Fish Tailing

[2infinitiandbon]

I am looking for some info about a rear suspension issue I am having with my QX4. When I accelerate (usually while at highway speeds) the SUV begins to fish tail, just a little at first, but it can almost make me lose control of the vehicle. The rear shocks were replaced about a year ago. I have taken a superficial look at the rear suspension. There are no obvious broken components that I can see. Thanks for your thoughts!

[elwesso]

welcome to NICO.

sounds like a tire or a sway bar issue...

[2infinitiandbon]

The tires were replaced a couple of months ago and yet the problem persists. The sway bar seems to be solid and attached properly. What kind issues might there be with the sway bar?

[elwesso]

the bushings could be worn.... either that or you could be looking at more severe issue like a subframe or a differential.

[2infinitiandbon]

Ouch! Let me pursue the less painful coarse first...I have attached a picture of the rear suspension on the QX4. Where would you start replacing bushings? Panhard rod, Upper or Lower Links, the stabilizer bar??

[elwesso]

honestly i know this isnt the answer youd like to hear, but id replace your sway bar bushings (frame and end links) as well as the press-fit silicone filled bushings in the upper and lower links...

I priced them out for what youll need, its not expensive at all, so you might as well!!!

Part Number: 550451W201 Rear suspension - Lower control arm - Bushings BUSHINGS, Pathfinder, Front, 2WD - COIL SPRING 2000- $17.43 x 2 = 34.86

Part Number: 550460W001 Rear suspension - Upper control arm - Bushings BUSHINGS, Pathfinder - COIL SPRING 1996 - 2004 $9.11 x 4 = 36.44

Part Number: 56112V0100 BUSH STABILIZER $2.46 x 2 = 4.92

Part Number: 562431W216 Rear suspension - Stabilizer bar - Bushings BUSHINGS, Pathfinder - COIL SPRING 2000 - 2004 $3.86 x 2 = 7.72

Part Number: 5513511C00 Rear suspension - Suspension components - Bushings BUSHINGS, Pathfinder, Vans - COIL SPRING 1987 - 1990 $6.00

Part Number: 551350W000 Rear suspension - Suspension components - Lower bushing LOWER BUSHING, Pathfinder - COIL SPRING 1996 - 2004 $4.41

grand total for parts: 94.35... all prices from http://www.everythingnissan.com ...

Really, i dont think thats too bad to have all fresh bushings in your rear suspension!!!! Labor is going to be interesting, but for at least most of that stuff you could DIY if you wanted... Take the components out and have a shop press the new bushings in and reinstall... Really shouldnt be too bad at all, and i think it will solve your problem... if not, it would certainly be easy to isolate the problem, and when you do figure it out, your rear suspension will be dreamy...

if you go this route, i can get you the 100% correct part numbers before you order with your VIN number.

[ShellshocK]

Sounds Exactly like my 96 Pathfinder. I just bought it 2 weeks ago. When I test-drove it at the used car dealer, it fishtailed at speeds above 40MPH when I took my foot OFF the gas. The dealer replaced the lower trailing arm bushings and the problem was fixed. I bought it but I wish I would have got the parts for him in Poly instead of factory rubber. Anyways it handled great until I blew a Strut in a parking lot. Gonna replace all struts and shocks. There are many articles about this issue. It should have been a recall, but there is a TSB at Nissan for it. Here are some other people describing the issue: http://www.topix.net/forum/autos/T5LSTPR50NPCO9CTL

Good Luck!

[elwesso]

thanks, great link... The lower trailing arm bushings seem to do it, eh??? well, then fo rhte original poster, you should just replace those for starters and see how that goes...