I have a 98 Pathfinder. And a pretty decent shimmy (you can feel it in the steering column), especially when turning...it is more noticeable then. I hate shimmies, because you can never seem to eradicate them. Anyways, when it is parked, if you turn the steering wheel lightly side to side, you hear a clicking sound (again, through the steering column). I am almost positive this is related to my shimmy problem.
I have had shocks and struts replaced, and tires, to no avail...the bugger won't go away!
I plan on going back to a repair shop with it anyways, but I don't want to be snowed over, so if you guys can give me any approximations as to what this might be, I would be forever grateful!
Thanks for your time!!
2006-08-05 17:38:16 · 8 answers · asked by powhound 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
check your cvc joints on the pathfinder they have small u joints at the wheels they go bad it will cause it to shimmy and shake it will click when you turn the steering wheel and you can feel it like grabbing a little you should replace them on both sides at the same time
2006-08-05 17:59:17 · answer #1 · answered by firefightingexpert 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Will agree with Jas - it sounds like the steering box before other things - Tie Rod's, etc.
To "Test" jack up ONE SIDE of the truck, Unlock the steering wheel, (this may take two people) get on the wheel that is off the ground and move it back and forth (don't turn the other wheel, but move it enough to almost turn it) - look for anything that moves UP or DOWN when you push on the wheel.
If you do this and nothing is moving UP and or DOWN (a working system should move left and right not up and down, when on the ground like this) - then pay CLOSE attention to your steering box and your steering wheel (use a stethoscope if you have one) - look for jerks in the wheel or popping from the box.
If you take it to the shop make them show you the movement, or let you listen through the scope - eyes (pictures) are worth a thousand excuses.
Remember also, if it is a 4 wheel drive; that it "COULD" be in the drivetrain for the front - normally a CV or U-Joint - but that does get complicated.
2006-08-06 00:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by theleb63 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No cheap shops, no cheap solutions. Get a second or third opinion. In your case hitting a curb at 5mph can cause this. Pay attention to wheel balance and 4 wheel alignment first. Could be separated tread on a tire..........could be something tweaked in any wheel. Could be U driving like U had a Dodge Ram. U don't!
Cheap 4wd=large problems. I hear Pathfinder got lotta expensive problems. Yer shimmy may be as simple as a tweaked wheel. I suspect something bent. What U been driving like? or did U buy it that way?
2006-08-06 01:19:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely sounds like it could be your steering box. Some can be adjusted some cannot. Where your steering shaft rotation is transferred to steering linkages...this is the steering box.
2006-08-06 00:46:16 · answer #4 · answered by JAS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you do all those other things, jack up the front wheels and spin them by hand. Check to see if they are "true" or if the belts are broken and they tires are out of round.
2006-08-06 03:10:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Control arm bushings can cos this noise as well the ball joints and tie rod ends. I can't pin it down without looking at it. Bring it in to Pep Boy's and we will look it over for you, and give you an easement.No charge to look at it.
2006-08-06 01:09:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Mr. firefighting
Shop owner for many years
2006-08-06 01:04:40 · answer #7 · answered by Douglas Merran 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check your steering linkage and tie rod ends.
2006-08-06 00:42:30 · answer #8 · answered by nobodysangel_nobodysfool 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋