01 QX4 - Suspension Problems - Very Concerning - Please Help

[gordon.su]

Hello NICO,

I hope everyone is off to a good start in the new year !

My 2001 QX4 is reaching 242,000 KM it has been very reliable. It recently developed suspected suspension issues. Please share your insights/experiences. Please let me know if you require any further information for a more accurate diagnostic.
Thank you in advance!

Issue:
- 60km+ as I tap or release the throttle car slightly swerves left and swerves back to the right (not very obvious)
- 100km+ exact event occurs as described above, but is much more serious, car swerves multiple times left and right (this severe swerving can also be triggered when going over multiple bumps ex) over a set of train tracks)

I brought it over to my mechanic and looked underneath, the control arms and sway bars seem OK. They are suspecting it might have something to do with the diff or axel as if 1 wheel moves differently from another?

I plan on keeping it for at least a couple of years. I hope the issue I have is an easy fix!

Thanks again,

Gordon

[Towncivilian]

This is generally caused by rear trailing arm bushings. Inspect them for wear and play.

[CanuckQx4]

We call it the death sway. Very common. Easily Fixed.

Either buy complete new rear trailing arms, both rear upper and rear lower and deal with the problem again in a few years. Or buy the polyurethane bushing kit from 4x4parts.com and put those bushings in your factory trailing arms.

Do a search for trailing arm on this forums and 100+ threads of this problem will come up, the poly replacements are your best option

[gordon.su]

This is generally caused by rear trailing arm bushings. Inspect them for wear and play.

Thank you Towncivilian!

Now that you pointed me to the right direction I can see vast amounts of information already in NICO!

I have a question:
- you pointed out in other threads that there was a TSB issued for
PATHFINDER VEHICLE PULL AND FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION EXCESSIVE PLAY
- Applied Vehicle: 1996-98 Pathfinder (R50)

I tried finding the TSB for my 2001 QX4 but am having a difficult time.

Is the suspension for Pathfinders 1998 and my 2001 QX4 the same?

[gordon.su]

We call it the death sway. Very common. Easily Fixed.

Either buy complete new rear trailing arms, both rear upper and rear lower and deal with the problem again in a few years. Or buy the polyurethane bushing kit from 4x4parts.com and put those bushings in your factory trailing arms.

Do a search for trailing arm on this forums and 100+ threads of this problem will come up, the poly replacements are your best option

Thank you Canuck! You're totally right, probably more than 100+ threads with a couple recent ones as well.

How would I check if it is either a isolated case with bushings or if they are the trailing arms?

Or chances are both are flawed with the description of my case?

Thanks again!

[Towncivilian]

The TSB for 1996 - 1998 R50s just confirms the issue for those model years; it isn't an exhaustive list, and this issue definitely is applicable to your '01 QX4.

The trailing arms themselves really don't go bad, just the bushings for them. Upon inspection, I believe you should notice if they're obviously bad - i.e. rotting away or nonexistent, but I've never had this issue nor inspected bad ones so I don't have first hand experience to offer.

[CanuckQx4]

yes the arms themselves dont go bad at all (aside from surface rust) so there would be no need to replace them, only the bushings. But buying the arms complete with new rubber bushings and just throwin the old pieces out is pretty convenient. But dont expect them to last more than a few years at most.

The poly inserts are cheaper, ride firmer (completely eliminate that high speed dance) and last seemingly forever. But they do add 1.5-2 hours to the job to swap the bushings

If you live in the rust belt, be sure to grab a can of good rust penetrant spray and go spray all the retaining bolts for the arms a few times a few days before installing. Those bolts are big and ive of enough people on here needing to bring out the torch for removal if they are in bad shape. $5 can of liquid wrench penetrant will make it ALOT easier if sprayed liberally a few times before the removal

[fueler]

^^ all great advice!!!

you cant always tell if a bushing is bad by visual... you have to have your truck in park, e-brake applied, and get underneath.... have a buddy push your truck side-to-side, front-to-back.... only then will broken bushings will become obvious!

[gordon.su]

The TSB for 1996 - 1998 R50s just confirms the issue for those model years; it isn't an exhaustive list, and this issue definitely is applicable to your '01 QX4.

The trailing arms themselves really don't go bad, just the bushings for them. Upon inspection, I believe you should notice if they're obviously bad - i.e. rotting away or nonexistent, but I've never had this issue nor inspected bad ones so I don't have first hand experience to offer.

Thank you Towncilvilian!

I replaced both trailing arms and now she feels like a new car again!

[gordon.su]

yes the arms themselves dont go bad at all (aside from surface rust) so there would be no need to replace them, only the bushings. But buying the arms complete with new rubber bushings and just throwin the old pieces out is pretty convenient. But dont expect them to last more than a few years at most.

The poly inserts are cheaper, ride firmer (completely eliminate that high speed dance) and last seemingly forever. But they do add 1.5-2 hours to the job to swap the bushings

If you live in the rust belt, be sure to grab a can of good rust penetrant spray and go spray all the retaining bolts for the arms a few times a few days before installing. Those bolts are big and ive of enough people on here needing to bring out the torch for removal if they are in bad shape. $5 can of liquid wrench penetrant will make it ALOT easier if sprayed liberally a few times before the removal

Thank you CanuckQx4:

The upper trailing arm was broken and the lower arms had some play.

It was quite laborious as the arms hard to be torched and a lot of elbow grease as rust sealed the arms in.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Where did the upper trailing arm break? A picture would be great.

I ask because it's perhaps something we should all be keeping an eye on.


Chuck