Steering/front vibration

[Spamcan]

In the last few weeks I've been getting a high frequency vibration which seems to come from the front end. I feel it well in the steering wheel. At first I thought it would be a wheel needing balancing or rock stuck in the tread. But the tires are clean, and the frequency is way too fast. It could be a woman's vibrator! It really becomes apparent at @ 40MPH and is most apparent at 60-65MPH. Now I'm thinking a u-joint on the front half-shafts or bearing on the wheels may be the issue.

I seem to recall some post or issue with the half-shaft, but I cannot find it. Any ideas on how to find the issue? Or how hard it is to change the shafts? And best place to get replacements?

[Cooper993]

the hardest part of replacing the U-joints is getting the bolts off. They are in a tight location and appear to be attached with red Loctite. After trying for 1/2 hour to get those bolts off I decided to replace the joints while the shaft was still in the truck.

However, I should mention that I did this on a lift with various air tools

[Spamcan]

I was afraid of that. There's a small hope, I realized my aftermarket warranty I bought just may cover this. I just hope I can narrow down what it is for sure before I have to pay a diagnostic fee.

[volvite]

For peace of mind, I'd still look at having your tires rebalanced and maybe rotated. Possible that a belt in the tire broke loose and that is giving you the bad vibration.

[slavabon]

High-frequency fibration is most likely something in your drivetrain - driveshafts being the most common culprit. Being an 05 model, id look into that first. Wheels will not give you high-frequency vibration at 40-60MPH.

[Spamcan]

Thanks slavabon and volite. I'm pretty sure now that it's the drive train (u-joint most likely). I can feel a difference when in a turn and when the suspension compresses when hitting a hill or whatnot. That change of angle of the shafts seems to "relieve" the strain or whatever causing the vibration. Probable a bearing in the joint giving way or got hit and out of round or binding up.

Guess I'll give the warranty a try at the dealer.

[Fofiddy]

Hey Spam you might want to check the play on your wheel bearings. I just replaced the right front "Hub Assembly" on mine this past weekend. Your symptoms were identical to mine. There is even a TSB on them stating collision is the culprit. I do aim for the puddles most of the time, but I'm not exactly aiming for curbs. If you end up needing to replace the assembly and have a 4x4 your going to need an impact wrench.
www.Nissanhelp.com is a good resource for TSBs

[Spamcan]

Very cool, thanks Fofiddy! Very well could be a culprit, I run the fire roads up here a lot. I do have an impact wrench, so that'll be much easier than a shaft. How much was a bearing kit/parts? Where'd you get yours?

[Fofiddy]

http://www.courtesyparts.com/40202m-hub ... 6916_6917&

[Spamcan]

Thanks for the link fofiddy. Looks like I've gotta try the dealer. I have a 3rd party warranty which should cover this at $100 deductible. Have an appt Tuesday.

Today I did some testing. Luckily I also have an Xterra with near same size tires. So I swapped all 4 tires between rigs. The vibration was still there, so tires are not the issue. I also coasted down a road, engine at idle. The vibration was consistent and constant with speed, regardless of engine RPM's. So not an engine issue either.

I really needed to do these tests because my dealer isn't too great, and yet is the only one even close by. But I'll see what happens Tuesday...

[volvite]

Well hopfully you can get this covered under you warranty. It's a better feeling when you don't have to pay out of pocket for repairs.

[Spamcan]

From what I've read on the "What's covered" portion of the policy, bearings, u-joints and near all are covered (not things like bushing and shocks). I've never used it (filed a warranty claim), and it expires in July. So it would be nice to get my $'s worth for it!

[Spamcan]

Just got back from the dealer, says I need front and rear u-joints replaced. They called in to get the repair approved by the 3rd party warranty, I got approved. Parts are on order. Guess things work out every now and then. Then again, I did pay for it up front though...

[volvite]

Glad it worked out for you.

[Spamcan]

The proof will be how I get it back, and how long they take. Wish I trusted them more, or at least the service adviser.