings for a stiffer ride
Part Numbers
Rods
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
Bushings
Bushes 1200/120Y/B310 - approximately 21 mm thick * 54476-W5000 Tension rod bushing (2 per side) (replaces 54476-H1001) $2.73
Rockauto B110 Rockauto B310 * 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-H1001ᴳ BRACKET-SUSPENSION ROD, LH
If it cracks, re-weld and reinforce as necessary. A large washer can be welded to reinforce the opening
If battery rust corrodes the right bracket, replace it
Custom Rods
For custom or adjustable rods, 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:
Main Forum - How To: More Castor
