The Nissan Atlas, a staple of New Zealand's commercial vehicle landscape in the early 90s, offered a robust and dependable workhorse solution. Known for its utilitarian design and relatively simple mechanicals, the Atlas earned its keep across a variety of industries. While relatively simple, keeping up with the maintenance is key to keeping these old workhorses on the road. Join me, Emily, as we delve into the Atlas's quirks, common problems in NZ, and how to keep it WOF-ready.
Parts for the Nissan Atlas NA20 Cab Chassis (1990-1992)
Given their age and workhorse nature, typical Atlas issues include: • Rust: Check chassis rails, cab floors, and any areas prone to water accumulation. Prevention is better than cure. • Engine Wear: Look out for excessive smoke, unusual noises, or difficulty starting, especially in cold weather. • Brake System: Inspect brake lines, master cylinder, and wheel cylinders for leaks or corrosion. • Suspension: Leaf springs and shock absorbers can wear out, affecting handling and ride quality. • Electrics: Wiring can become brittle with age. Check all lights, indicators, and electrical components for proper function.
WOF tips
When taking your Nissan Atlas for a WOF inspection, pay close attention to these areas: • Rust: This is a very common reason for WOF failures on older commercial vehicles. Any significant rust compromising structural integrity will result in a failure. • Brakes: Brakes must be in good working order, with sufficient pad thickness and no leaks in the hydraulic system. • Lights: All lights must be functional and correctly aligned. • Tyre Condition: Tyres must have adequate tread depth and be free from damage. • Steering and Suspension: Check for excessive play in the steering and any damage to suspension components.
About the Nissan Atlas NA20 Cab Chassis (1990-1992)
The Atlas of this era typically featured a diesel engine, known for its fuel efficiency and longevity. Common configurations include cab-over designs, maximizing cargo space within a compact footprint. The chassis was robust, designed to handle heavy loads, which is exactly what they are designed for!
Inside, functionality reigned supreme with a no-frills approach. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the smooth running of these older vehicles, especially ensuring servicing of all parts.
Questions owners ask
What are the common issues I should look out for with a 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas in New Zealand?
Given their age and workhorse nature, common issues for the 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas include rust, particularly on chassis rails and cab floors, engine wear (indicated by excessive smoke or unusual noises), problems with the brake system like leaks or corrosion, worn suspension components such as leaf springs and shock absorbers, and brittle electrical wiring.
Where can I get replacement brake components for my 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 53 SKUs for the 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas. You can find replacement brake lines, master cylinders, and wheel cylinders, which are common wear items for these vehicles, through CARFIX.
What should I pay extra attention to when getting a WOF for my 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas?
For a WOF inspection on your 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas, pay close attention to rust, as any significant structural corrosion is a common reason for failure. Ensure brakes are in good working order with sufficient pad thickness and no leaks. All lights must be functional and correctly aligned, tyres need adequate tread depth, and check for excessive play in steering and any damage to suspension components.
How often should I service my 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas?
The recommended service interval for your 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas is every 5000km. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the smooth running and longevity of these older vehicles, especially given their typical diesel engines and robust chassis designed for heavy loads.
Are 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas models known for rust problems?
Yes, rust is a very common issue for the 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas, especially given their age and commercial use. You should regularly check chassis rails, cab floors, and any areas prone to water accumulation. Addressing rust early is key to preventing WOF failures and maintaining the vehicle's structural integrity.
What kind of engine does the 1990-1992 Nissan Atlas typically have?
The Nissan Atlas of this era typically featured a diesel engine, known for its fuel efficiency and longevity. These engines are robust but require regular maintenance to prevent issues like excessive smoke or difficulty starting, especially in colder weather.