2003 OX4 wobble

[Larry DeSantis]

I have a great 2003 QX$ with 225k miles. In the past 6 months I have developed, what I thank may be an increasing suspension or possible drive shaft related problem, but I'm not sure. It started as just an immediate "settling wobble" during acceleration or deceleration. Now it seems to have gotten worse and I can feel the "wobble" while driving over uneven roads. I don't get the typical bouncing of worn out shocks, but I do notice more front end dipping in a sudden stop. I replaced the rear shocks with good ones about 30k miles ago, but have never replaced the front struts. I can't find anything else wrong with the suspension(sway bars, A-arms, loose items, etc.)

On another note, I have read at this site peole talikng about 2002 OX's with a power valve problem in the 3.5L engine. Does that problem hold over for the 2003 models?


Thanks for any help you can provide

Larry D.

[fleurys]

Your wobble is something pretty common for the qx4 / pathfinder .. You will need to recheck your lower links (they are also called trailing arms).. There are rubber bushings and they eventually wear out. The symptom is exactly what you have described..

as for the power valves, it concerns all qx4/pathfinder with the vq 3.5 engines...so yes, the 2003 is part of the list.

[Larry DeSantis]

Thank you for the quik and informative response. I'll check it out