Different Steering Issue

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K_tripps
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2016 5:35 am
Location: Connecticut

Different Steering Issue

Postby K_tripps » Mon Oct 17, 2016 5:41 am

Good Afternoon everyone,
I have a 99 Pathfinder with a rather weird steering issue that i wonder if anyone else has experienced. Overall the truck drives fine it doesn't pull to either side but if i make a left turn and straighten out, the steering wheel stays cocked to the left, If i make a full right turn it will stay cocked to the right...sometimes it goes back to the middle as im driving straight, it's very weird and it's driving me crazy. Has anyone had this issue? Is there any adjustments i can apply? Thanks


00pathySE
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:02 pm
Location: Ontario

Postby 00pathySE » Mon Oct 17, 2016 1:12 pm

Steering rack bushings are probably shot. There are two that hold the rack in place. When they deteriorate, the rack slides back and forth on the frame. This is a pretty common issue on R50s because the oil drains right on the frame where the bushings are when you do an oil change. Pretty straight forward replacement though. You can find details in the service manual.

tivo532
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2017 4:59 pm
Location: Fremont CA

Postby tivo532 » Thu Oct 19, 2017 3:33 pm

Hi K_tripps,

I have the same problem. Were you able to fix your steering problem?
Cheers!

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smj999smj
Site Admin
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Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:13 pm
Location: Prospect, VA

Postby smj999smj » Thu Oct 19, 2017 8:03 pm

It could be the rack bushings, as mentioned. I also remember issues where there was too much drag in the steering rack and pinion and the steering rack & pinion tension needed to be adjusted. I remember a special socket for the adjuster locknut and disconnected the outer tie rods from the knuckles. One would use a tension gauge to pull on one of the tie rods to determine if it was in specs and adjustments would be made as needed.

tivo532
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2017 4:59 pm
Location: Fremont CA

Postby tivo532 » Fri Oct 20, 2017 11:31 pm

Hi smj,

Thanks. I'll do some visual inspection this weekend.

Trailerhood Harvey
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Feb 18, 2018 10:18 pm

Postby Trailerhood Harvey » Sun Feb 18, 2018 11:03 pm

I had the same issues andit turned out to be the bushings that mount the steering rack. $14 fix.


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