1997 Infiniti QX4 bad ride quality

[jcnunez]

When I hit 60 mph on the freeway or on the streets my SUV begins to sway and bounce from left to right. What could be causing this? The shocks have just recently been replaced. The shocks have been tested. I also noticed that the sway goes away by either pressing on the gas or by slowing down.
Modified by jcnunez at 12:22 AM 6/3/2007

[elwesso]

you can test the shocks if you bounce on every corner ( on a QX4 it may be easier to standon the rear bumper and jump). Get it bouncing and it may be hard to bounce but as soon as you should let go it should stop immediately.

Otherwise, check the sway bar bushings.

[jcnunez]

When I hit 60 mph on the freeway or on the streets my SUV begins to sway and bounce from left to right. What could be causing this? The shocks have just recently been replaced. The shocks have been tested. I also noticed that the sway goes away by either pressing on the gas or by slowing down.

[elwesso]

ok, well what else have you had checked? have you had an alignment or anything (im kinda thinking you might want to look at your outer tie rods)

[jcnunez]

Thanks for the response. The tires have less that 10,000 miles. The alignement was done after the tires were replaced. The outers arms were checked and they were fine. I noticed that the problem is coming from the rear of the vehicle. Could this be a problem with the bushing or the rear sway bars?

[elwesso]

it very well could be. if your sway bar bushings are shot it would give you some sort of slop. to what extend, im not sure? Certainly its worth checking into, it is going to be some sort of worn suspension component issue, if the shocks are good (they wouldnt cause an instable ride anyway, just bouncy) the next thing is to look at every suspension component that is horizontal in orientation.

[Q45tech]

Every rubber bushing changes and fails eventually depending on local conditions.....................a 11 year truck is a 11 year old truck and often needs rebuilding sooner than the equivalent age car..............from weight alone.

[jcnunez]

Thanks for the info. To give a better description my SUV shakes and bounces

I noticed some posts on someone else having a similar issue. The fix was to swap the bushings on the lower control arms. Should I be able to move the control arms from side to side with my hands? Also what other things should I check from the rear?


Modified by jcnunez at 12:36 PM 6/6/2007

[GoodOmens]

Anything come of this?

My 97 is showing a similiar ride quality.